Woodpeckers may be fascinating birds, but when they start pecking at your siding, they can cause serious damage. They drill into homes for three main reasons: searching for insects, creating nesting cavities, or marking their territory. If left unchecked, their constant pecking can lead to holes, structural weakening, and even pest infestations exclusively in your siding.
So in this guide, we will explore various strategies on how to get rid of woodpeckers, effective woodpecker deterrents, and tips on keeping woodpeckers away from your home for good.
Why Do Woodpeckers Peck on Houses?
Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand why woodpeckers are targeting your home and here are the main reasons:
- Foraging for food – Woodpeckers feed on insects living in the siding or wooden structures of your home.
- Nesting – Some woodpeckers drill holes to create nests in softwood siding.
- Territorial behavior – Drumming is a way for woodpeckers to mark their territory and attract mates.
- Echo effect – Woodpeckers are drawn to hollow or resonant surfaces because the sound travels further.
Knowing the reason behind their activity will help you choose the best woodpecker deterrent method for your situation.
How to Get Rid of Woodpeckers?
You should take immediate action if woodpeckers have already begun to damage your siding. The following are practical methods for eliminating woodpeckers from your house:
1. Use Visual Deterrents
Woodpeckers are wary of predators and sudden movements. Try these visual deterrents:
- Reflective tape or aluminum foil – Hang strips near affected areas to scare woodpeckers away.
- Fake predators – Install plastic owls, hawks, or snakes around your home.
- Wind chimes or pinwheels – The movement and noise will make woodpeckers uncomfortable.
2. Apply a Spray to Keep Woodpeckers Away
Certain sprays act as a repellent to discourage woodpeckers from returning. Spray to keep woodpeckers away can include:
- Commercial bird repellents – Available at garden centers and online.
- Homemade solutions – A mix of hot pepper, vinegar, and water can make your siding less appealing.
- Essential oils – Some homeowners have found success using peppermint or citrus oil sprays.
3. Install Physical Barriers
Blocking woodpeckers from reaching your siding is one of the most effective deterrents:
- Bird netting – Install lightweight netting over affected areas.
- Metal flashing – Cover problem spots with aluminum or steel sheets.
- Woodpecker-resistant siding – Consider switching to materials like fiber cement or brick.
Understanding Different Woodpecker Species
Identifying the type of woodpecker near your home can help in choosing the right deterrent method.
Blue Woodpecker
While true blue woodpeckers are rare, some species have bluish-gray hues, often leading to misidentification. If you spot a bird with blue-tinted feathers, it is likely a variation of a common woodpecker species rather than a distinct one.
Female Woodpecker
Female woodpeckers, though slightly smaller and less vibrant than their male counterparts, are just as active in drumming and nesting. Their behavior contributes to the same level of damage, making it essential to deter both males and females to protect your home’s siding.
Woodpecker Deterrent Methods
When dealing with woodpeckers, prevention is better than cure. Here are some of the most effective woodpecker deterrent options:
Sound-Based Deterrents
Woodpeckers dislike loud and unpredictable noises. Try using:
- Ultrasonic bird repellers – Devices that emit high-frequency sounds to scare woodpeckers away.
- Clapping or banging objects – Doing this whenever you see a woodpecker can discourage them.
- Predator calls – Recordings of hawk or eagle calls may make woodpeckers think twice before approaching.
Alternative Nesting Sites
Sometimes, woodpeckers peck on houses because they are looking for nesting spots. Offer them a better alternative:
- Install a woodpecker nesting box – Place it in a nearby tree to divert their attention.
- Provide a dead tree or stump – If possible, allow them a more natural nesting option.
Keeping Woodpeckers Away for Good
Once you’ve removed the woodpeckers, you need to take preventive measures to keep them from returning. Here’s how to ensure keeping woodpeckers away permanently:
Seal Off Food Sources
If woodpeckers are feeding on insects inside your siding, getting rid of the pests will stop their visits.
- Pest control treatment – Remove termites, carpenter ants, or other insects.
- Replace rotting wood – Woodpeckers prefer soft, decaying wood for easy pecking.
Repair Existing Damage
Woodpeckers tend to return to previously pecked areas. Fix the damage quickly:
- Fill holes with wood filler or caulk
- Repaint or stain your siding to remove any attractants
Are Woodpeckers Framing Squares?
Many people mistakenly associate “woodpeckers framing squares” with construction tools, but the phrase likely comes from the square holes woodpeckers create in wood, resembling framing structures. These birds peck into wooden beams, siding, and support structures, often searching for insects or creating nesting sites. Over time, their activity can lead to significant damage, weakening the integrity of wooden surfaces and increasing repair costs.
If woodpeckers are targeting your home, it’s essential to take action quickly. Protective measures such as installing physical barriers, using reflective deterrents, or applying protective coatings can help prevent further damage. Addressing potential attractants, such as insect infestations or rotting wood, can also make your home less appealing to them and lastly, you can protect your wooden structures from costly damage while ensuring a long-term solution to keep woodpeckers away.
Best Woodpeckers Square Alternative
If woodpeckers have been damaging square-shaped wooden areas on your home, switching to more durable materials can help prevent further destruction.
- Metal or Composite trim is an excellent alternative, as it is resistant to woodpecker pecking and eliminates the appeal of softwood surfaces.
- Vinyl siding is another effective option, as it lacks the texture and density that attract woodpeckers, making it a less desirable target.
- For long-term durability, consider Stone or Fiber Cement Panels, which provide a sturdy, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood siding. These materials not only enhance your home’s protection but also reduce the likelihood of recurring woodpecker damage.
Choosing the best woodpeckers square alternative, you can safeguard your home’s exterior, minimize costly repairs, and maintain a beautiful, damage-free surface for years to come.
Conclusion
Woodpeckers can be persistent, but with the right strategies, you can effectively protect your home’s siding from damage. Implementing visual deterrents like reflective objects, installing physical barriers such as netting, and using sound repellents can significantly reduce woodpecker activity. Providing alternative nesting sites or food sources can also redirect their behavior away from your home. If the problem continues, consulting a professional for advanced deterrent solutions may be necessary.
Finding a way on how to get rid of woodpeckers and using the best woodpecker deterrent methods, you can safeguard your home’s exterior from costly damage. Taking proactive steps now will not only preserve the integrity of your siding but also create a peaceful outdoor environment. Don’t wait for the damage to worsen—act today and enjoy the comfort of a woodpecker-free home, knowing your property is well-protected for years to come.