Downy woodpeckers pecking houses is a relatively common occurrence, especially in the winter months when food sources become more scarce. Though frustrating, there are some simple reasons that explain this behavior that can help homeowners find solutions.
The downy woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America, identifiable by its black and white coloration and small size of 5-7 inches. It is found throughout the United States and southern Canada year-round. Downy woodpeckers typically feed on insects like beetle larvae, ants, bees, caterpillars and spiders which they find while probing and pecking trees. They also eat fruits, seeds and sap.
During winter when insects are less active and fruit is scarce, downy woodpeckers will often turn to pecking houses as a substitute food source. The sounds of pecking are a way woodpeckers search for food, identify territories and attract mates. Here are some of the main reasons a downy woodpecker may be pecking your house and tips for deterring them humanely.
Looking for Food
Downy woodpeckers peck houses in search of insects to eat. They are especially attracted to houses with wood trim, siding or shutters infested with carpenter bees, termites, beetle larvae or other wood-boring insects. The vibrations of pecking help the birds locate them. Once a downy woodpecker finds insects in your wood trim, it will keep returning.
Establishing Territory
During mating seasons, downy woodpeckers, particularly males, will peck houses as a way to establish and define their territory. The loud, repetitive drumming communicates that this area is occupied. It also serves to attract a mate. This territorial pecking is often mistaken for feeding behavior but serves a different purpose.
Searching for Nest Sites
In springtime when they are getting ready to nest, downy woodpeckers may rap on houses to search for potential cavity nesting sites. Though they usually nest in dead trees, they will sometimes excavate nest holes in the wooden trim, siding or structures of homes, barns and sheds, especially if alternative sites are limited.
Drumming for Communication
Downy woodpeckers routinely tap on surfaces like houses to communicate, attract mates and make their presence known. This drumming behavior serves social purposes beyond just foraging for food. The woodpeckers choose loud surfaces like metal gutters, chimneys and walls because they amplify the sound to maximize communication range.
Why Pecking Can Damage a House
When a downy woodpecker pecks a house, its sharp beak strikes the surface up to 20 times per second. This can begin to damage wood trim, shingles, siding and other areas over time if the pecking persists. Some of the potential damages include:
– Holes drilled into wood surfaces that can allow moisture damage.
– Chipped or pecked paint that exposes the wood underneath to weathering.
– Damage around window frames that degrades caulking and weatherproofing.
– Holes enabling other pests like bees, wasps or bats to enter and colonize the house.
– Nest cavities excavated into siding or trim.
– Damage to finishes like stucco that are chipped away by pecking.
Without stopping the pecking behavior, woodpeckers can progressively cause costly damages to houses. It is best to take action as soon as pecking is noticed before it escalates or causes structural issues.
Deterring Downy Woodpeckers
Here are some effective and humane methods to stop downy woodpeckers from pecking on houses:
Remove Food Sources
Eliminating any insects, grubs or other food sources that are attracting the woodpecker to peck your house will remove their motivation. Exterminating carpenter bees, repairing infested wood trim, cleaning gutters and filling cavities with silicone or caulk can discourage pecking.
Use Visual Repellents
Downy woodpeckers are wary of novel, unfamiliar objects. Placing colorful aluminum foil strips, reflective tape, fake owls or rubber snakes along frequently pecked areas can scare them off. Moving and adding new repellents periodically is important so they do not become accustomed. Motion-activated decorations may also be effective.
Apply Physical Barriers
Covering or obstructing areas that are being pecked with hardware cloth, metal sheeting, wire mesh or even plywood can provide a physical barrier between the woodpecker and your house. This is one of the most effective solutions, but may be unsightly. Make sure any covered holes do not house active nests before sealing them up permanently.
Use Acoustic Deterrents
Since downy woodpeckers rely heavily on drumming to communicate, acoustic deterrents that generate loud, inconsistent sounds can discourage them. Wind chimes near pecking sites, ultrasonic bird control devices or recordings of distressed bird calls may ward them off.
Apply Chemical Bird Repellents
Non-toxic chemical repellents containing methyl anthranilate can be applied directly to frequently pecked surfaces. The smell and taste bother birds and cause them to avoid treated areas. Reapply after rain or snow. Follow product directions carefully.
Scare with Sounds and Motion
Scaring a downy woodpecker each time it attempts to peck is a behavior modification technique. Make loud noises by banging pots together, shouting or using an airhorn when you see pecking. Sprinkling cayenne pepper or spraying water are other harmless startling methods. Be persistent and consistent.
Use Traps as a Last Resort
Live trapping downy woodpeckers with a baited cage, then relocating them at least 5 miles away can permanently deter problem birds. However, this approach is labor-intensive, may be prohibited in some areas, and risks trapping non-target species. Only use trapping after all other methods have failed.
Preventing Woodpeckers from Returning
Implementing permanent solutions after successfully deterring downy woodpeckers can help prevent their return and avoid ongoing problems:
– Install metal sheeting, wire mesh or wire cages around frequently pecked areas.
– Seal up any cavities or nest sites in siding/trim with caulk, silicone, foam, wood patches, etc.
– Treat infested wood with insecticides to remove food sources.
– Use flexible sealant around window frames and other joints vulnerable to moisture and pest entry.
– Keep gutters clean and ensure proper drainage to avoid insect infestations.
– Attach polycarbonate plastic sheeting over damaged areas.
– Paint pecked surfaces – the gloss deters birds. Change color schemes they may be used to.
– Cover particularly problematic walls with siding less attractive to birds, like vinyl, brick or stone.
– Plant trees/shrubs to discourage woodpeckers near the house – they prefer more open foraging areas.
Summary
Downy woodpeckers occasionally peck houses, especially in winter, due to their natural behaviors of searching for food and habitats. While annoying, the pecking damage can become severe if allowed to continue. There are many effective humane options for deterring them without harming the birds. Removing attractants, installing barriers, applying repellents and scaring consistently when pecking starts are the best initial strategies. Permanently modifying vulnerable areas after successfully discouraging the birds will help prevent recurring problems in the future. With patience and persistence, downy woodpecker damage can be stopped and your house saved from their pecking behavior!