How to Get Rid of Woodpeckers and Protect Your Home

It starts with a few soft taps on your siding. You barely notice it at first. Then the rhythm picks up. Peck. Peck. Peck. Before long, it sounds like someone’s testing a drum kit outside your bedroom window at 7 a.m.

If you’ve ever been woken up by a determined woodpecker, you know how surprisingly persistent and loud they can be. Beyond the noise, these feathered carpenters can cause real headaches for homeowners, causing small holes in wooden siding and damage to insulation.

But you can stop the pecking without harming the birds. Understanding why woodpeckers target houses is the first step toward gently guiding them away. With the right mix of deterrents, repairs, and a little patience, you can protect your home and keep these fascinating creatures part of your natural neighborhood chorus.

Get To Know Your Pecking Neighbor

Woodpeckers belong to the Picidae family of birds. With the exception of Madagascar and the extreme polar regions, they are found worldwide. The majority of woodpecker species inhabit forested areas, where they forage for insects, small animals, and tree sap by searching along tree trunks and branches. 

Their zygodactyl feet, with the first and fourth toes facing backward and the second and third toes facing front, were designed especially for walking vertically up and down tree trunks while retaining a firm grasp. In order to assist them in staying balanced while pecking, woodpeckers usually have long, stiff tail feathers. 

These amazing birds are stunning and fascinating to observe. So, why is it that people want to get rid of them? Well, because they poke holes into objects that are dearly valuable to us.

Why Do Woodpeckers Peck Houses

There are four main reasons why woodpeckers pound on homes:

1. Territorial Behavior: The loud noise produced by the bird announces its territory and draws potential mates. Once breeding has started in the spring, the birds will probably quit drumming.

2. Make a Nest: The bird may desire to dig a roost or nest hole. It may begin before the breeding season to prepare a cozy place to raise the young ones.

3. Feeding Insects: Woodpeckers will peck tiny and uneven holes to search for insects. To solve the underlying pest issue, you might need to hire an exterminator. Woodpeckers frequently target the larvae of carpenter bees, leafcutter bees, and grass bagworms when feeding on homes.

4. Attention: Northern flickers occasionally use artificial objects to attract attention, just like other woodpeckers. They frequently go above and beyond to amplify their announcements through chimneys and house gutters, much to the dismay of many homeowners.

5. Food Storage: Acorn Woodpeckers pierce enormous trees, utility poles, and occasionally homes with dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of acorn-sized holes. You may even find a new acorn hidden within each one.

How To Stop Woodpeckers from Pecking To Avoid Woodpecker Damage

Fortunately, you can learn how to get rid of a woodpecker in a few different ways. Woodpeckers can be kept away from your house and property with a well-planned strategy that uses a variety of woodpecker deterrents. To develop a management program that suits you, add and remove bird control instruments as necessary.

Make sure to examine the damage caused by woodpeckers first. The best period to start making plans for woodpecker control is in late January. Effective woodpecker prevention necessitates taking measures before the birds move in and begin causing problems, as woodpeckers are especially active from February to June.

1. Use Visual Deterrents To Disrupt Their Drumming Routine

Woodpeckers rely heavily on sight to locate pecking spots, which makes visual deterrents one of the most effective first steps. Reflective tape, metallic streamers, compact discs, and even wind chimes can catch the sunlight and movement. These things startle the birds just enough to send them searching elsewhere. 

Hang these near affected areas so they flutter and glint in the breeze. It’s a harmless, low-cost solution that can make your home far less appealing to a curious driller.

2. Try Sound-Based Deterrents for Temporary Relief

Sometimes, the best way to break a woodpecker’s routine is through sound. Recordings of predator calls, such as those of hawks or owls, or distress sounds from other woodpeckers can make your property seem unsafe to approach. Play them intermittently during early morning hours when activity peaks.

Avoid too much repetition, as the birds may realize there’s no real threat. These deterrents work best as short-term measures, especially when paired with visual cues or repairs to damaged spots. Once the sounds become familiar to the woodpeckers, they won’t pay heed to it and start coming back.  

3. Install Physical Barriers To Protect Vulnerable Areas

When deterrents alone don’t do the trick, a simple barrier can make all the difference. Cover frequently pecked sections with lightweight bird netting, mesh, or even metal flashing to block access. Make sure the barrier is a few meters away from the surface, so even if the bird pecks its way through the barrier, the surface is still far from its reach.

Once the woodpeckers realize their favorite drumming spot is off-limits, they typically move on within days. It’s a humane, long-lasting fix that also prevents further woodpecker damage to your siding and trim.

4. Repair and Repaint Surfaces  

Freshly repaired and repainted surfaces not only restore your home’s appearance but also discourage repeat visits from birds. The smell of paint and varnish will mostly keep the woodpecker and other pests away. 

Fill existing holes with wood filler or caulk, sand them smooth, and apply a durable primer before painting. Glossy or light-colored finishes tend to reflect light and sound, making them less attractive for pecking. Quick repairs also prevent insects from nesting inside damaged areas, removing one more reason for woodpeckers to return.

Conclusion

Woodpeckers may be small, but their persistence can leave a big mark. Fortunately, with a thoughtful mix of deterrents, quick repairs, and a touch of patience, you can guide them away without causing harm. Each step you take helps protect your home while maintaining balance with local wildlife.

Think of it less as “getting rid of” woodpeckers and more as redirecting their attention. Once they find a better drumming spot or food source, your mornings can return to quiet and your siding can stay intact. Peaceful coexistence is possible, and it starts with understanding these remarkable birds just a little better.