Tired of endless pecking? Here’s how to get rid of woodpeckers around your house

Key points

• Woodpeckers peck at homes when communicating or seeking food and nesting sites.

• Physical barriers, visual and auditory deterrents, and food removal deters woodpeckers.

• Work with wildlife or pest control experts to remove woodpeckers from your property.

Knock, knock! Who’s there? It’s your neighborhood woodpecker, a bird known for its strong beak and ability to peck holes in various surfaces. Unfortunately, these birds sometimes go after your home instead of nearby tree trunks.

Woodpeckers, including the yellow-bellied sapsucker, may drill holes in your wooden siding or trim, or damage your home’s exterior paint. They can cause damage around your home’s perimeter, including decks and fences. Woodpeckers are also known to nest in eaves or fascia boards.

While having a woodpecker peck away at your home is frustrating, don’t worry too much. There are humane and effective ways to rid your home of woodpeckers.

We contacted Nicole Carpenter, president of North Carolina-based Black Pest Prevention, and Chris Vasquez, owner of New York-based WreX Wildlife and Pest Control, to learn more about woodpecker solutions.

Why are woodpeckers pecking at your house?

Defending your house from woodpeckers starts with understanding why they’re pecking at it. Let’s explore the common reasons behind this behavior and practical ways to safeguard your home from these persistent birds.

Seeking food sources

Carpenter said woodpeckers are likely searching for food when pecking at a home. “Woodpeckers peck at wood mainly to find insects and eat them, and if [you] see these birds near your home, it could mean they think there are insects hiding,” she said.

Woodpeckers aren’t picky eaters. They enjoy a variety of insects and larvae, including carpenter ants, beetles and termites.

To help determine if bugs are the cause behind your recent woodpecker visits, know the signs of an infestation, including the following:

• Wood damage
• Sawdust or wood shavings
• Insect sightings
• Musty or sweet smells around wood
• Hollow wood
• Bite marks or trails

Territorial behavior and communication

Recent research by Brown University biologist Matthew Fuxjager unveiled some fascinating insights into woodpecker behavior. When these birds peck, they aren’t always making noise or looking for their next meal. In many situations, they’re actually communicating with each other. 

Similarly to songbirds, Fuxjager’s team found specialized brain regions in woodpeckers. These birds have a natural instinct to communicate with each other, either to attract a mate or to establish dominance. While this also happens in their natural habitat, it’s possible that the drumming on your roof is simply woodpecker chatter.  

Nesting sites

Woodpeckers are also known to peck at homes in search of safe places to lay their eggs and raise young. “Another common cause could be the creation of nesting sites. These birds may peck at homes to create cavities for nesting or sleeping areas,” said Carpenter.

If your home has untreated or decaying wood, it may be especially attractive to woodpeckers. These birds can easily clear out any soft debris and move into safe hiding places, such as in your attic. The good news is that these nesting sites are often temporary and the birds will likely move on once their young leave the nest. 

However, certain species of woodpeckers return year after year to reuse the same nesting cavity if the conditions are still suitable for their needs. Other wildlife, such as bats, might also use these nooks for shelter, so it’s essential to address any woodpecker damage as soon as possible.

Attracted to sounds or reflections

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but luckily, the same isn’t true for the woodpecker. These naturally inquisitive birds investigate sounds or reflections they perceive as potential threats or food sources. This curiosity can lead them to peck at surfaces such as metal vents and gutters.

How do you keep woodpeckers away from your home?

Woodpeckers can cause significant damage to your home, but resorting to traps or sticky substances isn’t the solution. While not all states have laws pertaining to woodpeckers, you’ll want to do some research to determine what’s legal in your location.

“To get rid of woodpeckers, you must follow state and federal regulations or contact a certified wildlife control operator,” Vasquez said. Then, consider implementing the following solutions.

Add physical barriers

Physical barriers are effective and humane options that provide long-lasting protection from woodpecker damage. However, installing these barriers requires some effort, and occasional adjustments may be needed. Some options to consider include the following:

• Wire mesh
• Chicken wire
• Hardware cloth
• Bird netting

It’s also important to note that while these barriers are affordable and quick to install, their primary purpose is to stop damage rather than deter woodpeckers.

