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It’s a common complaint: woodpeckers are destroying siding and you feel helpless to prevent it. It’s not even their noise and the constant drumming that’s giving you a headache, it’s the damage to your siding that causing the real worry. The holes are unsightly and could allow water to get behind your building materials, allowing mold growth down the road.

Wood siding is especially vulnerable to woodpeckers. The birds frequently peck materials to claim their territory, attract a mate, or forage for bugs.

Vinyl and aluminum siding are more likely to deter woodpeckers. For homeowners with wood or other types that are struggling with woodpeckers, there are some steps to take to deter the animals.

• Start with reflective or predatory props. Owls are the natural born enemies of the woodpecker and they are usually weary of anything resembling them.

• Since woodpeckers are often looking for food, provide it for them. Suet in a bird feeder can detract them for looking under your siding for any goodies. Continuously move the feeder farther away from your home.

• Have holes repaired to remove visual cues for woodpecker drumming. If a bird sees the holes, they may perpetuate the drilling.