Bradley and Cherylee Gosse have been dealing with the persistent pecking of a Northern Flicker woodpecker at their home in Douglasdale. The couple is being woken up early in the mornings by the birds, and the constant noise is also driving their dogs crazy. The woodpeckers are breaking holes through the stucco siding of their home in search of bugs to eat or a suitable nesting place. Despite their efforts to deter the birds, the Gosses are unable to get rid of them as woodpeckers and Flickers are protected species under the North American Migratory Bird Act.
Nicholas Holland, owner of Peregrine Pest Control, explains that there are strict regulations in place to protect these birds, with fines ranging from $5,000 to $300,000 and possible prison time for violating these laws. The Gosses have tried various methods to keep the birds away, such as wind chimes, spike strips, flashers, and plastic owls, but have not been successful. The damage caused by the woodpeckers is not covered by their home insurance policy, as most insurance policies in Canada exclude damage caused by birds and pests. This leaves the couple with no option but to pay for the repairs to their siding themselves, which could cost anywhere from $15,000 to $35,000.
The Gosses have been filling in the holes created by the woodpeckers with spray foam, but the damage continues to worsen with each passing season. They have faced challenges in getting their insurance to cover the costs of repairing the damage caused by the birds. According to Rob de Pruis from the Insurance Bureau of Canada, damage caused by birds and pests is typically not covered by home insurance policies in the country. While there may be some exceptions to this rule, it is important for homeowners to review their policies and speak to their insurance representatives to understand their coverage options.
The situation faced by the Gosses highlights the difficulties that homeowners can encounter when dealing with nuisance wildlife like woodpeckers. The protected status of these birds, coupled with the lack of insurance coverage for the damage they cause, leaves homeowners with limited options for addressing the issue. Despite their efforts to deter the birds, the Gosses are left with no choice but to pay for the repairs to their siding out of pocket. This serves as a reminder for homeowners to be aware of the potential risks and limitations of their home insurance policies when it comes to damage caused by wildlife.
In conclusion, the Gosses’ struggle with the woodpeckers highlights the challenges that can arise when dealing with protected bird species and the lack of insurance coverage for damage caused by wildlife. The couple has been unable to effectively deter the birds from pecking holes in their home, and they are now facing significant repair costs as a result. Homeowners in similar situations should be aware of the limitations of their insurance policies and seek advice from insurance representatives to understand their coverage options. The Gosses’ experience serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners dealing with nuisance wildlife and the importance of being prepared for potential costs associated with damage caused by protected species.
