When a woodpecker drums it is, either finding insects to eat, making a nesting cavity or marking its territory and attracting a mate. If a woodpecker takes a liking to your home, successful deterrence depends upon the following:

• Prompt action – responding quickly when you first hear a bird drumming will reduce the time and effort required to relocate the bird. A woodpecker is more likely to leave the site if it was used briefly rather than for several days.
• Diversity – using a variety of scare tactics will make your effort more effective.
• Persistence – once started, you must stick with the program everyday until you achieve success.

Woodpeckers are attracted to homes with siding made of wood, stucco and DryVit. They prefer natural or stained wood over painted surfaces. Homes built to look rustic and newly built homes are the most vulnerable. It's important to maintain the exterior of homes and prevent insects from moving in.

If a woodpecker starts to peck, repair the damage promptly and use scare tactics to encourage it to move on. Shallow holes can be repaired with caulking or wood fiber available in colors to match the siding. Mix jalapeno juice in with the caulking so it tastes unpleasant. Large holes can be filled with wooden plugs or wadded window screen and then caulked. Small mesh hardware cloth can be painted and used to cover damaged areas or raised outward with 1"; wood spacers. Metal or plastic sheeting placed over a pecked area and painted to match can be a permanent solution.