Woodpeckers drum on buildings for several reasons. They may staking out a territory. They may be trying to attract a mate. They may be trying get to insects. They may be trying to excavate a nesting-cavity.

If the drumming is due to territorial or mating reasons, it is probably a temporary disturbance and the woodpecker will usually stop on its own.

If there are insects in the siding of the house, then access to the insects can be limited or you can try to eliminate the insects. The siding can be protected with flashing or screening therefore denying the woodpecker.

If the woodpecker is trying to build a cavity, then a birdhouse can be mounted over the disturbed area and the woodpecker may occupy the house instead. Sometimes filling the nesting box with wood shavings will give the industrious laborer the impression that it can still excavate a nesting-cavity.

In any event, it is important to keep for the woodpeckers as much natural habitat as possible. Dead trees can be left standing and birdhouses can be mounted to provide suitable food supply and nesting opportunities.

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