Woodpeckers and utility pole damage

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.