Woodpeckers and Your Siding: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Woodpeckers and Your Siding: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

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Introduction

If you’ve ever heard a sharp tapping on your siding and looked out to see a woodpecker going to town on your house, you’re not alone —and you’re not imagining the damage, either. These birds may be small, but they can cause some serious issues for homeowners, especially if they decide your siding is a good spot to hunt, drum, or nest. In this post, we’re diving into why woodpeckers choose homes like yours, what kind of damage they can cause, how to spot it, and what you can do about it — from quick fixes to long-term solutions.  Before we can stop the damage, it’s important to understand why woodpeckers are targeting your home in the first place.

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Why woodpeckers attack wood siding

At first glance, it might seem odd that a bird would peck away at your home, but there are a few specific reasons woodpeckers are drawn to wood siding. The most common one is food. If your siding has insect activity beneath the surface — like carpenter ants, termites, or larvae — the birds can hear or sense that movement and will go after it. In other cases, the woodpecker isn’t after a snack but a nesting site. Some species will hollow out cavities in wood to build a nest, especially if the area is quiet and shaded. Wood siding can be an attractive option if it’s soft or aged.

Another reason they drum on your home? Communication. During mating season, woodpeckers use repetitive tapping as a way to signal to other birds. Unfortunately, the echo of your siding or chimney might amplify that sound just the way they like it, making your home part of their territory whether you like it or not.

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Problems Created by Woodpecker Damage

Even though a small peck here or there might not seem like a big deal, the damage adds up fast — and can lead to much bigger problems down the road. Those holes in your siding, especially if left untreated, open the door for moisture to seep in. Over time, that moisture can lead to rot, mold, or mildew behind your walls. That’s not just a cosmetic issue — it can affect the structural integrity of your home and cause costly repairs.

There’s also the risk of inviting pests. A hole created by a woodpecker is a perfect entry point for insects, rodents, or even other birds. Plus, if a woodpecker successfully finds insects once, chances are they’ll be back for more — and other birds might take the cue that your home is a good hunting ground.

If you suspect woodpeckers may be visiting your siding, here’s how to inspect your home for signs of damage.

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How to check for damage

Start by walking around your home and looking closely at your siding, especially near corners, gables, and high points on the walls. One of the most common signs of woodpecker activity is a cluster of small holes arranged in a straight line or tight pattern. These holes might look minor at first, but they’re usually the bird’s way of searching for insects under the wood or marking territory. If you notice several of these rows, there’s a good chance the woodpecker has made your home a regular stop.

It’s also smart to keep your ears open. Woodpeckers often make their presence known with a steady tapping or drumming sound. This isn’t just random pecking — it’s usually deliberate and repetitive, sometimes sounding like someone lightly knocking. You’ll most often hear it in the early morning hours when the birds are most active.

Lastly, keep an eye out for any larger holes in your siding, especially ones that seem to get bigger over time. A woodpecker might start with a small opening, but if it finds the area useful for nesting or food, it’ll come back again and again, enlarging the hole with each visit. Over time, this can compromise the integrity of the siding and even expose your home to moisture or pests.

Caught it early? Good news—there are steps you can take now to prevent further damage and keep woodpeckers at bay.

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Prevention of damage

The best way to deal with woodpecker damage is to stop it before it starts. One of the first steps is eliminating what’s attracting them. If your siding has an insect problem, addressing that with a pest control professional can take away a major food source. It’s also worth checking that your attic or wall cavities aren’t harboring critters, especially in older homes.

Next, consider visual deterrents. Woodpeckers are skittish around motion and reflections. Hanging shiny objects like reflective tape, old CDs, or specialized deterrent devices near the affected area can help. Some people also use fake owls or predatory bird decoys, though you’ll want to move them around occasionally, so the birds don’t get used to them.

Sound deterrents (like windchimes) and physical barriers(like netting or metal flashing) can also be effective, particularly in problem areas. Just keep in mind that these are usually temporary fixes — and if the woodpecker is determined, it may take more than a few shiny objects to keep it away.

But what if the damage is already done? Let’s go over your options for repairing or replacing compromised siding.

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What to do about siding damage

If a woodpecker has already left its mark on your siding, the first step is to assess the extent of the damage. Small holes can often be patched with wood filler or epoxy, then sanded and painted to match the rest of the siding. Just make sure you’re sealing the hole fully to prevent moisture from getting in.

For more extensive damage — like large nesting cavities or areas with signs of rot — you may need to replace individual boards or panels. In some cases, it makes sense to bring in a contractor who can inspect for hidden damage behind the siding and make sure the structure underneath is still sound.

Even if the hole seems minor, leaving it open is an open invitation for more problems, so it’s worth fixing properly the first time. While short-term fixes can help in the moment, investing in long-term solutions can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

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Upgrade from temporary solutions for long-term ones

Deterrents and patch jobs can help in the short term, but the most effective long-term solution is upgrading your siding to a material woodpeckers aren’t interested in. Fiber cement, engineered wood, or even metal siding options give you the look of natural wood without the vulnerabilities. These materials are harder for birds to peck through and don’t carry the same appeal for nesting or foraging.

Making the switch might feel like a big step, however, if your home has become a repeat target, it can save you a lot of frustration —and repair bills — in the long run. It’s an investment in peace of mind and in the protection of your home.

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Conclusion

Dealing with woodpecker damage isn’t just about keeping your home looking good — it’s about protecting it from bigger issues down the line, like moisture, mold, and pests. Whether you’re just starting to hear the tapping or you’ve already spotted holes in your siding, there are steps you can take right now to stop the damage and keep it from happening again. And if the birds keep coming back year after year, it might be time to consider up grading to a siding option they won’t be interested in. Either way, staying on top of the problem early can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle in the long run.

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