Each spring male woodpecker seek to establish their territory and attract a mate. The males do this by drumming, a repetitive rapping on the best sound-producing object it can find. Woodpeckers will drum on utility poles, gutters, chimney caps, TV antennas or other metal found on homes. Drumming starts at dawn and can last several days or months, which can be very annoying to a homeowner. The best way to deter a woodpecker from drumming on a home is to get rid of the sound it likes to make. Secure loose boards or use filler behind those boards sounding hollow. Temporarily cover chimney caps or other metal with cloth, foam rubber or insulation. Take away the sound and the woodpecker will likely move on to another area.
Woodpeckers can cause damage to houses when seeking insects. Insects may congregate in imperfections or gaps in wood siding where the woodpecker will break out the gaps to get to the insects. Once a feeding area is established the bird will be persistent. If insects are the attractant, it’s best to take care of the infestation before trying to exclude or deter the woodpecker. The services of a professional exterminator may be needed. Apply pesticides that are safe to use around birds. Damaged siding should be repaired or replaced to prevent future damage or infestation.
Nest construction is rarely a problem but can create the largest hole in siding. A woodpecker may start to make one hole, then abandon it to start another hole—often just inches away from the first hole. Usually these holes are not large enough for the woodpecker but may be adequate size for starlings or house sparrow. Prompt repair of these holes is necessary.
