Woodpeckers communicate with each other by drumming on hard surfaces.  The constant, loud, rhythmic noise is meant to announce territory or to attract a mate. Not only can woodpeckers be extremely annoying, they can cause serious damage to your home, especially if they are looking to nest. Discouraging woodpeckers is often challenging as they are very territorial and persistent. There are also federal regulations in place, as woodpeckers are protected under the North American Migratory Bird Act. If you think you might have a problem with this nuisance bird, contact us today to schedule a free inspection of your home, we’re here to help!

 Why Do Woodpeckers Drum On Your Home?

They are searching for insects.  Though insects are not the only source of food for woodpeckers, their presence on the exterior of your home is enough to attract them.  If you have cedar shakes, a log cabin, barns or other wooden structures, it’s a good idea to regularly inspect your dwelling for the presence of bugs.

They are making their territory. This is the action that is commonly referred to as drumming. The sound of a woodpecker hammering away on a surface carries quite a long distance.  When the woodpecker drums, they are communicating with others of their species, often times seeking a mate.  Their drumming serves a similar purpose to singing songbirds.

They are creating cavities for nesting. Woodpeckers excavate spaces in a way that resembles an upside down ‘L’. They chisel away a large enough circle at the entrance and peck away at the inner structure to create a horizontal tunnel that leads to a vertical cavity. This behavior is the most common cause of damage to a structure.

Woodpeckers are a Gateway Pest.

What we mean is, there could be a problem larger than just their nuisance noise. The holes in your structure caused by drumming, foraging and nesting make it easy for other pests to enter.  These holes in buildings could provide access to the likes of squirrels, spiders, mice, bats or bees, or even other birds. It is important that before your home turns into a wildlife habitat you rid yourself of the Woodpeckers as soon as possible.