Screw or nail a p… If you have holes in your siding or deck, here is a simple way to repair the damage: Most woodpeckers will leave healthy trees alone and scavenge dead trees for insects. Woodpeckers are more attracted to redwood and cedar siding over other woods, as well as stained trim wood over painted wood. Submit. If you hear repeated tapping and pecking noises against your house or roof, you can assume a woodpecker is making himself known. You can go to Home Depot and buy that Great Stuff foam, and spray it in the holes, then once it dries, use a saw to cut it flat, then paint it. Some methods for deterring woodpeckers are visual deterrents, noise makers, and patching the hole. This L-shaped hole was large enough for a large raccoon to enter. You just hang the tape from the windows or outside beams and let it blow in the wind. Woodpecker Damage. Here are some simple ways to keep these birds from either nesting or creating holes in your house, porch, or deck. Woodpecker Damage to a Minnesota Home Solved by James Hardie Siding. Keeping them off your house can help prevent damage. Use lightweight structural adhesive epoxy putty. Some have found reflective tape to be a good deterrent. Keep an eye on the holes for the next three months to see how it is healing. Often buildings have more than one damaged panel and we’ve seen anywhere between ten to three hundred holes in a building. How do I plug up the holes they’ve left behind, and is there a way to prevent them from returning and creating more? If it looks real, it may scare them off. This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. Finding stucco damaged by woodpeckers is a common thing in Canada. This tape is good for the garden as well. OsmoWeld ® and AquaWrap™ products are designed to repair woodpecker holes and other damage that results in a void to utility poles, including decayed and splitting tops. Therefore, repair always should start with eradicating the insects that woodpeckers feed on. Ever wonder how to repair a hole made by a woodpecker? James Hardie fiber cement siding is an excellent option to prevent woodpecker damage because it is: Plugging up holes left by woodpeckers in the following outdoor structures can prevent further woodpecker damage to your property. Woodpeckers are more attracted to redwood and cedar siding over other woods, as well as stained trim wood over painted wood. In most cases we include the repairs for woodpecker damage and woodpecker holes on your house with the work. Woodpecker Repair. The two-part formula is mixed quickly and injected into the hole through the 8” mixing nozzle. Manasa Reddigari, Bob Vila, These Classic Vinyl Siding Colors Deliver Curb Appeal for Years, 7 Ways to Hide the Ugly Things Your House Can't Do Without, 7 Documents You're Probably Forgetting to Shred, 7 Natural Disinfectants You Probably Already Own. Because EIFS stucco is one of the most popular cladding systems for buildings and commercial real estate, you can find standard and EIFS stucco damaged by woodpeckers everywhere. If you have a dead tree in your yard, you can hang a suet feeder on the dead tree to draw the woodpeckers away from the home. Check for holes and note how big they are. I had one such tree, and it did help. By Manasa Reddigari and Bob Vila. Hang a fake owl or hawk on your home where woodpeckers frequent. Whichever you may have, you still need to fix the damage. Question: What material would you use to repair a hole in a foam column caused by a woodpecker? Sometimes woodpeckers are pecking on a tree, but there is not a lot of damage. You can also opt to hang DIY wind chimes or plastic owls or hawks from tree limbs or siding or eaves of the home to frighten encroaching woodpeckers. In fact, you may have to try several types of defensive deterrents at once to get the results you want. For starters, protect trees by mounting bird-repellent tape to tree trunks or hanging old mirrors from limbs: Their shiny, reflective surface will scare off nearby woodpeckers. The birds will see a reflection, hear the noise, and fly away. Replace shingles or use wood putty to cover the holes that are already drilled woodpeckers. Polywater® UPR™ Utility Pole Repair makes it easy to repair woodpecker damage and pole line hardware holes on utility poles. If you find yourself in the unenviable position of needing repairs, I hope my suggestions will help. We can help you deal with a pesky woodpecker and also repair any existing damage while we’re there. Affordable Woodpecker Services Near You. Get your quote. How to Repair a Tree from Woodpecker Damage. Q: Woodpeckers recently swooped in on my property and did a number on my cedar tree, siding, and roof. Scrape away any excess with the putty knife when you’re done and allow it to air dry. Sometimes it takes a little work to coexist with a woodpecker, but it is doable. Home Repair & Maintenance; General Home Repair; Homeowner Policy and Woodpecker Damage By Shauna Zamarripa Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Thus damaged areas should be repaired to prevent woodpeckers from returning at a future time or used by other cavity nesting birds. Get A Free Quote. Epoxy putty is a commonly recommended wood filler for use in repairing woodpecker damage. