Many Calgarians are familiar with the northern flicker, a member of the woodpecker family that often drums on chimneys or drills into siding. While beloved by birdwatchers and protected by law, these birds are causing significant financial headaches for homeowners, with some sources indicating that their numbers are unusually high this spring.
Record-Breaking Calls for Help
Eric Ararat, president of Weststar Wall Systems Ltd, reports that his company is experiencing an unprecedented surge in calls about northern flicker damage. "Last year, we were getting 25 to 30 calls a week, and now last week, believe it or not, it was over 50 calls, just on northern flickers," he said. "It's always been an upward trend, but this year is just unbelievable." Overall, Ararat estimates that calls have tripled compared to previous seasons, with the busiest period typically from March to May, followed by a resurgence in August.
Why Synthetic Stucco Homes Are Vulnerable
Homes with EIFS synthetic stucco siding are particularly susceptible to damage. According to Ararat, simple repairs are often ineffective because the birds are territorial and return to the same spots within a day. The permanent solution involves applying a two-coat acrylic cement called ShieldIt over the existing wall, a process that takes three to four days. "It's something they can't get through," he said. "This product has been around for 10 years and comes with a 10-year warranty against northern flicker damage."
Pest Control Perspectives
While some pest control companies have not noticed a dramatic spike this year, Marilyn Coulter of Peregrine Pest Control says calls have been consistently high every spring and seem to be increasing over the years. "They're protected, so they're multiplying," she explained. Deterrents like hanging shiny objects (e.g., old CDs) sometimes work, but some birds are persistent. Calls often begin in early spring during mating season, when flickers bang on chimney caps or light posts to attract mates. "Whoever pecks the loudest gets the girl," Coulter noted.
