The Northern Flicker is a type of woodpecker that is commonly found across much of North America. While flickers play an important role in the ecosystem, they can become problematic for homeowners when they create holes and damage wood siding and infrastructure. If you have Northern Flickers causing issues on your property, there are a few effective and humane ways to deter them.
Identifying Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers are medium-sized woodpeckers, typically 12-14 inches in length with wingspans around 20 inches. They have brownish barred plumage on their backs and wings and black spots on their bellies. Northern Flickers can be identified by the black “mustache” on the males and the brown-and-black speckled breasts on the females.
One of the most distinguishing features of Northern Flickers is the white rump patch that is visible during flight. They also have long curved bills and long tongues with barbed tips that allow them to catch insects.
Flickers create nests in tree cavities, which they excavate themselves. They make a loud repetitive call that sounds like “wicka-wicka-wicka.” This sound is often heard echoing through the trees as the birds establish their territories.
Range and Habitats
Northern Flickers are found across the majority of the continental United States, Canada, Alaska and even down into Central America. They can adapt to many different habitats but are most commonly found in open woodlands, forest edges, parks, and suburban areas with some trees.
Flickers often forage on the ground, probing for ants and insects in lawns, fields, and meadows. They prefer areas with scattered trees, short grass, and sparse shrubs or vegetation. Backyards and gardens provide suitable habitat for flickers.
Damage Caused by Northern Flickers
While Northern Flickers play an important ecological role, they can become problematic for homeowners in some cases. Here are some of the most common types of damage caused by flickers:
Holes in Wood Siding
Flickers create holes in wood siding, window frames, eaves, and trim boards when they construct nesting cavities. The holes are typically round or oval-shaped and about 2-3 inches in diameter. Over time, many of these holes can appear on the sides of homes, becoming unsightly and causing damage.
Woodpecker Drumming
Male Northern Flickers like to establish territories in the spring by rhythmic pecking or drumming on house siding, metal chimney caps, and roofs. Drumming starts before dawn and is their way of communicating. The constant drumming can be loud, annoying, and potentially damaging over time.
Weakening Structural Wood
Flickers excavate deep into structural wood beams, studs, and support boards when creating nesting holes. As they hollow out areas, this can weaken the integrity of wood infrastructure and lead to larger repairs and risks.
Damaged Railings, Fences and Poles
Woodpeckers sometimes use wooden fence posts, poles, railings and outdoor furniture as “drumming posts” too. The constant pecking can eventually break down the wood in these structures, necessitating repairs or replacement.
Deterring Northern Flickers
If Northern Flickers are causing damage to your home or property, there are several effective deterrents and exclusion methods you can try:
Use Repellents
Applying non-toxic woodpecker repellent directly onto areas where pecking occurs can discourage flickers. Repellents use ingredients like capsaicin (derived from chili peppers) or methyl anthranilate that irritate birds’ senses without harming them. Reapply monthly for the best results.
Install Physical Barriers
Cover vulnerable wood siding, eaves, roof vents and poles with heavy plastic, mesh netting or metal flashing to block access and visibility. This eliminates drilling spots and deters their drumming behavior.
Use Visual Deterrents
Wind chimes, aluminum pie pans, streamers, fake owls, and bright reflective tape can startle flickers and make an area seem unsafe for drilling or perching. Move visual deterrents regularly so birds don’t become accustomed to them.
Generate Sounds
Flickers are sensitive to sudden high-pitched sounds. Motion-activated sprinklers, clapping blocks, or automated noisemakers can scare them away from pecking at your home.
Trim Tree Branches
Pruning back any tree limbs or bushes that are touching or overhanging your home’s roof and siding removes roosting and nesting spots. This forces flickers to seek alternate housing away from structures.
When to Call a Professional
For severe woodpecker damage or holes larger than 3 inches across, it may be best to call a wildlife control professional or exterminator. They have access to additional exclusion materials and can physically block entry points.
Professionals may also be able to apply gels inside the cavities that deter nesting or identify if there are active nests with eggs or young present. Getting rid of nesting flickers requires special precautions and permits.
