“Knock Knock… It’s a Woodpecker: Preventing and Repairing Woodpecker Damage in Wisconsin”

In the quiet of a Wisconsin morning, the sharp rapping of a woodpecker might seem charming—until you realize it’s drilling into your cedar siding or damaging your favorite shade tree. Woodpeckers, while an important part of our ecosystem, can become a serious nuisance when they decide your home or landscape is their next project.



At BugBoss The X-Terminator, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners across Northern Wisconsin prevent and manage woodpecker damage before it leads to costly repairs. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Woodpeckers Peck Your Property

Woodpeckers aren’t just making noise for fun. Their pecking serves three main purposes:

• Foraging: Searching for insects, especially carpenter bees and larvae under wood siding or bark.
• Nesting: Creating cavities to lay eggs—often in soft or weathered wood.
• Territorial drumming: Males tap rhythmically to attract mates or warn rivals.

Unfortunately, your home’s siding or trim can be the perfect substitute for a tree trunk.

Common Signs of Woodpecker Damage

• Small, round holes in vertical rows on siding
• Large cavities in wood trim or fascia boards
• Bark stripped or damaged on trees
• Unusual noise early in the morning

If left untreated, these holes can lead to insect infestations, water damage, and even structural issues.

How to Prevent Woodpecker Damage

1. Eliminate Insect Attractants
Woodpeckers often show up when there’s a buffet of insects behind your siding. Regular pest control services can help remove the food source—and the birds that follow.

2. Visual Deterrents
Reflective tape, plastic owls, or even old CDs hung on fishing line can startle woodpeckers and make your property less appealing.

3. Physical Barriers
Installing bird netting or hardware cloth over frequently targeted areas can stop pecking without harming the birds.

4. Use Repellents

Non-toxic bird gels and sprays are available, though they’re best used in combination with other deterrents for lasting results.

When to Call the Pros

Woodpecker damage isn’t just cosmetic. If they’ve broken through siding or found an insect infestation behind your walls, it’s time to bring in a professional. BugBoss The X-Terminator offers integrated pest and bird control solutions—we eliminate the bugs that attract woodpeckers and help prevent their return with safe, humane methods.

Don’t Let a Woodpecker Wreck Your Home

If you’ve spotted signs of pecking or just want to protect your home before it happens, contact BugBoss The X-Terminator today. We’re Wisconsin’s trusted choice for pest prevention and wildlife control—no gimmicks, just results.

Call us now for an inspection or woodpecker deterrent consultation.