How to Repair Woodpecker Damage

Step 1: Inspect the Damage (Repair vs Replace)

Before filling holes, determine how deep the damage goes.

You can usually repair if:

• The wood is solid when probed
• The hole is shallow or clean-edged
• No moisture staining or softness is present

You should replace siding or trim if:

• The wood feels soft or spongy
• Holes penetrate deeply or connect internally
• There is visible rot, swelling, or cracking
• Damage has occurred repeatedly in the same board

If you can push a screwdriver into the wood easily, replacement is safer than patching.

Step 2: Choose the Right Repair Method

Method 1: Patch Small Holes and Divots

Best for: Shallow pecks, cosmetic damage, minor holes

1. Remove loose fibers and debris
2. Let the area dry completely
3. Fill with two-part epoxy wood filler
4. Slightly overfill and sand smooth after curing
5. Prime bare wood
6. Paint or stain to match

Epoxy fillers outperform standard caulk or lightweight putties in exterior conditions.

Method 2: Plug Clean Round Woodpecker Holes

Best for: Cedar siding and trim with round holes

1. Drill the hole clean using a hole saw
2. Cut a matching wood plug when possible
3. Bond the plug with exterior epoxy or adhesive
4. Sand flush once cured
5. Prime and paint or stain

This method restores strength and blends better than surface fillers alone.

Method 3: Replace Damaged Boards or Sections

Best for: Large holes, repeated attacks, moisture damage

1. Remove the damaged board carefully
2. Inspect underlying sheathing or framing
3. Repair moisture issues if present
4. Install a matching replacement board
5. Seal, prime, and finish all exposed surfaces

Step 3: Seal and Finish Correctly

• Prime all exposed wood before painting
• Pay special attention to end grain
• Use paintable exterior caulk only at seams
• Match existing paint or stain to protect repairs

How to Prevent Woodpeckers From Returning

Repairing holes alone often leads to repeat damage, sometimes within days.

Install Bird Netting

• Use 3/4-inch mesh netting
• Maintain at least 3 inches of space from siding
• Cover the entire affected wall section

If netting is installed too narrowly, woodpeckers will simply move to the edge and continue pecking.

Use Physical Barriers Where Needed

• Hardware cloth
• Sheet metal or PVC panels
• Protective flashing on corners and fascia

Visual Deterrents

Reflective tape or streamers may help temporarily but are best used as a supplement, not a primary solution.

When Insects Do Matter

Insect treatment is appropriate only when clear signs are present, such as:

• Carpenter ants
• Carpenter bees
• Termites

If insects are confirmed, address them in addition to repairing damage and excluding birds.