Signs of Woodpecker Damage to Trees

Woodpeckers quickly announce themselves in yards with their loud pecking. To identify woodpecker damage on trees, search for lines of closely spaced holes on trunks and branches. Trees with sweet-tasting sap are the most likely targets. In addition, look for dead limbs and leaking sap, which can attract other pests. Affected trees may also have wood decay, fungi, and other plant diseases. Specific woodpecker species can even kill trees.

Why Do Woodpeckers Damage Trees?

The birds create holes in trees to reach food below the bark and clear cavities for their nests. Woodpeckers often use the same tree for both, which increases the chance of significant damage. Pecking may also establish the pests' territory to rivals or signal mates. Woodpeckers choose materials with strong, resonant sounds that carry long distances. Unfortunately, this means homeowners can also hear their loud tapping during the early morning on trees, roofs, siding, fences, and utility poles.

Prevention & Removal

To keep woodpeckers from causing more damage, wrap affected trees in hardware cloth or burlap. Repellents, bird tape, and shiny foil can also deter them from feeding on specific trees, though they may turn to others in the same yard. Removing pest insects that attract the birds, like termites and carpenter ants, can also be effective. Since it's illegal to kill or harm woodpeckers, residents should leave removal to professionals with the right tools and training.

indicates required field.

Get them out.
Keep them out.®

Experience wildlife or pest issue? We can help! Complete this form and your local Critter Control® office will contact you to assist.

 

Best Bat Removal

Anett B.
5/8/2023
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.

Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.

Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

Service: Bat Removal
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.

He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!

Quicklinks

Contact Form