Yes, woodpeckers do peck houses. This behavior is a natural survival instinct that becomes misdirected when applied to human dwellings, often resulting in cosmetic or structural damage to siding and trim. Woodpeckers are simply responding to biological drives for food, communication, and shelter. Understanding why they select a specific structure is the initial step in developing an effective, non-lethal strategy to protect your home.
Why Woodpeckers Choose Human Structures
Woodpecker activity on a home is driven by three primary biological motivations. The first is foraging, where the birds search for insects hidden beneath the wood siding or fascia boards. This behavior is often triggered by an underlying infestation of pests like carpenter ants or wood-boring beetles. The birds are seeking a meal, and the sound or scent of the insects draws their attention to the wooden exterior.
Another significant driver is territorial drumming, a form of communication used to establish a breeding territory and attract a mate, especially during the spring season. They are attracted to materials that create a loud, resonant sound, including metal flashing, gutters, or wood trim. This activity is primarily a noise nuisance, but the repeated blows can still cause shallow surface damage.
The third motivation is the need for nesting or roosting cavities. Woodpeckers naturally excavate these cavities in dead or soft trees, but if these are scarce, they may target a home’s siding. They are especially drawn to soft, untreated, or old wood that is easier to penetrate. Once a bird begins to excavate a cavity, the resulting deep holes can compromise the integrity of the structure.
Recognizing the Types of Woodpecker Damage
Identifying the type of damage is crucial because it indicates the underlying motivation and informs the most appropriate deterrent strategy. Damage caused by territorial drumming is generally the most superficial and the least concerning structurally. This activity leaves behind small, shallow dents or tiny clustered holes on surfaces that resonate loudly, typically found along the corners of the house or on metal components.
Damage related to foraging for insects appears as small, irregular holes often arranged in rows across the siding. These holes are typically deeper than drumming marks, as the bird is trying to breach the outer layer to reach an insect gallery beneath. The presence of these foraging holes is a potential indicator of a larger pest infestation problem within the wall voids or wood itself.
The most destructive type of damage is the excavation of a nesting or roosting cavity, which results in a large, deep hole. These holes penetrate through the siding, sheathing, and insulation layers. This represents a significant breach in the home’s envelope, creating pathways for moisture intrusion that can lead to rot, mold, and reduced insulation efficiency. These larger holes require immediate repair to prevent secondary damage.
Effective Strategies for Deterrence and Repair
Woodpeckers are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, meaning all intervention methods must be non-lethal and focus on discouraging the bird from returning to the structure.
Visual and Auditory Deterrents
The use of visual and auditory deterrents helps startle the birds and make the area feel unsafe. Reflective materials, such as iridescent Mylar tape or Irri-Tape, are excellent options, as their movement and flashing light disorient or scare the birds. These strips should be hung freely from the eaves or near the damaged area to maximize their movement in the wind.
Exclusion Methods
Exclusion methods are often the most permanent solution, physically blocking the bird’s access to the damaged or vulnerable siding. Fine mesh netting, such as bird netting or wire mesh, can be hung from the eaves down to the siding, creating a physical barrier. The netting should be angled slightly away from the house so the bird cannot reach the surface through the mesh. This method is particularly useful for protecting areas where nesting or roosting attempts have occurred.
Addressing Attractants
Addressing the underlying attractants is a crucial long-term modification that can stop foraging behavior. If small, irregular holes suggest an insect search, hiring a pest control professional to eliminate the wood-boring insects is the most direct solution. Providing alternative, more appealing food sources, such as a suet feeder placed away from the house, can divert woodpecker attention from the home. Eliminating dead tree limbs near the house also removes natural nesting or foraging sites that draw the birds close to the structure.
Repairing Damage
Prompt repair of existing damage is also a part of the deterrence strategy, as open holes can visually attract other woodpeckers to the site. Small holes can be patched with wood putty mixed with sawdust, but larger holes should be covered immediately with a less appealing material, such as aluminum flashing or metal sheathing. Painting the repaired area, especially with a lighter color, is more discouraging to the birds than a dark stain. Once a hole is covered, it is advisable to wait a few weeks before performing final repairs to ensure the bird has fully abandoned the site.