When it comes to maintaining the exterior of your home, it’s not just the elements that can pose a threat. You may also encounter wildlife, particularly the persistent and potentially damaging woodpecker. These creatures, although fascinating, can cause significant harm to your home’s siding. In this article, we will discuss ways to keep woodpeckers at bay and preserve the integrity of your home’s siding.
Why Woodpeckers Attack Wood Siding
Woodpeckers, specifically, are attracted to wood siding for a few reasons. The most common reason is that wood siding provides food for them. The birds peck at the wood to uncover insects and larvae living underneath the surface.
Secondly, woodpeckers may also target your siding as part of their territorial behaviour. The ‘drumming’ noise they create when pecking is a way for them to communicate their presence to other woodpeckers. Moreover, these birds might also choose your siding to create nesting holes.
The Problems Created by Woodpecker Damage
While the pecking of woodpeckers might seem insignificant initially, the cumulative effect can lead to several issues. First and foremost, the holes made by these birds can compromise the aesthetic appeal of your home. The consistent pecking and drilling of holes can damage the surface and structure of your siding.
In addition to the aesthetic damage, the holes made by woodpeckers can also cause functional problems. They expose your home to the elements and can lead to potential moisture damage, mold growth, and rotting of the wood, leading to costly repairs. Insects and other pests can also use these holes as entry points into your home.
How to Keep Woodpeckers Away from Your Siding: 3 Short-Term Tips
- Create a Deterrent: Visual deterrents can be effective in keeping woodpeckers away. Hang shiny objects like aluminum foil strips or old CDs near the affected areas, as the reflected light confuses and scares the birds away.
- Use Noise: Woodpeckers are sensitive to noise. A wind chime or a motion-activated sound device can discourage them from returning to your siding.
- Apply a Repellent: Special repellents designed to keep woodpeckers away can be applied to your siding. These are usually non-toxic and safe for other wildlife, making the area less appealing to woodpeckers.
Install Woodpecker Resistant Siding for a Long-Term Solution
While these short-term tips can offer temporary respite, the long-term solution lies in installing woodpecker-resistant siding. Alternatives to traditional wood sidings, such as Hardi-Plank, vinyl, cedar, and corrugated metal, can deter woodpeckers from attacking your home.
Hardi-Plank and vinyl siding are excellent options as they mimic the look of real wood but are made of durable materials that woodpeckers find difficult to penetrate. Cedar is naturally resistant to insects, thus reducing the woodpecker’s food source, while corrugated metal offers a robust and waterproof surface that deters pecking.
Conclusion
While woodpeckers are a natural part of our environment, their activity can significantly damage your home’s siding. However, you can protect your home from their persistent pecking with strategic deterrents and by choosing woodpecker-resistant siding.
At Phoenix Siding, we understand the challenges homeowners face with wildlife. Our experienced team can help you protect your home by installing woodpecker-resistant siding. We offer a wide range of durable, weather-resistant materials like Hardi-Plank, vinyl, cedar, and corrugated metal that protect your home and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Our range of services continues beyond siding. We also provide gutter installation, window replacement, and insulation services, all geared toward making your home more comfortable, energy-efficient, and beautiful. Trust Phoenix Siding to provide top-quality materials and professional installation services that stand up against the elements and wildlife alike. Contact us at 250-758-3818 today.
