

There are many options to deter woodpeckers. Tom explains damage can be anywhere on the exterior of the home but a few repair options include replacing cedar shingles, making a dutchman repair to siding or corner boards, the old painter’s method of nailing aluminum siding over holes, and using wood filler for smaller holes. He explains that similar clusters of cone-shaped holes are more likely for mating while irregular small holes are probably for feeding. Tom first explains the reasons woodpeckers may drum into your home could be for their March-May mating season or also because they are feeding on insects.
#Woodpecker holes how to#
Tom explains how to identify woodpecker damage, what repair options there are, and how to prevent it. Keep in mind that birds will get used to things in their environment, so it’s important to move the owl around the area frequently to prevent the woodpecker from foiling your plan. One of the best options is to get a fake owl and place it in the area. Also, CDs placed on monofilament fishing line and left to dangle in the wind are an effective deterrent to keep them away. Shiny, moving objects like streamers and yard whirligigs placed in areas prone to woodpecker action work well to scare them off. Woodpecker damage is preventable with the right steps. This will effectively cover the damage, but bending flashing neatly can be difficult.
#Woodpecker holes Patch#
Simply patch the holes, sand them flush, and paint the repair area.Īnother option is to cover the damaged area with metal flashing and then paint it to match the home. The same applies to large holes in soffits or corner boards.įor smaller holes, it may be possible to patch the holes with wood putty or an epoxy. This way, if anything gets damaged, it’s possible to remove and replace the siding with the same materials. When replacing the siding on a home, it’s a good idea to save some of the shingles or clapboards. There are several ways to handle woodpecker damage, but note that it’s important to look behind the damaged area for insects that may have attracted the woodpecker in the first place.įor large holes, removal and replacement is the best option. Small holes that aren’t necessarily conical are more likely a result of the woodpecker looking for food, which could indicate that there is a pest issue behind the wall. Small conical holes are actually used during mating seasons to attract mates. Large holes bored into the sides of the home are typically for nesting, so if the hole seems large enough for a bird, there’s a good chance they’re trying to make your home their home. Woodpeckers can do lots of damage, and it’s helpful to be able to identify the type of damage. Tom even explains some convention (and not-so-conventional) options for keeping woodpeckers at bay. After explaining the different types of holes that woodpeckers make (and why they make them), Tom goes through his best tips for repairing existing damage. Tom Silva teaches Kevin O’Connor all about woodpecker damage.