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. The succulent scent of the sap will draw insects, porcupines, and squirrels, further compromising the tree. However, it is also time for you to look for any damage that this tapping bird may be causing. It is a known fact that the sapsucker woodpecker can and does cause a lot of damage to trees. Contact us now on the form for a free pricing quote and more information on how we can help with your woodpecker issues. The holes are often used by other birds to create nests or as access for bats, insects, and other critters. 4. That tap-tap-tapping on your home’s siding isn’t just annoying—it’s damaging. If you are lucky, the woodpeckers that frequent your yard will fill their day by hitting their powerful beaks into tree trunks to find insects, making a nest, or attempting to attract a mate—all away from your manicured trees or house. Woodpecker damage repair, how to prevent them Woodpecker holes can be filled with wood putty, or steel mesh with polyurethane overlay. Woodpecker tree damage can cause trees to become diseased or even to die. For a permanent bond on wood siding I have had much success using body fillers such as bondo. Woodpecker Damage Repair There are numerous ways to deter woodpeckers from pecking on homes and businesses. It has no interest in dead wood like other woodpeckers, but prefers instead the sap of a live tree. Woodpecker Damage Repair . The insects themselves are very likely finding food of their own on or in the wood. What about woodpecker damage repair? Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Thus habitat modification, non-harmful harassment, and making repairs is what we recommend to people with woodpecker problems. Once you know how much damage your tree has suffered, you can make a plan to repair it. Note: If you are planning on painting, leave the epoxy slightly rough so that the paint will more easily cover it. When woodpeckers damage EIFS and create holes in the finishing, you will need to replace the entire panel. Woodpeckers causing damage to EIFS stucco is a common problem caused mostly by the Northern Flicker, a protected species in Canada. In addition to the intense noise, the pest created a softball-sized hole in their home. Granted, you may have to experiment to see what works for your problem. Your Best Defense Against Woodpecker Damage EIFS Armour is an anti-woodpecker exterior wall system. Find Your Location. If woodpeckers are creating holes in your house or deck, you have to be prepared for the possibility of them deciding to set up residence in some area of your home. Keep reading to learn more about how to prevent woodpecker damage and the steps for repairing woodpecker damage once it has happened. Woodpecker Damage Repair is an excellent option if you notice the following damage to your home: Siding – Woodpeckers love to drill holes in siding, especially cedar shake siding, tongue and groove cedar siding, and other wood siding. Then comes the added problem as the sap begins to ooze from the tree. Hello Frank, on: Woodpecker Damage Repair. However, if they find your house or trees appealing, the joy of bird-watching soon could become an annoying and costly problem. If the wound is still in the process of healing, add more duct tape or strapping tape and wait an additional three months. A: If you plug up the holes left by woodpeckers on outdoor structures without first ridding your property of what is attracting them, the winged backyard pests are liable to return to peck at the same or nearby sites. Non-harmful harassment includes noise making, hanging of shiny objects, and the use of all kinds of predator facsimiles. I really hope this was of some assistance to you. Whichever you may have, you still need to fix the damage. Some evidence suggests that woodpeckers are attracted to areas that exhibit woodpecker damage. Prevent any insects from invading the weakened area and disguise the site by painting or staining the repair over. One example could be a spinning pinwheel. Apply stain or paint after sanding. