Woodpeckers are a familiar sight across Cape Cod, often heard before they’re seen. While their drumming may seem harmless, these birds can cause serious damage to homes, sheds, and other structures. Understanding why woodpeckers target your property and how to deter them can help protect your siding and keep your home in good shape.
Why Woodpeckers Peck at Homes
Woodpeckers peck on wood for three main reasons:
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Foraging for Food – They may be searching for insects beneath the surface, especially carpenter ants or larvae.
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Drumming for Communication – Males drum on resonant surfaces to mark territory and attract mates.
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Creating Nesting Sites – Soft or damaged wood can be an attractive place to excavate a nest cavity.
Unfortunately, cedar siding, wood trim, and even synthetic materials can be fair game for persistent woodpeckers.
The Risks of Woodpecker Damage
A determined woodpecker can create large holes in siding, fascia boards, and eaves. This damage doesn’t just affect curb appeal—it can also allow water intrusion, encourage pest infestations, and weaken structural integrity over time.
Tips for Preventing Woodpecker Damage
Eliminate Insect Attractants
Address any pest infestations in your siding or roofline, as these can be a primary food source for woodpeckers.
Use Visual Deterrents
Shiny objects such as reflective tape, aluminum foil strips, or metallic streamers can scare woodpeckers away. Moving objects like pinwheels or windsocks can also help.
Try Sound Deterrents
Recordings of predator calls or distress sounds can be used periodically to discourage woodpeckers from returning.
Protect Vulnerable Surfaces
Install bird netting or lightweight mesh over areas being targeted. Hardware cloth and plastic sheeting can also serve as temporary barriers.
Maintain Your Home’s Exterior
Regularly inspect siding, trim, and eaves for early signs of woodpecker activity or insect damage. Prompt repairs make your home less appealing.
When to Call a Professional
If woodpecker activity continues despite prevention measures, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Critter Control of Cape Cod can identify the cause, implement safe deterrents, and repair damage to protect your home long-term. We use humane, effective methods to discourage woodpeckers while safeguarding the local ecosystem.