Woodpeckers can be more than just a noisy nuisance — they can cause serious damage to your home’s cedar siding. These persistent birds are known for their unique hunting and nesting habits, which unfortunately often involve drilling holes into wood siding.
For homeowners dealing with woodpecker damage, it can be a frustrating and costly problem. However, there are effective ways to repair the damage and prevent future attacks on cedar siding. This article explains why woodpeckers are attracted to cedar siding, how to fix existing damage, and strategies to keep them from returning.
Why Do Woodpeckers Like to Peck on Cedar Siding?
Woodpeckers are drawn to cedar siding for several reasons, all related to their natural behaviors and survival instincts.
Food Sources
One of the primary reasons woodpeckers peck on cedar siding is to find food. Cedar siding can harbor insects like larvae and leafcutter bees, which are a tasty treat for woodpeckers. If a home’s siding is infested with insects, it becomes an attractive feeding ground for these birds. Regular inspections and treatments for pests can minimize this.
Nesting and Territory Marking
During the breeding season, woodpeckers create holes in the wood to build nests. These holes also serve as territorial markers, signaling to other woodpeckers that the area is claimed.
If a woodpecker has chosen a home’s siding for nesting, it may return year after year, causing ongoing damage. Providing alternative nesting sites like birdhouses can help prevent this behavior.
Food Storage
Woodpeckers sometimes create larger holes in wood to store food for later consumption. This behavior is particularly common in areas where food sources may become scarce during certain times of the year. These stored supplies help in their survival, even in less favorable conditions.
Mating Calls
The loud drumming sound produced when woodpeckers peck on wood serves as a mating call. Cedar siding can provide an excellent acoustic surface for these birds to attract potential mates.
Is Woodpecker Damage Repairable?
The good news for homeowners is that woodpecker damage to cedar siding is typically repairable. While it can be a costly and time-consuming process, there are several effective methods to address the damage:
Patching Small Holes
For smaller holes, you can use wood fillers or putties. You can apply these materials with a putty knife, smooth it out, and then paint it to match the existing siding. These quick fixes can keep small problems from becoming big ones.
Replacing Damaged Sections
For extensive damage, replacing large sections of siding may be necessary. This helps with structural integrity and maintains the aesthetic of the home. Consult an expert to get the new sections to blend seamlessly with the old.
Using Metal Sheeting or Mesh
Covering damaged areas with metal sheeting or mesh can prevent further pecking at the same spot. This method is particularly effective in areas prone to repeat attacks.
For extensive damage, you may need to hire a professional siding contractor to get effective repairs and to match the existing siding.
How to Get Rid of Woodpeckers
Preventing further woodpecker damage is critical after repairing existing holes. There are several humane and effective methods to deter woodpeckers from returning to cedar siding.
Visual Deterrents
Visual deterrents are often the simplest and most cost-effective solution for woodpecker problems. These birds are naturally wary of shiny, reflective objects that move. Homeowners can use:
- Reflective tape or streamers
- Old CDs or DVDs hung near problem areas
- Reflective pinwheels or wind chimes
- Holographic bird diverters
Implementation of Visual Deterrents
You should place these items near areas where woodpeckers have been active. Move these deterrents periodically to prevent the birds from becoming accustomed to them. By creating a dynamic environment, you can keep woodpeckers on their toes.
Sound Deterrents
Woodpeckers are also sensitive to certain sounds. Electronic devices that emit predator calls or woodpecker distress signals can be effective in keeping these birds away. While these devices can be more expensive than visual deterrents, they often provide a more discreet solution for homeowners concerned about aesthetics.
These devices can include ultrasonic noise emitters, predatory bird calls, and woodpecker distress signals.
Physical Barriers
For persistent woodpecker problems, you may need to set up some physical barriers. These can include netting installed a few inches away from the siding, metal sheeting or flashing over damaged areas, and woodpecker-specific spikes or coils.
While effective, these methods can be more labor-intensive to install and may affect the appearance of the home. However, for chronic issues, they are often worth the effort.
Natural Repellents
Some homeowners have success with natural repellents, such as applying sticky substances to problem areas and hanging suet feeders away from the house to redirect woodpeckers. You can also plant dense shrubbery near the house to make it less attractive to woodpeckers.
You may need to reapply some natural repellents, especially after rain. Observing the effects and reapplying as needed ensures continued deterrence.
Woodpecker-Resistant Siding Options
For homeowners dealing with persistent woodpecker problems or those looking to prevent issues before they start, switching to woodpecker-resistant siding can be a long-term solution. While this option involves a significant up-front investment, it can save money and headaches in the long run.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding, such as James Hardie board, is an excellent alternative to cedar. Made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, this material is too hard for woodpeckers to penetrate. It also offers excellent durability and low maintenance. This siding option deters woodpeckers and withstands other environmental factors better than traditional wood.
This material is non-combustible, insect-resistant, and available in various styles and colors, making it a versatile choice for many homeowners. Its durability often translates into long-term savings on maintenance and repair costs.
Stone and Brick Veneer
Stone and brick veneers provide a natural look while being impervious to woodpecker damage. These materials can significantly improve a home’s curb appeal and increase its value, though they are typically more expensive than other siding options.
They offer exceptional durability and resistance to a variety of elements, providing a timeless, elegant look for the home.
Vinyl Siding
While not completely woodpecker-proof, high-quality vinyl siding is less attractive to woodpeckers than wood. Its smooth surface and lack of insect infestation make it a less appealing target for these birds.
Vinyl siding comes in numerous colors and textures, can mimic the appearance of natural wood, and requires relatively little maintenance. It is also generally easier to install and often more affordable, providing a balanced solution for homeowners.
Maintaining Cedar Siding to Prevent Woodpecker Damage
Proper maintenance of cedar siding can go a long way in preventing woodpecker damage. Regular upkeep can make the siding less attractive to both insects and woodpeckers:
Sealing and Staining
Applying sealants and stains protects cedar siding from moisture infiltration and UV damage. Regular applications help maintain the wood’s integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Inspecting for Infestations and Damage
Regular inspections allow homeowners to catch potential insect infestations or damage early, preventing more extensive problems. Treating infestations right away minimizes woodpecker attractions.
Trimming Vegetation
Keeping trees and shrubs trimmed and away from the house reduces convenient perches and access points for woodpeckers. It also allows for better sunlight and airflow, which can help keep the siding dry and less susceptible to pest invasions.
When to Call a Professional
While many woodpecker deterrent methods can be implemented as DIY projects, there are times when it’s best to call in a professional:
- For extensive damage that requires significant siding repair or replacement
- If woodpecker activity persists despite multiple deterrent attempts
- When installing complex deterrent systems like netting or electronic devices
- If the damage is in hard-to-reach areas of the home
Professional pest control experts or siding contractors can provide tailored solutions and complete the repairs correctly to prevent future issues. Their expertise can save time and effort, offering peace of mind and often more effective results.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with woodpecker damage to cedar siding can be challenging, but it’s a problem that can you can manage with the right approach. By knowing why woodpeckers like cedar siding and using a mix of repair and deterrent methods, you can protect your home from woodpeckers.
Remember that patience and persistence are key when dealing with woodpecker issues. It may take a combination of methods and some trial and error to find the most effective solution for each unique situation.