Woodpeckers and utility pole damage

摘要

This work discusses how protect pole damages form woodpeckers. Wire mesh is the most widely used barrier to prevent damage. When selecting a barrier, it is critical to know which woodpecker species are causing pole damage. The most commonly used mesh is 19-gauge galvanized wire in a 1/4-in mesh pattern. Larger species, such as the pileated woodpecker, can penetrate 19-gauge wire, so a heavier gauge wire is required. It is becoming common for utilities to repair woodpecker cavities in wood poles with fillers in an effort to extend the pole's useful life. There are a variety of tools to calculate damage and determine if a pole can be repaired or must be replaced. A number of repair products are discussed.