Use visual and auditory deterrents

Using visual and audible deterrents can help keep woodpeckers away from your property by exploiting their natural instincts to avoid potential threats or unfamiliar surroundings. Below are some simple and environmentally friendly options to consider:

• Reflective tape
• Aluminum foil
• Mylar balloons
• Scare eye balloons
• Pinwheels
• Old CDs
• Streamers
• Windsocks
• Wind chimes
• Loud noises (clappers, bells)
• Predator sounds (bird distress calls, owl decoys)

These deterrents’ effectiveness may vary. For example, a very hungry woodpecker might be more concerned about finding dinner than avoiding shiny objects. Additionally, excessive use of audible deterrents could disturb neighbors, so be considerate.

Remove food sources

To keep woodpeckers away from your home, eliminate their food sources, such as insect colonies and decaying wood.

Getting rid of bugs can be challenging. To handle severe insect problems, especially termites or carpenter ants, you’re usually better off hiring a pest control company or exterminator.

If simple repairs are needed, you can probably DIY, but always prioritize safety and hire pros when you don’t know what you’re doing. Regularly inspect treated or repaired areas to catch new infestations or damage. Otherwise, woodpeckers might return.

Adding alternative food sources, such as suet feeders, fruit trees or berry bushes, may draw woodpeckers away from your home.

Install nest boxes

Nesting boxes, usually made of wood, are artificial structures designed to provide shelter and breeding space for birds, including woodpeckers. They look like bird feeders but give woodpeckers an alternative site for nesting holes, diverting them from your home and minimizing damage. 

To install a nest box, choose a location away from your house but within the woodpecker’s habitat, such as near trees or shrubs. Ensure the box is securely mounted and positioned so predators can’t easily access it.

Apply liquid bird repellent

Liquid bird repellents are a convenient and noninvasive way to keep woodpeckers away. These repellents typically contain a food-grade ingredient called methyl anthranilate (MA) that’s found in Concord grape seeds. It gives off an odor that woodpeckers don’t like, so they’ll stay away from your house.

Liquid bird repellent is easy to use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to spray on areas vulnerable to woodpecker damage, such as siding or trim. For best results, reapply regularly, especially after rain or heavy winds.

If you’d prefer a more organic approach, you can create a DIY spray by infusing a water and white vinegar solution with crushed chili peppers. Spraying it in areas where woodpeckers frequent. Other natural repellents include peppermint oil, garlic, cinnamon and citrus oil.

How do you repair damage to your home caused by woodpeckers?

After humanely removing woodpeckers from your property, it’s time to repair the damage left behind in your wood siding. Here’s how:

1. Set up the ladder: Focus on safety, especially when working on roofs or against second-story siding. Choose a sturdy ladder, mind the angle and always maintain three points of contact. 
2. Assess the damage: Before making repairs, you’ll need to note how minor or significant the damage is. Carefully survey any affected areas, paying attention to depth. Deeper divots call for spray foam, while shallow ones are best filled with epoxy filler.
3. Fill shallow holes: Epoxy filler or wood putty is ideal for shallow woodpecker holes. Clear the area, apply generously and sand smooth once dry.
4. Fill deeper holes: Choose foam filler for deeper holes. Clean the area, apply carefully and trim excess foam after expansion.
5. Add metal flashing: For added protection, cover your repairs with metal flashing for added protection. Secure it snugly and seal it to prevent weather damage.
6. Prime and paint: Now that all the damage has been repaired and you’ve added additional protection via metal flashing, finish strong with a coat of primer and high-quality exterior paint.

What’s next?

Now that you’ve taken the necessary steps to address woodpecker damage to your home, it’s time to adopt some preventive strategies. Here are some actionable next steps to consider:

• Regularly inspect your property for signs of woodpecker activity, and address any suspicions immediately. (The sound of incessant pecking is usually a telltale sign.)
• Repair damaged areas of your home as soon as you notice them so woodpeckers won’t flock to them to build nests.
• If one deterrent strategy doesn’t work, keep trying. There’s always another humane option when dealing with a woodpecker problem.

It may also help to speak to your neighbors to see if they’ve previously struggled with woodpeckers. They may share their stories or successful prevention methods to help you stay one step ahead of these curious birds.

Finally, consider seeking professional assistance if you can’t seem to rid your property of woodpeckers. Pest control experts are adept at handling stubborn infestations for homeowners, offering solutions tailored to your specific needs, whether dealing with chipmunks, woodpeckers or various other pests.

Understanding woodpecker behavior and biology is essential for coexisting with these fascinating birds. Practical strategies and ongoing maintenance can keep your home safe from excessive pecking for years to come.