Woodpeckers can cause significant damage to your beautiful wooden outdoor furniture. Protecting it requires a combination of strategies. First, consider using physical barriers. Lightweight bird netting or mesh draped over the furniture creates an effective obstacle. For specific areas, hardware cloth or burlap wraps can shield posts and legs.
Visual and auditory deterrents are highly useful. Hang reflective objects like old CDs, reflective tape, or specialized bird scare tape near the furniture. The movement and flashes disorient birds. Wind chimes or a portable radio playing talk radio can also deter them, as woodpeckers prefer quiet. Decoy predators, such as fake owls or hawks, can be effective if moved regularly to maintain the illusion.
Making the furniture surface less appealing is key. Apply a taste-aversion repellent spray designed for woodpeckers, following manufacturer instructions. More permanently, ensure your furniture is properly sealed and stained. A hard, polyurethane-based sealant makes it difficult for woodpeckers to grip and drill. Filling any existing holes and sanding the surface smooth removes attractive imperfections.
Finally, address the root cause. Woodpeckers often peck to find insects or to create nesting cavities. Regularly inspect and treat your furniture for wood-boring insects. Providing a dedicated woodpecker nesting box away from your seating area can give them a better alternative. Consistency is crucial; using multiple methods simultaneously yields the best results in safeguarding your investment.