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Some buildings at work have stucco siding. Two years ago, woodpeckers decided too drill into the stucco. The holes where filled, they did it again, holes refilled.
Yesterday, a squirrel was chewing on a corner of the building. Styrofoam flying everywhere.
The stucco has been on this building since '93, why now?
Underneath the stucco is concrete.
Other than shooting them, any ideas too keep it from happening again?
Chances are the building is built with concrete block, and not actual poured concrete.
Cement stucco dosent work well in cold climates when applied directly over poured concrete.
Stucco is as a rule a cement base mortar and is applied to the block in several coats.
It has become fairly common to add decorative trim made from Styrofoam onto structures for added eye appeal.
The basic mortar product used for the concrete block, will not adhere properly to the Styrofoam, so a different product is used. There are a variety of brands, just as there are with paint, but a common name would be "Dryvit".
I doubt the woodpeckers are attacking the mortar based product on the main structure, that being the concrete block areas. But the Styrofoam trim areas could well have attracted something by way of insects which are causing it.
Those areas are also fairly easily damaged at ground level by landscape maintenance. Not having seen the building, this is of coarse an opinion of what might be. But assuming im correct, id be looking at pressure washing then coating the affected areas at least and possibly the entire building with a proper paint on product including those made by companies like Dryvit.
Looking at the walls, from the inside of the building, it is poured concrete. Fun fact: The building itself was built in 1927.
As for what's on the outside, under the stucco, I have no clue.
Bugs could be an option, hadn't thought of that. Now that you mention it, their are damaged spots on the bottom of the building, from "lawn maintenance". And a corner where the stucco has separated, due to a water leak from inside.
Sounds like the old concrete walls were covered up possibly with foam sheets then a finish stucco applied.
Guaranteed those woodpeckers wouldn't be beating any holes in concrete, or concrete block either.
Tap on the wall, does it sound solid, or sort of a hollow sound. You could even drill a small test hole to check whats under the stucco finish. Original wall might have also been stripped with wood furring, then sheathed with something and that covered with wire lath, then coated with stucco. Normally that type system wouldn't extend all the way to the ground causing a step in the wall just above ground level.
No, they won't drill any holes into the concrete, they sure try though!!
common problem due to high heat an cooling cost about 25 years ago engineers started designing with way.very cost effective but problematic.pot ins board on outside of building trowel on a product(drivit)but it dose not take the punishment it gets man or mother mature.have made a lot of money patch they's holes .fix 1 birds make 2 more.only fix is put on a more durable finish.retired now to my knowledge no wone has invented a cost effective way to solve it most older trades men no how to fix.not cost effective.an bottom line is watt it is all about. keep on patching until onwer wants to plaster whole building with tried an true old ways.good luck.i gust keep on fishing.
Well in fairness a Dryvit type finish system might not even have been used here, i was just tossing out possibilities.Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith K
The issue is the foundation over which the finish was applied. Dryvit type products by the way are applied in the same manner the old school products were, by hand using a hawk and trowel, and can be used as a finish on masonry walls as well.
Placing Owl Decoys as Bird Deterrents
The woodpeckers will sample the density of anything to detect hollow spots and will then bore holes to access the hollow spot (usually a tree) for nesting and shelter. The owl decoy is the traditional method to use to literally scare birds away. This method is generations old and usually works well for a while, but it is well known that (although simple minded) birds (will) periodically catch on... they will get used to seeing the decoy owl and begin to ignore it. The best way to prevent birds getting used to the decoy owl is to frequently rotate and reposition the decoy. This will keep the birds weary and make the decoy seem more lively or realistic.
I have successfully used the owl decoy in the past to deter birds, snakes, mice and other nuisance animals and have known many others who have too.
I would definitely try this method before I would resort to shooting the woodpeckers.
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/...20180707233423
Im told that the clapping of hands can be a deterrent also at times, like for scaring away aggressive Bees.
Not sure It would include things like bears.
But maybe the Owl along with standing outside clapping his hands might just work. lol
Thank you all for the information. Shooting them is not an option.
I've previously used the fake owl, at home by our pool. It worked until the end of the season, then the birds sat beside it.
Buy some fake snakes and place them around nothing really likes snakes. I have used pieces of black hose to imitate snakes also to deture birds from under open sheds.:twocents