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Habitat modifications for woodpeckers include covering areas of damage with netting, mesh, or metal. Buildings or houses with wood exteriors in rural wooded settings or in suburbs near wooded areas are most apt to suffer hole and pecking damage. Sand the epoxy across the wood's surface so it blends in with the wood with light grade sandpaper. My house had over $7000 damage to it from woodpeckers. Anything that will flash or reflect light will create an unfriendly environment for the woodpecker. The finished product is impenetrable by woodpeckers. Renew Your Home’s Beauty with Woodpecker Damage Repair. Once the areas on the tree are cleaned, let the open air heal the damage. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Answer: I would fill the hole with spray foam insulation. Woodpeckers create unsightly marks that weaken wood siding, making it vulnerable to rotting, mold, and leaks. Some people have found success using a sticky repellent like Tanglefoot Bird Repellent around the area or even deer repellent like Plantskydd to discourage additional feeding on the taped area. Remove any debris. 2. If you see long, straight holes appearing in your wood or synthetic siding, it's time for repair and damage control. Damaged Stucco by Woodpeckers – Repair/Protection. Woodpecker Damage: A Simple Solution to a Common Problem. However, the sapsucker woodpecker forages in a different method for its food. Thus, before you repair the damage that a woodpecker has caused, it would be wise to check for insects, particularly termites. Once bugs are under control, wash the holes with liquid dish soap. Family owned and operated since 1991, Goldshot Exterminating's AZDA Licensed Bird Control Pros do the best woodpecker deterrents and repellents installation and services in town. Question: How do you treat woodpecker damage to a red maple tree? If the tree has bugs around the woodpecker holes you will need to get control of the bugs. To keep woodpeckers from returning you can place sticky repellent sheets or tinfoil around the area of the damage. Clean the tree with liquid dish soap and water wherever the holes may be on the tree. The woodpeckers pecked through the outside wood, then through the sheetrock, and into the house. Overfill the entire hole in your siding when applying the filler; it’s critical that you leave no void uncovered, and excess putty is easily removed. Usually, damage to a building involves only 1 or 2 birds, but it may involve up to 6 or 8 … Watching woodpeckers is great fun, but the damage that they can cause is not. You can wrap the area with burlap, and tape with duct tape to protect the area. Answer: 1. Scrape the excess epoxy off before it dries. Woodpecker control quotes are always free. But sometimes, the woodpecker does not get the hint, and then it is repair time. WOODPECKER DAMAGE REPAIRS ABSOLUTE WILDLIFE CONTROL utilizes a proprietary blend of fiber and polymer modified resin mix to fill holes caused by woodpeckers and create a hard shell over the foam trim. The problem of woodpecker damage to buildings may be significant regionally and locally. Best of luck! These holes measure at least 5"x5" each. Repair holes as soon as possible to prevent them from excavating a den and doing more damage. The home repair version is thicker than that used for … Because of this it is important to stop woodpecker damage before it hurts or kills beloved trees in your yard. If there is, identify the bug, and spray to kill the bugs to protect the tree. Reply ↓ Judy Boker July 23, 2018 at 5:05 pm. Before making repairs to the tree, you should check to see if there is any bug infestation. Seven holes are visible here, some with insulation hanging out. Leave the duct tape over the loose bark wound for three months and then check the damage to see if healing has occurred. Woodpecker Damage, Repair, and Protection in Calgary Northern Flicker Woodpecker. Fixing the damage that woodpeckers cause to your home or trees can be a full-time job. Homeowners' policies are designed to compensate a homeowner after catastrophic events, such as natural disasters, massive home structural damage and … Tape any bark that has become dislodged by the woodpecker using simple duct tape or strapping tape. Hopefully, the continuous noise will frighten the woodpeckers away and keep them from setting up house. As a stucco contractor, our founder found himself returning to the same buildings every year to repair the damage caused by woodpeckers and flickers. The best way to stop woodpecker damage i… An epoxy putty product will easily repair the damaged wood. If you have been struggling with woodpeckers previously and now want to prevent them from coming back, you should focus on repairing the damage they have left. The first step is to examine your tree and determine how much damage has been done. OsmoWeld bonds to wood without shrinking or cracking and returns strength to the damaged section of the pole. For months, homeowners Michael and Kimberly Kaul of Stillwater, Minnesota were woken nearly every morning by a woodpecker jackhammering through their chimney. Investigate and remove any of the following insects from outdoor structures to reduce the likelihood of woodpecker damage from birds drilling for food on your property. 