While most birds fly south for the winter, some choose to say in Virginia due to the commonwealth’s temperate (and ever unpredictable) weather pattern. This is why on a sunny January morning, you could hear lively woodland creatures rapping on your roof. A woodpecker that isn’t looking for a mate is out in the wild looking for a place to forage and nest, and sometimes they can be searching on your roof. How can you stop these beautiful birds from ruining your hard-earned real estate investment?
How to Repel Woodpeckers Humanely
If you start looking online for ways to remove woodpeckers from your house, you’ll unfortunately encounter a lot of “quick fix” advice that unfortunately involves harming woodpeckers. At Noble Roofing, we won’t repeat the advice here but will instead direct you to ways to harmlessly deter woodpeckers from causing your roof or siding any harm.
Use Reflecting Streamers
The most effective humane solution is to install a reflecting streamer. The Bird Banisher reflective streamer is one product that has helped countless homeowners. If a recurring woodpecker is getting into your roof or wood siding, you should install this in the area they are constantly pecking. The Bird Banisher uses reflective materials, which woodpeckers dislike, to keep the birds away. This product is both affordable and easy to install. It also has proven results with satisfied customers reporting that the pesky woodpeckers that have plagued their siding haven’t returned.
Other Means to Repel Woodpeckers
If you would like to try something else besides installing a reflective streamer, here are some other items that homeowners have placed near the spots that woodpeckers kept returning to:
- Installing realistic plastic owls with paper wings to scare away woodpeckers.
- Installing plastic eyes strung through a fishing line to mimic someone “watching” them.
- Installing Suet feeders or roost boxes to deter woodpeckers.
- A sound system that broadcasts woodpecker distress calls followed by the call of a hawk.
- Putting reflective pinwheels near the place woodpeckers arrive.
In our humble opinion, installing some reflecting streamers may be the easiest and most cost-effective way to keep these woodland pests at bay. If you need help attaching this device on your roof safely, call us at Noble Roofing today!
Get Lighter Siding
Some research from the Lab of Ornithology on woodpeckers revealed that lighter colored siding made out of aluminum and vinyl were less likely to be frequented by woodpeckers. If you have old, dark siding that seems to attract these birds during nesting season, you may consider upgrading to a sturdier material that is of a lighter color.
We have plenty of recommendations for high-quality siding from brands like James Hardie, CertainTeed, and Mastic. Vinyl and Fiber Cement have come a long way since the 90s and we’d love to show you how the new products stand up against common pests and wear and tear!
Siding & Roof Replacement in Northern Centreville
Whether you’re looking for better form or function, or simply feel that a new siding is in order, trust Noble Roofing, the preferred choice for roof replacement in Centreville VA and surrounding cities. Give us call at (703) 404-0505 to speak with our roofing and siding experts. You can also request a free estimate through our online request form today.