In Iowa, many of our neighborhoods are filled with beautiful homes that feature natural cedar siding. While this wood looks great, it often attracts the attention of some noisy neighbors. Woodpeckers are a common sight in Iowa backyards.
However, they become a big problem when they start drumming on your house instead of the trees. The sound can be very loud.
The damage to your siding can also be expensive to fix. It is frustrating to wake up to that constant tapping on your walls every morning.
Dealing with these birds is a challenge for many local homeowners. Reliable Pest Solutions can help you figure out if these birds are actually hunting for insects that have moved into your walls.
Why Iowa Woodpeckers Choose Your Home
You might wonder why a bird would choose a house when there are plenty of trees nearby. Woodpeckers usually hammer on cedar siding for three main reasons. First, they use the loud noise to claim their territory. This is known as drumming.
Cedar boards create a hollow sound that carries very far. Second, they might be trying to build a nest inside your siding. Finally, they could be looking for food.
Cedar is a softwood. Over time, it can attract small bugs like carpenter bees or ants. If a woodpecker hears something moving inside the wood, it will peck deep holes to reach its meal.
The Problem with Cedar Siding in the Midwest
Our Iowa weather can be tough on natural wood. Between the humid summers and freezing winters, cedar siding can develop small cracks. These soft spots are very inviting to insects that like to hide in the shade.
Woodpeckers have very sensitive hearing. They can hear the larvae of beetles or bees living inside the boards. Because cedar is so soft, it is very easy for the birds to shred the wood quickly.
If you see many small, scattered holes, the birds are likely hunting for a snack. If the holes are larger and more rounded, they are probably trying to find a place to live.
How to Discourage Pecking on Your House
The best way to stop a woodpecker is to make your home feel less safe for them. You can try using things that move in the wind. Many Iowa homeowners find success by hanging shiny objects like old CDs near the siding.
The bright flashes of light confuse the birds and make them fly away. You can also use bird netting to create a barrier. If you hang the net a few inches away from the wood, the birds cannot reach it.
It is important to act as soon as you hear the drumming. These birds are very persistent once they find a spot they like.
Managing the Insect Factor
If the woodpeckers are visiting your Iowa home to find food, scaring them is only half the battle. You also need to fix the reason they are hungry. If you have bugs inside your cedar siding, the birds will keep coming back.
Checking your siding for signs of carpenter bees is a vital step. You might see small piles of sawdust or tiny entry holes. By treating the insect problem, you take away the birds’ main reason to visit.
Keeping your cedar stained and sealed can also help. It prevents bugs from moving in and keeps the wood too hard for birds to damage.
Fixing the Damage and Moving Forward
After stopping the birds, repair any holes quickly to prevent water damage or squirrel infestations. Fill small gaps with wood putty and paint over them, or replace badly damaged boards.
It is smart to watch your Iowa home closely during the spring and fall when birds are most active.
If you suspect insects are attracting the woodpeckers, Reliable Pest Solutions can inspect your siding. They offer professional treatments to remove pests and protect your home.
