How to Get Rid of Woodpeckers in Wisconsin (Without Harming Them)

You hear it first thing in the morning: a sharp, repetitive tapping against your siding or gutters. Then you start noticing small holes forming in your cedar trim or wood siding. If this sounds familiar, you’re probably dealing with a woodpecker and it’s not just a noise issue.

Figuring out how to get rid of woodpeckers in Wisconsin takes more than just scaring them off. These birds are protected by law, and the longer they stick around, the more damage they tend to cause. Let’s look at what attracts them, what you can do, and when it’s time to bring in bird control professionals.

 

Why Woodpeckers Peck at Homes

Woodpeckers aren’t just making noise for fun. They hammer on wood for several reasons and sometimes your house checks every box.

• They’re digging for insects hiding under wood siding or shingles
• Males drum to call a mate or mark their territory
• Some carve out nesting holes in soft or untreated wood
• Others are pecking where ants or larvae are crawling underneath

Cedar, pine, and other softer woods are easy targets, and homes close to wooded areas tend to draw them in more often.

 

What Woodpecker Damage Looks Like

At first, you might only hear them or see a few shallow marks, but the damage grows over time. Watch for:

• Neat rows or scattered clusters of small holes on siding or trim
• Marks or chips around attic vents, soffits, and fascia boards
• Repeated drumming early in the morning especially in spring
• Piles of wood dust or flakes gathering below the area they’re working on

Many homeowners notice the same spots being hit every year as the birds return to familiar nesting or feeding zones.

 

How to Get Rid of Woodpeckers Safely

Because woodpeckers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, you can’t trap or harm them but there are plenty of gentle ways to make them move along.

• Hang bright, moving items such as foil strips, flash tape, or old CDs
• Place fake owls or hawks nearby and shift them around every few days
• Add lightweight netting or mesh to cover high-risk sections of siding
• Treat wood to reduce the insects that draw woodpeckers in
• Try motion-activated noise makers or sound deterrents in problem spots

It’s best to act early once a bird starts nesting, it’s much harder to convince it to leave.

 

When to Call a Bird Control Specialist

If the tapping doesn’t stop or if the damage keeps getting worse, it’s time to reach out to a local expert in bird control.

You should consider calling if:

• A woodpecker won’t leave a single wall or area alone
• You see growing damage season after season
• You’re worried about violating wildlife protection laws
• You want a long-term deterrent that won’t require constant DIY upkeep

A licensed professional in Wisconsin can assess the situation, install bird-safe deterrents, and help repair and protect your siding moving forward.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Woodpeckers

Are woodpeckers protected?

Yes. They’re protected under federal law, which means you can’t harm or trap them without a permit.

Can I remove a woodpecker nest?

Only outside of the breeding season and with the proper permissions. Consult a pro for help.

Do fake owls really work?

Sometimes, but they’re more effective when moved regularly or combined with other deterrents.

 

Final Note

Woodpeckers might seem like just a noisy nuisance, but the damage they leave behind can be costly. Waiting too long only invites more pecking and deeper holes.

Call a Wisconsin bird control expert to stop the damage, protect your siding, and keep these birds moving along without breaking any laws.