Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers rarely engage in activities that bring them into conflicts with humans. But when it happens, frequent conflicts involve the drumming and feeding on wood sided houses.

Woodpeckers, although they can be a nuisance, act as an early indicator of a potentially serious problem. Feeding primarily on insects, they can pin point insect activity in your home (ants, termites). These insects can destroy wood siding, and in extreme cases, work their way into the structural portions of your home.

Drumming, feeding, and nesting are the primary reasons for damage to your home. Drumming is by far the most common. Male woodpeckers are territorial, and search out "drums", which are areas that resonate sound to mark their territories. Wood siding and metal chimney caps are favorite drumming sites.

Woodpeckers may choose wood sided houses as nesting sites, but this is rare.

Feeding on an infected area of your home, woodpeckers will create small cavities. These small cavities are great nesting sites for smaller bird species, and in turn will attract them.

A simple easy deterrent in the early spring is to tack up a pie plate on a string near the affected area. The movement and reflection from the sun should deter them.

INTERESTING FACT. The special anatomical structures woodpeckers have to prevent brain injury when they "drill wood" have provided insight into protecting humans from head injuries!