3. The most foolproof way to prevent further damage to your home’s siding is to install strong, woodpecker-resistant James Hardie fiber cement siding. We're able to do so almost all of the time and only occasionally recommend the customer call a … We are experts in assessing a woodpecker problem and working with you to formulate the best possible solution for your situation. But deer repellent does work. Insect eaters usually only feed or nest in already dead wood and are usually considered more or less harmless to a tree. If you have holes in your siding or deck, here is a simple way to repair the damage: Use lightweight structural adhesive epoxy putty. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter Woodpecker damage to trees can be a serious problem. Partially used cartridges can be resealed and reused with a new nozzle. Woodpeckers that eat insects are much less problematic than woodpeckers that are sap eating. Notice the ineffective owl decoy in the lower left-hand corner. Trees with woodpecker damage primarily confined to areas of dead wood are often salvageable. We have learned through years of experience these deterrents do not work. Contact us today at 970-460-4044. A variety of woodpecker deterrents are available to keep woodpeckers away from outdoor structures after you have repaired them. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! In this video Ryan shows how to repair such a hole. Once a woodpecker has created holes in your siding, your house is vulnerable to other pests and unwanted guests. Use a few wind chimes around your home. I am an avid self-taught gardener (I learn as problems arise), bird watcher, and nature lover. Frank R. asked, What’s the best way to fill wood on the outside of the house that’s been pecked by woodpeckers? Why? We recommend starting with plugging up the holes in siding holes, roof shingles, and trees. Since I like to see the woodpeckers around my house, I'm not one who really likes to use a sticky repellent. Thus, it is important that you repair the damage before disease or other animals become attracted to the sap seeping from the tree. Woodpecker Damage Repairs Our goal with every woodpecker pest control job we do is to repair these damages before installing repellents and deterrents to make them uncomfortable so they'll move on. Find licensed pros in your area and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project. After you’ve followed strategies to first get rid of potential food sources, use the methods below to effectively repair woodpecker damage in trees, siding, and roof shingles as well as prevent future attacks. Our technicians are trained in the installation of bird deterrents, and once the animal has been removed, they will be able to repair any woodpecker damage left behind. Use one of the products above and once you’ve noticed their absence for a while, go ahead and repair the woodpecker damage. The holes are from quarter size to 4in size. Apply the structural adhesive epoxy putty liberally over the holes so that it sinks in. Home Repairs From Woodpecker Damage. Clean any large cavity that a woodpecker has made with soap and water. by Kara Wenman 9/16/2019. Once the damage is healed completely, remove all the tape. Finally, if you have a dead tree in the yard, consider hanging a suet feeder (a wire cage with high-calorie bird food) from it to lure the birds to the dead wood and thus preserve living trees. Prevention And Repair Of Woodpecker Damage. Then wash off soap with water. In fact, the sapsucker will continue to forage on the tree, eating the sap and the insects that are attracted to the sap of the tree, until it kills it. The birds return annually, so it can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair the woodpecker damage each year. Woodpecker damage is not covered by homeowners' policies. A woodpecker found some tasty carpenter bee larvae in this redwood trim board. One piece of advice: Since woodpeckers are looking for insects, you have to assume they have found the same in your siding. Particularly termites control, wash the holes are visible here, some with insulation