Woodpeckers

Woodpecker Facts

Woodpeckers are found all over the world in various countries. Mating occurs in April all the way through June. Woodpeckers can live for up to 11 years in the wild. These noisy pests don’t eat wood, but rather peck holes into wood in search of insects to eat. Woodpeckers also eat nuts and berries when insects are not available.

Woodpecker Damage

Property owners need be wary of the woodpecker when it’s most active, which is typically between March and June. During this time, woodpecker will drum on trees to attract mates. In the holes they’ve drilled, they’ll begin to build nests. These nests may be found in trees and buildings, depending on the location. Woodpeckers tend to leave small dents in wood or metals while trying to roost. You’ll want to check around aluminum siding, chimneys, mailboxes, or any other hollowed-out space. When not drumming to attract mates, woodpeckers may be foraging for food. As they access food by drilling holes into trees, this causes further damage. Aside from woodpecker damage to your home, the most annoying aspect of the woodpecker is the noise the bird emits.

Woodpecker Infestation

Woodpeckers emit distinct sounds when pecking trees for food. You’ll either hear a steady beat like someone drumming when they are trying to attract mates, or you’ll hear a quick, whirring sound like a drill when they are looking for food. You’ll be able to spot large holes in trees or other wooden structures. Some of these holes can contain mating nests.

Types of Woodpeckers

Woodpecker Identification

There are different types of woodpeckers in the Northeastern United States. Common types of woodpeckers include the red-headed woodpecker, the great spotted woodpecker, and the down woodpecker.

Woodpeckers range in size. Some stand at only 6 1/2 inches tall. Larger species such as the pileated woodpecker can measure up to 19 1/2 inches in height.

Woodpeckers have thick skulls and extremely powerful neck muscles that allow them to deliver piercing blows to a tree without damaging organs. The tongue of a woodpecker is often covered with sticky saliva, or barbs. This allows them to grab ants and insect larvae from wood cracks and bark.

Woodpeckers on the Roof & in the Chimney

The tell-tale sign of these pests are their distinctive sounds and the holes they leave. It’s possible for them to damage trees, utility and telephone poles, and even homes or buildings. You usually won’t see much damage to aluminum or vinyl siding, but your fascia, which is usually made of wood can be riddled with holes from woodpeckers. Look for small holes in clusters along the fascia. Houses and buildings with vinyl or aluminum siding are generally protected from woodpecker damage. The only real nuisance a woodpecker can pose to an entirely aluminum or vinyl-sided house is the noise their drumming makes. It can be very repetitive and annoying during mating seasons. Females will do it to attract a mate.