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Woodpecker Damage on Dryvit

Woodpecker damage on Dryvit

To many homeowners, woodpeckers are a serious problem. While most structures impacted by woodpeckers are made of wood, woodpecker damage on Dryvit does occur as well.

Dryvit is a type of exterior finish that has some advantages over other building materials such as insulation quality and ease of installation (see Dryvit). Unfortunately, for homes and structures made with this material, it is vulnerable to woodpecker activity. The video below shows what a flicker can do to the structure. This homeowner suffered a significant amount of damage and despite the use of non-lethal techniques, ultimately had to obtain a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Bird Depredation permit in order to stop the damage.

Woodpeckers are protected in the U.S. by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Killing of a woodpecker without proper authorization can result in severe civil and/or criminal penalties. In order to obtain a bird depredation permit, owners must demonstrate that non-lethal techniques failed and that the damage is ongoing and thus requiring the use of lethal control. Practically speaking, you must make a case to convict the bird of actions severe enough to justify the death penalty. There is a cost to the depredation permit.

Fortunately, most woodpecker damage on dryvit or structures can be resolved with non-lethal techniques. Netting, flashers, scary spiders etc. can all be part of the non-lethal method to control woodpecker damage. For additional info get a copy of this publication from the Montana Department of Agriculture.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Click the links for past {shows} and {interviews}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

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Do Pigeon Droppings Corrode Limestone?

Do pigeon droppings corrode limestone buildings? You would think this question has been definitively solved, but it appears that at least by 2004, it hasn’t. No one doubts that pigeon (Columba livia) excrement is not only visually disgusting but also a potential source of disease and allergens. But it was unclear as to whether pigeon droppings corrode limestone, a common stone used in historic buildings.

Pigeon Dropping Research

Picture of pigeon droppings splattered on sidewalk.
Pigeon (Columba livia) droppings on a concrete sidewalk.

An article by Miguel Gomez-Heras, David Benavente, Monica Alvarez de Buergo and Rafael Fort entitled, “Soluble salt minerals from pigeon droppings as potential contributors to the decay of stone based Cultural Heritage” published in the European Journal of Mineralogy (16:505-509) looked at whether accumulated pigeon droppings could be a source of salts and low pH that could damage limestone.

They investigated piles of pigeon droppings that were almost 12 inches deep that were not exposed to rain. Their samples included both dry and fresh droppings. They used the samples in two different tests. Test one sought to determine the droppings’ insoluble inorganic solids and salt content. The second test looked at the pH of the feces when mixed with water. They then used some of the liquid/material from the second test to apply to blocks of highly porous micritic limestone so that they could see what damage, if any occurred to the limestone.

Pigeon Droppings Corrode Limestone

Researchers found that when water mixes with pigeon droppings, the resulting liquid is not only acidic but very salty. These findings, say the researchers, contradict that of other researchers who argued that pigeon droppings had limited negative effects on building stones. The article’s authors contend that pigeon droppings are in fact a significant source of salts capable of damaging historical buildings as well as diminishing their visual beauty. What is interesting from the article was how salts and the crystals associated with them broke limestone grains thereby damaging the limestone’s integrity.

Bottom Line

Keep pigeon droppings away from limestone because the droppings will degrade the limestone.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Click the links for past {shows} and {interviews}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

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Deer Browse Damage

Deer Browse Damage

deer browse damage to a crab apple tree branch.
Deer browse damage to a crab apple tree branch. Note the clipping at the end of the branch.

Look carefully at the photo on the right and you will see the effects of deer browse damage on this apple tree. The damage isn’t fresh so it may be a little more difficult for you to see it but it is there nevertheless. Can you see it? Look at the parts of the branch that seem to have been cut off. Look at the tip, and the older branches that seem to have been healed over.

Deer damage can be separated from damage by other creatures by the following tips.

  • Height. If the damage is above 18 inches, it is likely deer.
  • Rough clip: Branches damaged by deer will have a rough break because deer bite and twist branches. Rabbits and rodents clip branches typically at a 45 degree angle.

For more tips on wildlife damage identification purchase

The Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3rd ed.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Click the links for past {shows} and {interviews}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

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Lifts & Lawns

Lifts & Lawns

Tracks from a lift that damaged the turf. Photo by Stephen M. Vantassel.
Tracks from a lift that damaged the turf. Photo by Stephen M. Vantassel.

Wildlife control operators (WCO) use lifts to access high points for exclusion and wildlife control work. Lifts are an important tool and can greatly speed up work and enhance worker safety.

But before you drive one on your client’ s property, make sure you warn him/her about the potential damage to their turf and sidewalks. Otherwise, any advantages you may gain from the lift may be lost with an angry client.

About the Author

Stephen M. Vantassel is a Certified Wildlife Control Operator (CWCP®) who helps individuals, businesses, and agencies resolve wildlife damage issues through training, writing, expert witness, and research. He has written the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3rd edition. Reach him at wildlifecontrolconsultant at gmail dot com.

Copyright

All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

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