Woodpeckers are fascinating birds known for their distinctive pecking and drumming sounds. While they play an important role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations and creating habitats for other animals, they can also be a serious problem for homeowners. These birds may target homes for a variety of reasons, leaving behind damage that can quickly escalate if left unaddressed. The good news? You can identify the woodpecker species responsible and take steps to protect your property and get rid of birds in Newmarket before it’s too late.

Here’s a detailed guide on everything you need to know about woodpecker damage to your house, how to recognize the species in your area, and the proven methods to prevent your home from becoming their next project.

Why Do Woodpeckers Peck?

Woodpeckers aren’t destructive out of malice. Their behaviour stems from natural instincts that are vital for their survival and reproduction. Here are the main reasons why woodpeckers peck—and how these habits can lead to issues for homeowners:

Woodpeckers are natural pest controllers. They peck to locate insects like wood-boring beetles, ants, or termites hiding under wooden surfaces. If your home has wooden siding or fascia that’s infested with bugs, it becomes an irresistible buffet for woodpeckers.

During mating season, woodpeckers use drumming as a way to establish territory and communicate with potential mates. This drumming is often loud and repetitive, and unfortunately, the sides of homes can provide the perfect “instrument” for their calls.

Woodpeckers carve out cavities in trees to create safe nests for their eggs. If natural trees or wooden areas are scarce, they might choose your home’s siding or trim as a substitute. This nesting behavior causes significant structural damage if it isn’t addressed quickly.

Understanding why woodpeckers peck is the first step in minimizing woodpecker damage to your house. Now, the next question is—how do you figure out which species is causing the trouble in your area?

Common Woodpecker Species in Newmarket

Woodpeckers are fascinating birds that play an essential role in the ecosystem. However, when they start pecking at your home’s siding or trim, it can cause significant structural damage. Understanding which species is causing the trouble can help you implement the right prevention techniques. Let’s take a closer look at three common species you might encounter in Newmarket:

• Pileated Woodpecker: Pileated Woodpeckers are the largest species you’ll spot in Newmarket. They are easily recognized by their striking red crest, black body, and white stripes on their head. They primarily target large, dead trees or wooden structures. They excavate deep holes in search of insects and create their nests.
• Downy Woodpecker: Downy Woodpeckers are smaller in size and have black-and-white patterns on their feathers. You might find Downy Woodpeckers pecking on your home’s siding or wooden trim. They are known to explore residential areas in search of insects and nesting spots.
• Northern Flicker: Northern Flickers are medium-sized woodpeckers with a spotted belly and red markings on their head and neck. These species are notorious for creating holes in residential areas, especially during the mating season. They often drum on trees or wooden structures to attract mates and establish their territories.

Recognizing these species will help you take targeted actions to prevent further damage.

Signs of Woodpecker Damage

Woodpecker damage can be a frustrating issue for homeowners, but knowing how to identify the signs can help you take targeted actions to prevent further damage. What are the top signs to watch for if you suspect activity around your house? 

Keep an eye out for small or large holes in wood siding, fascia, or even trees. Woodpeckers create these holes as they search for insects and establish their territories. If you hear persistent tapping or drumming noises, especially during the early morning, it could be a woodpecker trying to attract a mate or establish its territory.

Noticeable piles of wood chips at the base of walls or structures are a clear sign of woodpecker activity. As they peck, wood chips and debris may accumulate. Woodpecker holes can attract insects, which can further damage the wood. If you notice an increase in insect activity around the affected area, it could be a result of woodpecker activity.

Preventing Woodpecker Damage

Protecting your home from woodpeckers involves a combination of deterrents, maintenance, and material improvements. Here’s what you can do:

1. Deterring Woodpeckers

To deter woodpeckers from damaging your property, you can take several preventive measures. 

First, place mesh or netting over vulnerable areas, like siding or trimming, to physically block woodpeckers from accessing them.

Also, hang reflective strips, wind chimes, or bird scare tape. These items move and glisten in the sunlight, discouraging woodpeckers from settling in. Consider placing lifelike decoys of owls or hawks, natural predators of woodpeckers. These decoys can intimidate the woodpeckers and encourage them to stay away.

2. Protecting Wooden Structures

Besides keeping woodpeckers away, it’s important to protect wooden parts of your home from damage.

Check your property often for signs of insect problems because woodpeckers are drawn to places with lots of bugs. If you find an infestation, take steps to fix it right away.

Dead trees or branches near your home can attract woodpeckers. Removing these can help stop them from nesting and causing damage.

By taking these simple steps, you can keep your home safe from woodpecker damage, make it last longer, and avoid expensive repairs.

3. Reducing Attractants

To effectively reduce the risk of woodpecker damage to your home, it is crucial to eliminate factors that may attract them. 

Woodpeckers are drawn to areas with an abundance of insects, as they serve as a food source. To minimize their attraction, it is essential to promptly address any insect infestations in wooden areas. Consider seeking professional pest control services to effectively eliminate these infestations.

At the same time, these are territorial birds and are often attracted to loud noises or vibrations. To deter their presence, it is advisable to minimize such disturbances around your home. Avoid excessive construction or renovations that may create loud noises or vibrations, as these can inadvertently attract woodpeckers.

The Risks of Ignoring Woodpecker Damage

If you ignore woodpecker damage, it can cause big problems for your home. Woodpeckers make holes and peck at wooden parts of your house, which can weaken the structure and damage siding, trim, or fascia boards.

The open wood from their pecking can also attract bugs, which might lead to an infestation and more damage. If woodpeckers build nests in your home, the problem can get worse as they keep making bigger holes, causing even more serious issues over time.

Protect Your Home With Professional Help

Woodpecker damage to your house can have significant consequences if left unaddressed. By taking proactive measures and seeking professional help, you can safeguard your property and restore peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Newmarket for a thorough inspection and tailored solutions. 

Our team of skilled technicians will assess your home, secure vulnerable areas, and provide effective recommendations to keep woodpeckers and other birds away for the long term. 

Get rid of birds in Newmarket and protect your home from woodpecker damage today! Contact us to request a quote and learn more about our expert woodpecker prevention and damage control services.