A woodpecker has decided to dig holes into the wall of our flats. How can we stop it without causing it any harm?
The bird, a great spotted I think, has pecked three holes through the external cladding of our block of flats. Once through the holes he or she is digging out the the insulation creating a cavities approximately 30cm square. It's not nesting season so I can only assume it thinks the insulation granules are insect eggs. It can't be good for the bird and its definitely not good for the flats - the residents are complaining about the noise and there is a risk of wider damage if the weather gets in.
We have had the holes filled in three weeks ago but almost immediately the woodpecker came back and re-opened one. What can we do?
I am sure you are right with i.d. I suspect there are hibernating insects, or possibly more likely pest grubs in there that it has found......might need to let whoever maintains the block know. Just guessing, but I doubt it is mistaking any building material as food, and it returning means it is happy with what it's found previously.
Cin J
As you say, will they attack elsewhere doh!!, as suggested another source of food , thinking , maybe a suet hanger, or
even thought, maybe some 'scare tape 'fixed intermittently for a short while to see if that would deter... Just thoughts I am afraid, do let us know your progress as am sure would help others looking in.