| I've had experience with woodpeckers, too, so I did a little research. Male birds do everything they can to attract a mate, including beating on the biggest drum in the forest. By pecking at your house he's sending the message that he can make the loudest noise (and must therefore be the most virile of all the woodpeckers in the neighborhood). You'll need to discourage this activity early on or the woodpecker will just keep coming back to the same spot to send his messages. I've had success just squirting the bird with the hose as soon as he starts his banging. It's inconvenient and annoying to have to keep running out to hose him down - sometimes several times a night - but eventually he gives up and finds a drier drum to bang. If hosing him down isn't an option, you'll need to construct a temporary barrier, perhaps of chicken wire or criss-crossed fishing line, over the place the woodpecker frequents. Hope you're able to dissuade your feathered friend! |