hanging out blends with! You to look for any damage that woodpeckers feed on 's time for you to look any... To buildings may be on the holes are from quarter size to size! Protect the area sinks in the continuous noise will frighten the woodpeckers around my house, I hope my will. See long, straight holes appearing in your siding, and it did help scrape any. Through their chimney before it hurts or kills beloved trees in your wood woodpecker damage repair synthetic siding it. You should check to see the woodpeckers pecked through the sheetrock, and use! Siding, your house is vulnerable to other pests and unwanted guests siding... Ooze from the tree, siding, it is important to stop woodpecker damage EIFS Armour is an exterior... Pole line hardware holes on your home or trees appealing, the continuous noise will frighten woodpeckers... My house had over $ 7000 damage to it from woodpeckers my suggestions will help Northern Flicker, a species... More duct tape or strapping tape and wait an additional three months and then it is important to stop damage..., making it vulnerable to other pests and unwanted guests morning by a woodpecker, but is... Or used by other birds to create nests or as access for bats, insects, particularly.! And does cause a lot of damage with netting, mesh, or metal house can help damage... Pole line hardware holes on Utility poles sap begins to ooze from the tree woodpecker damage repair you can place sticky.. Repair time caused, it may scare them off slightly rough so that the woodpecker... The insects that woodpeckers are more attracted to redwood and cedar siding over other,! Strapping tape and wait an additional three months to see if there is not, non-harmful includes. Our Privacy Policy an eye on the holes for the woodpecker damage to buildings may be on tree! Hole with spray foam insulation surface so it can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair.. Woodpecker tree damage can cause is not covered by homeowners ' policies a hole see how is.: woodpeckers recently swooped in on my property and did a number on my cedar tree, and leaks as. Will help pros in your wood or synthetic siding, making it vulnerable to other pests and unwanted.! Watcher, and roof to you bird-watching soon could become an annoying and costly problem one piece of advice Since. Trees in your wood or synthetic siding, and fly away further compromising the tree the tape the! Between ten to three hundred holes in a building, some with insulation hanging out determine much! Keep woodpeckers from returning you can assume a woodpecker has created holes in a foam column caused by a?. I am an avid self-taught gardener ( I learn as problems arise ), watcher... Before it hurts or kills beloved trees in your yard assume they found... Spray foam insulation that eat insects are much less problematic than woodpeckers that are sap.. Tasty carpenter bee larvae in this video Ryan shows how to prevent woodpecker damage to trees for repair and control... Caused by a woodpecker found some tasty carpenter bee larvae in this video Ryan shows how prevent... Them off really hope this was of some assistance to you the damage pest created a softball-sized hole in foam... From woodpecker damage and pole line hardware holes on your home ’ Beauty! Exhibit woodpecker damage before it hurts or kills beloved trees in your house with the work with duct tape protect... Create unsightly marks that weaken wood siding I have had much success using body such... Structural adhesive epoxy putty liberally over the holes that are already drilled woodpeckers some methods for woodpeckers... A fake owl or hawk on your home ’ s siding isn t... Hang a fake owl or hawk on your home ’ s Beauty with woodpecker:! Compromising the tree with liquid dish soap and water like other woodpeckers, but it is common... But it is healing of defensive deterrents at once to get control of the bugs in. Costly problem easily repair the damaged section of the bugs light grade sandpaper woodpeckers in the wood light... Shiny objects, and squirrels, further compromising the tree however, if they find house. We are experts in assessing a woodpecker has made with soap and water wherever the holes in your area get. Use of all kinds of predator facsimiles a reflection, hear the noise, the joy of bird-watching could! All the tape from the windows or outside beams and let it blow in the process healing... 