WOODPECKERS
GENERAL BIOLOGY AND HABITS …
· Woodpeckers belong to the order Piciformes
and the family Picidae. Twenty-one species inhabit
the United States. Different species are responsible
for damage in different regions. Their physical
traits enable them to cling easily to the trunks
and branches of trees, wood siding, or utility poles
while pecking. One common misconception is that
they peck holes in buildings or trees only in search
of insects. While they do obtain insects by this
means, many species will drill holes in sound dry
wood of buildings, utility poles, and fence posts
where few or no insects exist.
DAMAGE IDENTIFICATION …
· Damage to wooden buildings may take one
of several forms. Holes may be drilled into wood
siding, eaves, window frames, and trim boards. They
prefer cedar and redwood siding, but will damage
pine, fir, cypress, and others when choices are
limited. Natural or stained wood is preferred over
painted wood, and newer houses in an area are often
primary targets. If a suitable cavity results from
woodpecker activities, it may also be used for roosting
or nesting or storing acorns.
LEGAL STATUS….
· Woodpeckers are classified as migratory,
non-game birds and are protected by the Federal
Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The red-cockaded woodpecker
and the ivory-billed woodpecker are on the Endangered
Species list and are thus offered full protection.
When warranted, woodpeckers other than the endangered
species can be killed but only under a permit issued
by the Law Enforcement Division of the US Fish and
Wildlife Service upon recommendation of USDA-APHIS-Animal
Damage Control personnel. Generally, there must
be a good case to justify issuance of a permit.
JRG Termite and Pest Control offers a specialized
division pertaining to all wildlife needs. We have
five highly trained wildlife professional experts
on staff who are available 24 hours a day for any
emergency situation. We are members of the National
Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA),
NJ State Licensed Furbearing Trappers, NJ Wildlife
Damage Control Operators Association (NJWDCOA) and
are certified with the National Bat Conservation
Organization.
Should you need any assistance, please feel free
to contact J R G Termite and Pest Control.
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