Say Goodbye to Woodpecker Siding Damage

Siding damage is always frustrating, but it seems particularly obnoxious when it comes to something as loud as a woodpecker. Learn more about why woodpeckers get such a kick out of your siding, and what you can do about it.

Why Do Woodpeckers Peck?

All the noise the male woodpeckers make may be annoying to you, but it’s oddly charming to the female woodpeckers. The woodpecker is proclaiming your territory as his own and attracting a mate at the same time. Once they do happen to find their mate, they’ll keep pecking at your house to establish a roosting hole. They could also be looking for insects hiding in your siding. Some of their favorite foods include certain kinds of bees and worms.

When Do Woodpeckers Peck?

The noise usually begins right in the springtime in late April and May when woodpeckers are trying to find a place to roost. If the woodpeckers choose your house as their living quarters, the noise will continue until the cold winds drive them out in fall. This is why it’s so important to take care of a woodpecker before their nesting season starts. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will be.

What Types of Siding do Woodpeckers Like?

They seem to be attracted to any siding that contains cedar and grooved plywood. They usually stay away from wood composite, aluminum, or vinyl siding. But even people with different types of siding may attract woodpeckers if they have wood anywhere else along the house. For example, an aluminum siding home may have wooden fascia boards that contain grass bagworms.

What Damages Do They Leave?

To spot a woodpecker trying to nest, look for scratching or scraping on the corner boards of the house, or large holes at least two inches across. To spot one looking for food, look for tiny holes in small clusters along the siding.