How Much Does Woodpecker Damage Repair Cost?
Woodpecker damage repair costs typically range between $300 and $800, depending on how many holes need repair and how accessible the damaged areas are. Local labor rates and finish matching requirements can also influence the final price.
Woodpecker Damage Repair Cost Ranges (Most Common Repairs)
| Repair Scenario | Typical Cost Range | What You’re Paying For |
|---|---|---|
| Small hole repair (up to ~2") | $150–$350 | Clean-out, epoxy patch/plug, seal, spot finish |
| Medium hole repair (~2–6") | $300–$800 | Deeper patch/plug, sealing, finish blending |
| Large hole repair (over ~6") | $600–$1,500 | Section rebuild or partial replacement, sealing, finish |
| Replace a damaged siding board / small area | $500–$2,500 | Remove/replace material, water management, finish match |
| Structural repair (sheathing/stud/insulation affected) | $1,000–$3,500+ | Open-up, replace damaged wood, restore weather barrier |
| Interior wall repair (if penetrated) | $250–$900 | Drywall patch, texture match, paint |
| Paint/stain blending (separate line item) | $150–$600 | Prime + blend to hide repair |
| High access work (2nd story / steep roofline) | +15% to +50% | Setup time, safety, ladders or lift |
Typical total: $300–$2,500. When hidden damage is present: $5,000+ is possible.
Cost by Severity (Fast Self-Assessment)
Minor
- What it looks like: 1–2 small holes, shallow pecks, solid wood
- Expected cost: $150–$500
- Common repair: epoxy patch/plug + seal + spot finish
Moderate
- What it looks like: multiple holes in one zone, repeated pecking on the same board
- Expected cost: $500–$2,500
- Common repair: multi-hole patching or board/panel replacement + finish blending
Severe
- What it looks like: cavity access, soft/rotted wood, water staining, nesting attempts
- Expected cost: $2,500–$5,000+
- Common repair: open-up + structural repair + insulation/water barrier restoration
Repair Cost by Siding Material
| Siding Material | Typical Repair Range | Why It Costs More (or Less) |
|---|---|---|
| Wood lap siding | $300–$3,000 | Finish matching + moisture protection are labor-heavy |
| Cedar shake | $500–$4,000 | Individual shake replacement + blend pattern/aging |
| Vinyl siding | $250–$2,000 | Often panel replacement; color matching varies by age |
| Fiber cement | $500–$3,500 | Cutting/fastening + repainting required |
| Stucco | $800–$4,500 | Multi-step patch + texture matching |
What Increases Woodpecker Repair Costs
- Hidden moisture: swelling, rot, or stained sheathing behind siding
- Hole depth: penetration into cavity or insulation triggers bigger scope
- Repeat targeting: multiple boards or corners need repair + protection
- Access: second story, roofline, chimney, steep grade
- Finish matching: older paint/stain requires blending, not just patching
When Patching Is Enough vs When Replacement Is Required
Patching is usually enough if:
- The wood is hard when probed
- Holes are shallow and limited to the surface
- No water staining, softness, or swelling is present
Replacement is usually required if:
- The wood feels soft or spongy
- Holes are large, deep, or connected internally
- There is rot, cracking, swelling, or delamination
- The same board has been hit repeatedly
Rule: If a screwdriver sinks in easily, replacement is more reliable than patching.
Prevention Costs (Avoid Paying Twice)
Repairs alone often get hit again. Physical exclusion is what consistently stops repeat damage.
| Prevention Method | Typical Cost | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Bird netting over the target area | $150–$800 | Repeat pecking zones on siding walls |
| Hardware cloth / barrier panels | $150–$900 | Corners, fascia, trim boards that get repeatedly hit |
| Metal flashing / corner protection | $200–$1,000 | High-impact edges and roofline zones |
| Professional wildlife exclusion / control | $300–$1,500 | Persistent activity or nesting attempts |
| Visual deterrents (tape/decoys) | $20–$150 | Short-term support only (not a primary fix) |
What a Siding Repair Quote Should Include
- Hole count and largest hole diameter
- Patch vs board/panel replacement scope
- Waterproofing plan (sealant, flashing, weather barrier restoration)
- Finish plan (prime + paint blend or stain match)
- Access plan (ladder vs lift and how it impacts price)
- Prevention plan (netting/barriers) to reduce repeat damage
Woodpecker Damage Insurance Coverage (Common Reality)
Home insurance may cover woodpecker damage depending on the policy and exclusions. Coverage is more likely when damage is sudden and not tied to neglect. Document the damage immediately and ask whether animal-related exterior damage is covered.