University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment FOR-134 Cooperative Extension Service Identifying and Mitigating Plant Damage Caused by the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Matthew T. Springer, Forestry and Natural Resources

oodpeckers cause various types of damage to plants, trees, and evenW human structures. Several species of woodpeckers are present in Kentucky, and damage varies with species. One spe- cies of woodpecker that creates a rather unique type of damage is the yellow- bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varus), which overwinters in Kentucky and then migrates north in spring. Natural History and Identification Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are a migrat- ing member of the woodpecker family. They reside in Kentucky from mid-late Figure 1. Male yellow-bellied sapsucker (left; Elmer Verhasselt, Bugwood.org) on a pecan tree; notice October through beginning of April. the red throat. Female yellow-bellied sapsucker (right; Royal Tyler, Pro Pest and Lawn Store, Bugwood. During the summer months, they breed org); notice the white throat. Bars of white feathers on wings and tail give a speckled appearance. in the northern United States, as well as southern to northern Canada. The bird make available within their wells. As with lines and can be in clusters of one or two is slightly larger than an American robin, other woodpeckers, the cavities created but there can be well over 100 located on with a large head and long beak. The body by sapsuckers for their own breeding are a single tree. Sapsuckers may return to the appears mostly white, with a black back, often utilized by many other species once same plant year after year and create new tail, and wings. There are some white sapsuckers leave the area. holes, usually located within the general feathers occurring in a bar pattern on the proximity to previously created holes. wing and tail, giving a slightly speckled Legal Status The group of holes is referred to as a sap appearance. On both males and females, Yellow-bellied sapsuckers, like the other well. These holes are usually between the the top of the head has a large red patch; woodpecker species found in Kentucky, size of a dime and a nickel, and are 1 or males also have red on their throat while are a federally protected species under two cm deep. Sap is what carries the wa- females have white feathers in this loca- the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. ter, hormones, and important nutrients tion (Figure 1). Special permits that allow the “take” of the trees needs for survival and growth. Sapsuckers’ diet consists primarily of woodpeckers may be issued under spe- When a plant is damaged to the depth xylem and phloem sap that accumulates cial circumstances. These permits are the sapsucker creates with its holes, sap within the holes created on branches issued through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife will seep into the area created and pool, and trunks. This is different from other Agency, as well as through the United allowing for animals to consume it. Holes members of the woodpecker family, who States Department of Agriculture, Ani- made in series, or lines, allow the birds tend to feed upon insects located within mal Health Inspection Service (USDA to accumulate sap. Random holes on a plants. Sap is not the sole source of their APHIS) Wildlife Services. Activities or tree or shrub are generally indicative or nutritional needs. In addition to sap they deterrents that do not harm individuals woodpeckers feeding upon insects within consume fruit, insects, and spiders. or their active nests are allowed. the wood. Ecologically, sapsuckers and other Sapsuckers often are attracted to plants woodpeckers create habitat for many Damage Identification that are weak or stressed, even select- other species within the ecosystems Small clustered holes on tree bark are ing branches near previously damaged in which they reside. Other species of the primary identifiers of sapsuckers (Fig- sections of plants. They also display birds may feed on the sap the sapsuckers ure 2.). These holes generally appear in preferences for certain types of trees; for

Cooperative Extension Service | Agriculture and Natural Resources | Family and Consumer Sciences | 4-H Youth Development | Community and Economic Development Figure 2. Newly occurring yellow-bellied sapsucker damage in the form of sapwells occurring in horizontal lines on an eastern white pine. (Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org). Long-term and repeated use by yellow-bellied sapsuckers can cause large areas of damage. (Chazz Hesselein, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Bugwood.org). example red maple (Acer rubrum) is The combination of or use of multiple birds’ habitat have been shown to reduce selected more frequently than northern methods at different times is generally sapsucker use. Targeting the placement of red oak (Querecus rubra). a more successful strategy to solve the these items in the areas of damage may Damage Management problem. help discourage subsequent damage. and Deterrents Physical Exclusion Chemical Repellents Damage that occurs repeatedly on Tactile or sticky repellants applied to Sapsucker damage is mostly cosmetic one plant or tree may be prevented by the stems or bark around damaged areas and not a serious health problem. Howev- wrapping a loose coarse material like may help discourage the birds from land- er, holes may allow other pests and patho- burlap around damaged areas. This may ing and feeding or creating more holes. gens to enter the tree. Unfortunately, either totally prevent access to the wells Toxicants are not an option due to federal woodpeckers are difficult to discourage or provide enough discouragement to protections. from established feeding or drumming limit future use of the area. For shrubs or areas. (Drumming is the pecking on other smaller plants, bird netting placed References and trees, telephone poles, or house siding over top of the plant can prevent access to communicate their territory claims to Other Resources to the stems. other woodpeckers.) Homeowners and Eberhardt, L.S. 2000. Use and selection of producers should inspect trees or shrubs Frightening Devices sap trees by yellow-bellied sapsuckers. The Auk 1117: 41-51. for signs of recent damage indicative There are multiple types of frighten- of a sapsucker. Depending on the level ing device options that may decrease or Marsh, R.E. 1994. Woodpeckers. IN: Pre- of damage or the value of the plant, a eliminate the use of plants by sapsuckers. vention and Control of Wildlife Dam- decision will need to be made regard- Predator decoys such as owls, hawks, or age. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. ing management; determine whether to snakes may be helpful. Sound devices that Pp E139-E145. prevent further damage or to allow the emit loud noises or sounds of animals sapsucker to continue to utilize the holes in distress may also be effective. Metal it created or create more in the future. plates, pans, or streamers hung within the

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