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Woodpeckers While looking for food, a nesting site, or drumming during mating season, woodpeckers will sometimes attack homes. The holes they peck are unsightly and can be considerably expensive to repair. All woodpeckers are protected by either Federal or State laws. Some woodpeckers are migratory (thus federal) and some are not. |
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In Kansas two species that seem to be the most common destructive are the Downey Woodpecker (left) and the Red Bellied Woodpecker (below Downey) There are probably others, but often we see only the damage. |
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As I mentioned,
woodpeckers are protected. When damage is severe it is possible to obtain
a permit to eradicate them. That is a last resort effort. If it comes
to that a small caliber rifle or BB gun works if your a good marksman.
Snap traps placed under the hole they are working on is also effective
if death is the only way.
Effigies are effective depending on if the pecking is localized. These consist of owls, snakes, huge eyes, etc. in a balloon like form hung near the area to scare the birds. They are not very becoming especially if the woodpeckers are working on the front of the house. We've found that ribbons attached to a slender pole and attached near the damage will repel the woodpeckers. Any amount of wind will create movement thus scaring the birds. The color of the ribbons can match the house so they will not be an eye sore. Most of the time, woodpeckers will attack a house in the same area (usually corners, chimneys, or the tallest side of the building.) so this type of control is effective. For
more information call us at |
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Geese Geese are migratory birds and a game bird in season. They are usually a welcome site to lakes and ponds. They become a problem when their numbers are great and they interfere with golfers, picnickers, boaters, or who ever else happens to be near a pond. In some areas they can create traffic jams. Their droppings are a nuisance when there are large numbers, and can create a health hazard. |
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CONTROL: There are several methods of control with varied results. Decoys of injured geese will often deter them at least for awhile. Loud noise, like a carbide cannon will also scatter them, and will deter them unless they become used to it. These two methods are not recommended in residential areas, and certainly loud noises on a golf course or country club would be discouraged. There are products such as "Goose Chase" and "Rejex-it" that we have found to be effective. It does not harm geese in any way, but when they ingest it it repels them. Presumably it tastes like grapes and this is so repulsive to geese they will leave and not return to the area. These products can be applied to vegetation, or used as a repellent in a fogging concentration or applied to water (pending E.P.A. approval in water.) For more information call 1-800-775-bugs or 913-599-5990 or e-mail us at info@scapest.com |
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