Woodpeckers vs. Your Siding: What Michigan Homeowners Need to Know

If you’ve ever woken up to the sound of rapid-fire tapping on your home,
chances are you’ve got a woodpecker problem. These feathered little
“contractors” may be great for nature, but not so much for your siding!
Michigan homeowners know the struggle all too well—woodpeckers love making
holes in siding. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some tips to
fix the problem, ways to prevent it, and what to do if your siding becomes
a woodpecker’s favorite spot.

Why Do Woodpeckers Peck on Siding?

First off, let’s get into the mind of a woodpecker (yes, they think too).
Woodpeckers aren’t drilling holes in your siding just to annoy you—they’ve
got a few reasons:

1. Drumming: Woodpeckers tap to mark their territory and attract mates.
In other words, your house is their megaphone.

2. Insects: They’re after tasty insects hiding behind your siding. Think
of your house as an all-you-can-eat buffet.

3. Nesting: They might decide that your lovely siding is the perfect
place to build a cozy little home.

Now that you know the “why,” let’s move on to the more important part: what
to do when a woodpecker makes your house their personal project.

What to Do if a Woodpecker Targets Your Siding

If your home is under attack by a woodpecker (and let’s be honest, it feels
like an attack!), here’s how to handle it:

1. Assess the Damage: Take a walk around your home and check for signs of woodpecker holes.
These can be small, round holes (which means the woodpecker is just looking
for food) or larger, rectangular ones (which means they might be nesting).
Once you’ve found the damage, you’ll have a better idea of what you’re
dealing with.
2. Repair the Holes: You can patch small holes with caulk or wood filler. For larger holes,
you might need to replace sections of your siding entirely. Make sure to
paint over the repairs to prevent moisture from seeping in—otherwise,
you’ll be dealing with rot or insect problems down the line.
3. Scare the Woodpecker Away: Okay, this is where it gets fun. Woodpeckers don’t like shiny objects or
loud noises (sound familiar?). Try hanging shiny objects like CDs, aluminum foil, or reflective tape around the affected areas. Alternatively, you can set up a sound deterrent system—just make sure it’s not so loud that it drives you away too!

Can You Prevent Woodpecker Damage?

While woodpeckers might be persistent, there are some steps you can take to
make your home less appealing to them:

1. Install Woodpecker Deterrents: Place mesh or netting over the areas they like to peck. This creates a physical barrier between the woodpecker and your siding.
2. Replace Vulnerable Siding: If your wood siding is taking a beating,consider switching to materials like vinyl or fiber cement, which aren’t as attractive to woodpeckers (and insects, for that matter).
3. Fake Predators: Place an owl or hawk decoy near the affected area.Woodpeckers aren’t fans of predators, even fake ones. Just be sure to moveit around occasionally so the birds don’t catch on to your decoy tricks!

Who to Call if Woodpecker Damage Happens

If you find yourself outnumbered by woodpeckers or the damage is more than
a quick patch job can fix, it’s time to call in the pros.

1. Siding Contractors: A professional siding contractor can assess the damage and recommend whether you need repairs or full replacement. They’ll also have ideas on woodpecker-resistant materials.
2. Pest Control: If woodpeckers have really taken a liking to your home, a pest control expert might be able to help you with deterrents or safe, legal ways to encourage the birds to find a new home (one that’s not yours!).

Conclusion: Woodpeckers May Peck, But You Can Peck Back

Sure, woodpeckers are cute… when they’re not turning your siding into Swiss cheese. But with a little prevention and some quick fixes, you can keep your home protected and your siding hole-free. If all else fails, call in the experts and let them handle your woodpecker woes—after all, siding repair is way better than siding despair!

Posted in