Woodpeckers are deterred by movement, reflection, and the illusion of a predator, and the best deterrents combine visual scare devices. Because woodpeckers are federally protected, deterrence is the only legal approach, and it works when you make the area feel unsafe. Here are the deterrents worth using.
- Reflective tape and spinning devices are the most effective woodpecker deterrents.
- Owl decoys add a predator cue that woodpeckers avoid.
- Woodpeckers are protected, so lethal methods are illegal.
- Repair pecked holes so insects do not move in and keep the woodpecker coming back.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woosuke Wind Spinners 12-Pack | Spinners | Best Overall | Check price |
| Benasan Bird Scare Ribbon | Reflective tape | Best Tape | Check price |
| ToBeAce 3D Wind Spinner | Spinner | Best Spinner | Check price |
| Dalen Great Horned Owl Decoy | Decoy | Best Decoy | Check price |
| Besmon Reflective Scare Rods | Scare rods | Best Rods | Check price |
| Colton’s Naturals Bird Spray | Spray | Best Spray | Check price |
Best Overall: Woosuke Wind Spinners 12-Pack
Best Overall- Type
- Wind-driven spinners (12-pack)
- Target
- Woodpeckers
- Mechanism
- Motion and reflection
- Placement
- Siding, eaves, gutters
The Woosuke 12-pack of wind-driven spinners is the most practical woodpecker deterrent because it covers multiple spots at once. The spinning motion and reflected light disrupt the woodpecker’s sense of safety, which discourages it from pecking.
The 12-pack lets you hang spinners on every side of the house where woodpeckers are active, which matters because they often move to a new spot when one is deterred.
Best Tape: Benasan Bird Scare Ribbon
Best Tape- Type
- Reflective ribbon
- Target
- Woodpeckers and birds
- Length
- 492 feet
- Mechanism
- Flash and movement
Benasan’s bird scare ribbon is reflective tape that flashes in the wind and sunlight, creating the visual disturbance woodpeckers avoid. The 492-foot roll covers a large area for a low cost.
Reflective tape is one of the oldest and most reliable woodpecker deterrents, and the long roll makes it the economical choice for a whole side of the house.
Best Spinner: ToBeAce 3D Wind Spinner
Best Spinner- Type
- 3D wind spinner
- Target
- Woodpeckers and birds
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Mechanism
- 3D reflective motion
The ToBeAce 3D stainless steel spinner uses reflective motion in three dimensions to deter woodpeckers and other birds. The metal construction is durable and weather-resistant.
A single high-quality spinner can protect a specific hotspot, like a corner of siding or a fascia board where a woodpecker keeps drumming.
Best Decoy: Dalen Great Horned Owl Decoy
Best Decoy- Type
- Owl decoy
- Target
- Woodpeckers and birds
- Mechanism
- Predator cue
- Placement
- Move periodically
The Dalen Great Horned Owl decoy adds a predator cue, since great horned owls are natural predators of woodpeckers. The lifelike decoy is placed where the woodpecker is active.
A decoy works best when moved periodically, since woodpeckers learn to ignore a stationary decoy over time. Pair it with reflective devices for the strongest effect.
Best Rods: Besmon Reflective Scare Rods
Best Rods- Type
- Reflective scare rods
- Target
- Woodpeckers and birds
- Mechanism
- Flash and motion
- Placement
- Siding, gutters
Besmon’s reflective scare rods are simple, wind-activated rods that spin and flash to deter woodpeckers. They are the easy, low-profile option for mounting along siding and gutters.
The rods are less obtrusive than full spinners and work well on the specific spots a woodpecker targets.
Best Spray: Colton’s Naturals Bird Repellent Spray
Best Spray- Type
- Repellent spray
- Target
- Birds including woodpeckers
- Size
- 32 oz
- Use
- Surfaces where birds peck
Colton’s Naturals bird repellent spray uses a scent and taste birds avoid, applied to the surfaces where woodpeckers peck. It is the right choice when visual deterrents are not enough or cannot be installed.
The spray is a supplementary layer, since woodpeckers are primarily deterred by movement and reflection rather than smell, but it can help on a persistent hotspot.
How to Choose a Woodpecker Deterrent
Why the Woodpecker Is Pecking
Woodpeckers peck for food, territory, or nesting. If insects are the draw, address the insect problem and repair the holes. Deterrence alone will not stop a woodpecker that keeps finding food in your siding.
Combine Methods
The strongest approach combines a visual deterrent with an owl decoy and repaired holes. Woodpeckers habituate to a single method, so rotating and combining works best.
Legal Note
Woodpeckers are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so lethal control is illegal without a permit. Deterrence and exclusion are the only legal approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, visual deterrents like reflective tape and spinners reduce pecking, especially when combined and repositioned. No single deterrent is permanent, so rotate methods.
Yes, woodpeckers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so lethal control is illegal without a federal permit. Deterrence and exclusion are the only legal approaches.
For insects in the siding, to establish territory by drumming, or to excavate a nest cavity. The reason determines the best deterrent.
Combine visual deterrents with repairing the holes and addressing any insect problem. Rotate deterrent types so the woodpecker does not habituate.
Yes, but only while they appear real. Move the decoy periodically, since woodpeckers learn to ignore a stationary decoy.
