Here’s Why Woodpeckers Peck on Wood (Plus How to Stop Them)

The secret meaning behind this unique (and loud) behavior

Co-authored by Elmer Bensinger

Last Updated: January 13, 2023 References

Why do woodpeckers drill into wood?

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Why do woodpeckers peck on metal?

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Why is a woodpecker hammering on my house?

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Getting a Woodpecker to Stop Pecking

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Tips

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Warnings

There’s no mistaking the distinctive hammering sound of a woodpecker; it’s impressive and irritating in equal measure! While it might feel like they’re doing all of that tapping just to annoy you, it’s actually essential for the bird’s survival. If you’re curious why a woodpecker is motivated to drill into wood, drum on metal, or hammer your house, we have the answers. And if you want to know how to stop the racket, we have pointers for that too!

Section 1 of 4:

Why do woodpeckers drill into wood?

1
They’re hungry! In many cases, woodpeckers are just hunting for a meal.^{[1]
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Research source} These birds dine on insects and larvae that hide out in damaged or diseased trees. Their favorite snacks include carpenter ants, leafcutter bees, termites, and carpenter bees.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds
Go to source}
- The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a woodpecker that drills holes for a tasty tree sap meal. They use their brush-tipped tongues to lick the sap as it leaks from the hole. Yummy!^{[3]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds
  Go to source}
2
They’re nesting. Woodpeckers create cozy cavities to nest in. They typically choose decaying trees, then excavate a large, round hole.^{[4]
X
Research source} This provides a safe place to lay their eggs that’s protected from the elements and predators.^{[5]
X
Research source} It may simply look like a dead tree to you, but to a woodpecker, it’s home sweet home!

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3
They’re communicating. What is a woodpecker saying when it drums on wood? Either, “Back off my turf!” or, “Hey, baby!” A strong drumming pattern is used to claim their territory or attract a mate.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds
Go to source}
- Drumming typically occurs during the late winter and early spring, when woodpeckers are actively establishing their territories and looking for love. Both male and female woodpeckers drum.^{[7]
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4
They’re stashing their snacks. Acorn Woodpeckers make small, round holes and then wedge acorns inside. If you see a tree or telephone pole covered in hundreds of fairly uniform holes, it’s probably the work of an Acorn Woodpecker!^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds
Go to source}

Section 2 of 4:

Why do woodpeckers peck on metal?

1
They’re claiming their territory. When woodpeckers drum on metal, the sound resonates more loudly than when they drum on wood. The booming echoes make the woodpecker sound like the biggest, baddest bird around, scaring off their competition.^{[9]
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Research source}
2
It’s a (very loud) pickup line. Unlike songbirds, woodpeckers don’t have a pretty melody to attract a partner.^{[10]
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Research source} Instead, they woo their mates by making as much noise as possible. So when a woodpecker finds a piece of metal to drum on, he’s more likely to get lucky.^{[11]
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Section 3 of 4:

Why is a woodpecker hammering on my house?

1
It’s hunting insects. If you notice small, irregular holes in your siding, there’s a good chance that you have an insect problem. Carpenter bees, termites, and carpenter ants are possible suspects. While it’s frustrating to have a woodpecker drilling holes in your house, at least the activity has alerted you to a potentially serious issue.^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds
Go to source}
- Call an exterminator to assess the damage and fix the underlying insect problem. At that point, the woodpeckers should fly off in search of more fertile hunting grounds.^{[13]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds
  Go to source}
2
It thinks your house looks like home. If you spot a woodpecker making a large, round hole in your house, this is a nest cavity. Unfortunately, woodpeckers can be difficult tenants to evict since the species is protected by law in many areas. Wait until the end of the breeding season to fix the damage.^{[14]
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- In the United States, Canada, and the UK, there can be fines or legal consequences for destroying an active woodpecker nest, damaging their eggs, or harming a woodpecker.^{[15]
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3
It’s hoarding food. Acorn Woodpeckers peck small holes by the hundreds, then tuck a single acorn into each one.^{[16]
X
Trustworthy Source
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds
Go to source} Or, they’ll wedge acorns beneath wooden shingles.^{[17]
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Research source}

Section 4 of 4:

Getting a Woodpecker to Stop Pecking

1
Hang bird netting. This is proven to be the most effective way to prevent damage to your home. Using hooks, hang netting from the eaves of your house all the way to the ground, leaving 3 inches of space between the netting and the wall. Stake the netting to the ground so woodpeckers can’t gain access.^{[18]
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- This can be a big project, but it consistently resolves the problem. You'll need to leave the netting up for at least 2-3 weeks, but you may wish to leave it up for the remainder of the season.^{[19]
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2
Wrap affected areas in chicken wire. If woodpeckers are drumming on your metal chimney cap, vents, or gutters, protect them with chicken wire or mesh hardware cloth. You can also wrap chicken wire around a tree to encourage woodpeckers to dine elsewhere.^{[20]
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3
Use reflective deterrents. Shiny items that move with the wind may frighten woodpeckers away. Hang CD’s or strips of aluminum foil to deter persistent pecking. Or, attach pinwheels next to the woodpecker’s favorite lunch spot.^{[21]
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4
Hang wind chimes. The noise of the chimes can trick a woodpecker into thinking there’s a predator on the prowl. Plus, the movement chimes make in the breeze scares off skittish birds. For best results, use metal chimes instead of chimes made of shells or wood.^{[22]
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5
Repair small holes promptly. Woodpeckers correctly assume that if a section of wood is covered in holes, there are probably insects hanging out inside. Replace or fix damaged siding quickly. Filling small holes with wood putty makes your house look less like a bug buffet.^{[23]
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Warnings

Skip the sticky repellents. They can cause fatal injuries to birds and other wildlife.^{[26]
X
Trustworthy Source
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds
Go to source}

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Woodpecker species are protected in many countries. Harming the birds, their eggs, or their nests could result in legal consequences or fines.^{[27]
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In the United States, a permit must be issued by the Law Enforcement Division of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before a woodpecker can be killed. There must be a good case to justify the permit and the process is time-consuming.^{[28]
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