The persistent pecking noise and visible damage on a home’s exterior are clear signs of a common wildlife conflict for many homeowners. Woodpeckers can inflict structural harm to siding, trim, and eaves, creating a frustrating and costly problem. Finding safe, effective, and humane methods to encourage these birds to relocate is a priority for managing this situation. This article outlines practical strategies, from physical barriers to sensory deterrents, to help homeowners protect their property without causing harm.
Identifying the Woodpecker’s Motivation
Woodpecker activity on a house is typically driven by one of three instinctual behaviors, and identifying the motive is the first step toward a solution. Foraging is the most common reason, where the birds excavate small, irregular holes in search of insects like beetle larvae or carpenter ant eggs living within or beneath the siding materials. They often target wood that is already soft or decayed, or even modern materials like stucco that can harbor insects.
A second motivation is nesting or roosting, which involves creating larger, distinct holes, often circular or oval, to establish a home or shelter. This is most common during the spring breeding season, as they seek a safe cavity for raising young or a sheltered spot for the night. The final activity is drumming, a rapid, rhythmic pecking on highly resonant surfaces like metal gutters, window frames, or loose trim. This is a form of communication, analogous to a bird’s song, used primarily in the spring to establish territory and attract a mate.
Physical Exclusion Methods
The most reliable way to prevent woodpecker damage is to physically block access to the affected area. Lightweight, fine-mesh plastic bird netting is highly effective when installed correctly over damaged sections of siding. The mesh should have openings no larger than three-quarters of an inch and must be mounted at least three inches away from the wall to prevent the bird from pecking through the net.
The netting is often secured beneath the eaves and angled back to the siding, ensuring it is taut. For spots where netting is impractical or visually undesirable, covering the damaged section with materials like aluminum flashing or quarter-inch hardware cloth provides a permanent solution. These metal barriers should be installed immediately after damage is noticed and can be painted to blend with the existing exterior.
Existing holes must be addressed before applying a physical barrier to prevent the area from attracting insects or becoming a nesting site. Small foraging holes can be filled with wood putty or caulk, while larger holes may require securing a snug-fitting wood plug. Covering the repaired area with metal sheathing or flashing works best, as the sight of an existing hole can stimulate a woodpecker to create more.
Sensory and Environmental Deterrents
Methods that appeal to the bird’s sight and hearing are used to make the area seem unsafe or undesirable. Reflective visual deterrents, such as strips of holographic Mylar tape or plastic streamers, work by creating unpredictable flashes of light and movement that startle the birds. These materials should be hung directly in front of the damaged area and must be moved frequently so the woodpeckers do not become accustomed to their presence.
Other visual tools include reflective balloons with large, mock-predator eyes painted on them, which can be hung near the problem area. The combination of movement, flash, and the illusion of a threat can be successful, especially when deployed as soon as pecking begins. Auditory deterrents, like ultrasonic devices, are ineffective because their sound frequencies are outside the bird’s hearing range.
A more targeted approach for drumming behavior is to apply non-toxic, sticky gels or taste-based repellents directly to the resonant spot. These tactile repellents create a sticky texture that discourages the bird from landing or pecking on that specific location. Homeowners should also remove external food sources near the house, such as suet feeders, as they draw woodpeckers closer to the structure.
Repairing Damage and Long-Term Prevention
Once the woodpeckers have been successfully deterred, repairing the damage promptly is important to avoid attracting future activity. Small foraging holes should be sealed with exterior-grade caulk or wood epoxy, then sanded and painted to match the surrounding material. This repair eliminates the visual cue that signals a potential food source or material vulnerability.
For areas with extensive damage, selecting more resistant exterior materials is the best long-term prevention strategy. Woodpeckers are less likely to target hard materials like fiber cement siding, metal, or vinyl, as these do not offer the soft wood or resonating surfaces they seek. Replacing vulnerable wooden trim or siding with a harder, non-wood alternative creates a durable shield against future pecking.
All native woodpecker species are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This law makes it illegal to harm, trap, or kill the birds without specific federal permission. Therefore, all control measures must focus on non-lethal deterrents and exclusion, encouraging the birds to find a more natural habitat away from the structure.