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The Spotlight Kid
Senior Member
360 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Oct 2007 : 21:49:02
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| Green Woodpecker to most of us. Had a call from customer who has woodpecker causing damage to wooden timbers of half-timbered property. I'm assuming Green but could be Greater-spotted. Anyone had to deal with similar problem before? I'm looking to give customer advice and solve his problem but obviously the bird's protected status is a limiting factor and it's long bill will limit the proofing options. I haven't viewed the property yet or positively ID'd the woodpecker. It's a nice change from rabbits, moles and squirrels though. |
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Fenn Man
Senior Member
Ireland
334 Posts |
Posted - 20 Oct 2007 : 04:32:27
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Spots; I remember Lloydy once encountered this problem. Seems the first trouble is that, if ye manage to defend one area against them, they simply shift their own attentions to another section of the property.
In America the favoured response seems to be to get a lisence, then nail a rat trap to the place the bird's favouring.
I guess that latter sums up the difficulty of dealing with these birds.
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The Spotlight Kid
Senior Member
360 Posts |
Posted - 20 Oct 2007 : 13:53:41
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| Yep, sounds like a pretty traditional yanky response, traps of mass destruction. I was thinking more in terms of trapping and relocating assuming a license was granted. I'll go over and have a look and see if some method of deterence can be employed first (perhaps we could hang tin cans off all the beams), or maybe a couple of stickers of birds of prey silhouette or dangly birds of prey? Do any of our suppliers sell this type of bird deterrent? I see Barrettine sells a "flying falcon" which could be an option. |
Edited by - The Spotlight Kid on 20 Oct 2007 14:48:15 |
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Fenn Man
Senior Member
Ireland
334 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2007 : 01:37:04
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Apparrantly mate, the 'Decsending Spider' thing they sell in US has helped some people out? But, again ~ and as with 'Dangling Falcons ~ I can just see the bugger shifting his activities round the blind side of the building.
Sorry to sound so negative about it. But this really is a well recognised bitch of a situation :(
Know what I'd do ~ and what Def Wish will insist ye try first anyway, before they let ye go trying to catch it? Simply tell the client he'll need Nets erected.
If he baulks at the cost or appearance of those? Fine: Walk Away! 
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Dusty
Hyperactive Member
Australia
570 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2007 : 05:01:39
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Because we dont have woodpeckers, my only knowlegdge of them is as in Woody Woodpecker.
That said, it occured to me that the bird in question is tapping for a food source.
Spot, is it possible the homeowner has a more serious problem than birds?
JAFA
Don't feed them, get Rid of them - visit us on www.ridpest.com.au |
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NickA
Hyperactive Member
United Kingdom
1135 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2007 : 10:55:44
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Question?
Is it looking for food?
Is it being territorial ~ James bangs to announce its there.
Bit early for nesting, Netting would work,
What about putting up a nest box if customer has no objection filled to top with sawdust.
Pests are smart - We're smarter
www.rpcwildlife.co.uk |
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Dusty
Hyperactive Member
Australia
570 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2007 : 12:21:56
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Is it ok to use sawdust from CCA treated timber?
JAFA
Don't feed them, get Rid of them - visit us on www.ridpest.com.au |
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The Spotlight Kid
Senior Member
360 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2007 : 18:48:11
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I assume you are thinking of a wood-borer Dusty. It could be, but having spoken to the client the bird has drilled out a couple of the wooden pegs that hold the structural timbers together. This is probably a manifestation of it's natural behaviour of attacking knot holes in rotting trees to find insects.
As you say Nick, too early for nesting so either feeding or habitual behaviour, I would guess searching for food. I'm not sure netting would be practicable on a half timbered property.
I'm not sure I understand the significance of a nesting box full of sawdust, how does that work Nick? |
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Dusty
Hyperactive Member
Australia
570 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2007 : 04:57:40
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Perhaps Spot. Apart from grubs, I know nowt about what is on their menu.
JAFA
Don't feed them, get Rid of them - visit us on www.ridpest.com.au |
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Yaffle or Galley bird
