Woodpecker damage

Questions and Answers

Asked by R. McNally on woodpecker damage

How can you keep a woodpecker from making holes in cedar siding? The woodpeckers are making holes at the corners of the house.

Hello Mr. McNally,

I have been called upon to repair woodpecker damage many time over the years. The best (and cheapest) solution I have found to discourage woodpeckers from damaging your siding is with a rubber snake. Procure a cheap rubber snake (or several if required) at a toy store. Get one at least a couple of feet long and tack it to the siding or place it on a window sill near where the damage is occurring. Birds have an instinctive fear of snakes and will usually avoid areas where a snake is visible.

Besides looking for a place to nest, woodpeckers create holes in trees and houses looking for insects and insect larva. One of their favorites is carpenter bee larva. See Bee Observant for some insight on controlling carpenter bees.

Good luck,

Tony

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