While woodpeckers are interesting birds, they stop being so cute when they turn your home into a drum set with their pecking. Such consistent tapping can leave noticeable dings and dents to your siding, fascia, and sometimes even stucco. If you have been finding yourself with the question of how to stop a woodpecker from destroying your house, rest assured that many homeowners go through this with such birds, and there are certain tried methods to keep them away from your house.
This blog will explore practical steps to stop woodpecker damage and how Alberta Parging’s professional repair services can help restore your home. For a humane approach, you can also check out our blog on Effective Ways to Stop Woodpecker Damage Without Harming the Birds.
Why Woodpeckers Peck Homes
Woodpeckers aren’t causing havoc in your house without reason. Their pecking is typically driven by instinct. One common cause is foraging. Wooden siding or soffits can house insects like ants or termites, making your home a buffet for these birds. Another reason is territory marking. The loud drumming sound woodpeckers make serves as a signal to other birds, especially during mating season. Woodpeckers sometimes create nests or roosting sites, which involve drilling holes into softer or decayed wood.
In some cases, the birds are simply communicating. They drum to attract mates or announce their presence. While it might initially seem harmless, the resulting holes can cause significant structural issues if left unaddressed.:
Signs of Woodpecker Damage
Recognizing woodpecker damage early is crucial. Typically, it appears as small circular or rectangular holes in wooden siding, stucco, or trim. You may also notice wood shavings or sawdust near the base of affected areas. If the damage continues, these holes can become entry points for water or pests, compounding the issue. The telltale tapping sound is another clear sign, often heard in the early morning or throughout the day.
If you’ve spotted any of these indicators, it’s time to act. Alberta Parging specializes in repairing such damage, particularly for stucco and other exterior surfaces. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen; quick intervention can save your home from further harm.
How To Stop a Woodpecker from Destroying My House?
Stopping woodpeckers from damaging your home requires a combination of deterrents and preventive measures. Visual deterrents are among the most popular methods. Hanging reflective tape, aluminum foil, or even old CDs near the affected area can scare woodpeckers away. The bright flashes of light and movement mimic predator activity, making your house less appealing. Similarly, decoy predators like plastic owls or hawks can create the illusion of danger, though their placement needs to be changed regularly to remain effective.
For a more auditory approach, creating noise disturbances can help. Motion-activated sound devices or even something as simple as wind chimes can discourage woodpeckers from lingering. Over time, they’ll associate your property with an unpleasant environment and look elsewhere.
Covering damaged areas with metal flashing or replacing the wooden siding with more durable materials like fibre cement boards can also deter pecking. Woodpeckers prefer soft, natural wood, so giving them no surface to grip can make all the difference. Alberta Parging can assist with durable repair solutions, ensuring that your home is restored and reinforced against future damage.
Addressing Food Sources and Nesting Sites
If woodpeckers target your home for food, addressing their food source is essential. Inspect your siding and nearby trees for signs of insect infestations and consult a pest control service if needed. Removing dead or decayed wood on your property, such as tree branches or stumps, can also reduce their interest in the area.
Nesting woodpeckers requires a different approach. Sealing off potential nesting sites with wood filler, caulking, or wire mesh is effective, but it must be done carefully to avoid trapping birds inside. Bird netting is another excellent option. When properly installed, it creates a physical barrier that prevents woodpeckers from reaching your siding or soffits.
In some cases, providing an alternative nesting site can redirect their attention. Installing woodpecker nesting boxes on trees away from your home can give them a suitable space to roost, leaving your house untouched.
The Importance of Professional Help
While many homeowners attempt to tackle woodpecker issues on their own, some situations call for professional intervention. Persistent pecking can lead to serious damage, such as water leaks or compromised insulation. Alberta Parging’s expert repair services are designed to address these problems thoroughly, restoring both the appearance and structural integrity of your home.
Our team uses high-quality materials like Blueskin and diamond mesh for stucco and siding repairs, ensuring long-lasting results. We also provide preventative maintenance solutions tailored to your property, helping to deter future woodpecker activity.
Repairing Woodpecker Damage
Once the woodpeckers are repelled, proper repair becomes critical. These open holes or cracks often invite water seepage and may develop any rot or mould issues or even other pest problems afterward. Alberta Parging undertakes this type of professional woodpecker damage repair that covers several surfaces like stucco, wood, and composite. Our seamless restoration will restore your home’s appearance while protecting it further from additional damage.
By immediately fixing the damage, you will not have more costly repairs later. Whether it’s patching small holes or completely reinforcing entire sections of siding, our company ensures your home remains safe and sound.
Preventing Future Damage
Stopping a woodpecker from destroying your home doesn’t stop at just repairs. Long-term prevention is where the real key to a protected property lies. Regular inspections will let you know if a problem is developing so that you may act before the visible damage occurs. Regular maintenance, like sealing cracks or applying protective coatings, could make your home less appealing to woodpeckers.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, Alberta Parging’s team can provide expert advice and preventative solutions. From bird netting installations to siding upgrades, we’re committed to helping you safeguard your home reflective.
Conclusion
Woodpecker damage can be frustrating, but with the right strategies and professional support, it’s entirely manageable. Alberta Parging offers comprehensive repair and prevention services to address woodpecker damage in Calgary and surrounding areas. Whether you need immediate repairs or long-term solutions, our experienced team is here to help.
Don’t let woodpeckers take over your home. Contact Alberta Parging today for a free consultation for woodpecker damage or learn more about our specialized services, including foundation repair and stucco maintenance. Protect your home, restore its beauty, and enjoy peace of mind, knowing it’s in expert hands.