Here is a summary of when to seek professional woodpecker or flicker removal services:
Signs of Major Flicker Damage | Professional Removal Recommended |
---|---|
– Large holes over 3 inches in diameter | Yes |
– Excessive drumming damage in numerous areas | Yes |
– Holes showing extensive tunneling damage | Yes |
– Active nest sites in cavities | Yes |
Exclusion and Prevention
To keep Northern Flickers from returning after removing them, take the following preventative exclusion steps:
- Seal all cavities and holes with wood filler, caulk, or metal plates.
- Install galvanized metal mesh or hardware cloth over damaged areas.
- Apply wood sealant or paint to deter future pecking damage.
- Ensure all vents and openings are protected with metal coverings.
- Keep trees and bushes trimmed back from touching the home’s exterior.
Once holes are sealed and access blocked, Northern Flickers will be discouraged from revisiting your property. Maintaining these exclusions and deterrents is key for preventing future woodpecker issues.
When Damage is Severe
In cases where woodpecker damage is extensive, waiting too long can cause considerable harm to your home’s infrastructure. If you have numerous large holes, doors or windows that won’t close properly, sounds of interior structural damage, or sections visibly weakening and sagging, immediate repairs may be needed.
Signs you may need major woodpecker damage repairs:
- Doors or windows not opening and closing correctly
- VISIBLE bending, cracking or sagging of walls and boards
- Peeling exterior paint near holes
- Interior water damage from exterior holes
- Noted weakening of structural beams or studs
Extensive damage should be evaluated by a professional building contractor to determine necessary repairs. Flickers can even break through layered wood siding to excavate deep nests, allowing moisture intrusion and decay. Don’t delay inspection and repairs if you see major structural warning signs.
How to Fix Existing Woodpecker Holes
For smaller woodpecker holes and damage less than 3 inches in diameter, there are a few repair methods you can complete yourself:
Option 1: Fill Small Holes
Use a wood filler product to patch small Northern Flicker holes. Clean out loose debris, sand the opening so filler adheres, then apply filler and let dry completely. Sand smooth once dry.
Option 2: Drive Screws
Place wood screws in a crisscross pattern over the hole to “plug” it and provide a surface to apply filler over. Remove screws after filler dries.
Option 3: Use Wood Plugs
Glue circular wood plugs or golf tees into each hole opening. Cut them flush once the glue dries. Fill over the top with additional wood putty or epoxy.
Option 4: Apply Caulk
For narrow holes under 2 inches, you may be able to fill and seal them with exterior-grade caulk rather than wood fillers. Allow caulk to fully cure before painting over.
Always use weather-resistant patching products made for exterior wood repair. Sand and paint over repairs to blend with surrounding boards. Monitor areas for new damage that may require additional exclusions.
How Much Does Professional Flicker Removal Cost?
If you hire a professional wildlife control company to get rid of Northern Flickers, expect to pay $75 – $250 on average. Here are some of the factors that influence the overall cost:
- Number of holes or problem areas – More extensive damage takes longer to treat.
- Location of home – Accessibility impacts service fees.
- Active nest removal – Special methods and permits add cost.
- Installation of exclusion devices – Mesh, nets, and metal flashings improve prevention.
- Repeat visits – Follow-ups to monitor and maintain deterrents.
Get estimates from at least 3 certified companies before choosing one. Make sure they are experienced specifically with woodpecker exclusion work. Also confirm if there are any guarantees should the birds return.
Key Takeaways
Northern Flickers can become nuisance birds when they cause property damage, but they can be safely deterred and excluded from homes. Here are some key tips for getting rid of flickers:
- Use non-toxic repellents, visual deterrents and exclude entry points.
- Seal holes thoroughly after removal and install metal mesh guards.
- Trim nearby trees and bushes to remove roosting spots.
- Get professional help for large holes, nests or extensive structural damage.
- Make repairs promptly to avoid moisture damage, decay and safety issues.
Following these guidelines can help resolve troublesome Northern Flicker problems while still respecting their role in local ecosystems. With persistence in applying exclusions and deterrents, flickers can be effectively evicted humanely and safely.