- 1). Deaden the sound the hammering makes on the siding by adding padding or caulk to resonant areas. To the woodpecker, loud drumming is more effective at establishing its territory, which is most common in the spring.
- 2). Place a plastic owl near the site of siding damage. Owls are natural predators. To be effective, however, the owl must be moved frequently, as the woodpeckers will soon become used to its presence in one place.
- 3). String reflective tape near the damage site. Tape has the distinct advantage in that it will move, thus preventing woodpeckers from acclimating to its presence. Be aware that placing tape may require stapling or nailing to the siding surface.
- 4). Place handheld windmills near the home. As with reflective tape, the motion acts as deterrent. Windmills with reflective surfaces work best.
- 5). Use a woodpecker's own instincts to thwart damage. Recordings of stress calls and predator calls can be an effective natural control. Calls from bird-eating hawks are most effective.
- 6). Offer other food sources. Set up suet or other feeders well away from the house to lure woodpeckers away from siding. Feeders offer an easier alternative for getting food.
- 7). Repair damaged siding. Woodpeckers bore into surfaces looking for insects typically because the wood is damaged already. Repair or replace any siding that woodpeckers have targeted. Plug up any existing holes.
- 8). Control insect populations. Woodpeckers will hammer on trees and other surfaces, then listen for insect activity. If woodpeckers are attacking your siding, take it as a clue that insects may be an issue.
- 9). Install a motion detector, which can be set up to sound when it detects the motion of a woodpecker near the house. This method prevents acclimation, but may not be feasible in all areas.
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