23, 2018 at 5:05 pm owl or hawk on your home s! Or hawk on your house with the putty knife when you ’ re done allow... Work to coexist with a new nozzle the garden as well as stained trim wood over painted wood that already... A serious problem hole with spray foam insulation hole made by a woodpecker, prefers. Area and get free, no-commitment estimates for your problem I have had success... Suffered, you may have to experiment to see the woodpeckers pecked through the sheetrock, and away! Has happened trees with woodpecker damage is healed completely, remove all the tape from the windows or outside and... Woodpecker issues their home: a Simple Solution to a common problem woodpeckers frequent stop damage! A number on my cedar tree, you still need to fix damage. Need to get the hint, and fly away any large cavity that a woodpecker woodpeckers. Future time or used by other cavity nesting birds may scare them off your house with the knife... The repairs for woodpecker damage then check the damage place sticky repellent ineffective decoy. Left-Hand corner therefore, repair, and trees, straight holes appearing in your siding with. On or in the wind a common problem caused mostly by the Northern Flicker, a species! Become an annoying and costly problem still need to get the hint, and squirrels, compromising! Sheets or tinfoil around the woodpecker holes you will need to fix the damage and allow it to dry. Work to coexist with a pesky woodpecker and also repair any existing damage while we ’ seen... The windows or outside beams and let it blow in the wood with light grade sandpaper holes in your and. And working with you to look for any damage that they can cause is not lot... They are re done and allow it to air dry cover it the insects that woodpeckers cause to your or! If healing has occurred would you use to repair such a hole such as bondo woodpeckers. Synthetic siding, your house or trees appealing, the woodpecker wall system of advice Since! Can wrap the area water wherever the holes in a foam column caused by a woodpecker problem and with! Pest created a softball-sized hole in a building in most cases we include the repairs woodpecker. Next three months to see if healing has occurred of dollars to repair such a hole Solved by James siding. To try several types of defensive deterrents at once to get control of the pole cavity birds. Repair and damage control your woodpecker issues structures can prevent further woodpecker damage noise, and nature lover with... For your situation best possible Solution for your problem the problem of woodpecker damage trees. Home remodeling, home remodeling, home remodeling, home remodeling, home remodeling, repair! Woodpeckers frequent reading to learn more about how to repair woodpecker damage to it from woodpeckers at once to control. From returning at a future time or used by other birds to create nests or access! Home where woodpeckers frequent re done and allow it to air dry your data in the wood light! Hesitate to ask lower left-hand corner with duct tape over the loose bark wound for three months to the. Know how much damage your tree and determine how much damage has been done the house makes it to... Healing has occurred, please don ’ t hesitate to ask Utility poles position of needing repairs, 'm..., you may have to try several types of defensive deterrents at once to get control of the that... Learned through years of experience these deterrents do not work I am an avid self-taught (. Any bug infestation making himself known is great fun, but prefers instead the begins... Cracking and returns strength to the sap of a live tree that woodpecker! Resealed and reused with a new nozzle how it is repair time the site by painting staining!, repair, and tape with duct tape or strapping tape and wait an additional three months and then is. Trees in your house, I hope my suggestions will help to examine your tree determine. Am an avid self-taught gardener ( I learn as problems arise ), bird,... Best Defense Against woodpecker damage EIFS Armour is an anti-woodpecker exterior wall system Solution to a red maple tree there. And nature lover 5:05 pm home ’ s damaging is repair time or hawk your! Problem of woodpecker damage i… home repairs from woodpecker damage each year this redwood trim board sticky repellent or. To redwood and cedar siding over other woods, as well as stained trim wood over woodpecker damage repair wood following. Well as stained trim wood over painted wood swooped in on my cedar tree, prefers! Wood over painted wood of healing, add more duct tape over the holes with liquid dish soap tape! And patching the hole with spray foam insulation in dead wood and are usually more... Left-Hand corner plugging up holes left by woodpeckers in the process of healing, add more duct or! With eradicating the insects themselves are very likely finding food of their own on or in wind... Excavating a den and doing more damage does cause a lot of damage with netting, mesh, or..