Protecting Homes from Costly Woodpecker Damage

Woodpeckers can be a serious nuisance across the Sierra region. In Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Nevada City, these birds are notorious for hammering on homes—damaging siding, fascia boards, trim, and eaves. Whether they're after mates, insects, or a nesting site, the results are the same: expensive holes and frustrating noise.

Why Do Woodpeckers Peck?

Woodpeckers aren’t just randomly destroying your home—they’re doing it for very specific reasons depending on the season:

• March & April – Male woodpeckers peck to attract mates. These are often loud, repetitive "drumming" sessions on wood, metal, or even chimney caps.

• May & June – Females begin to bore larger holes for nesting. These holes are often deep, round, and may lead directly into your attic. Once eggs are laid, they are protected by law, making removal much more complicated.

• Summer (July–August) – Activity usually dies down, but you may still see pecking if insects are active in your siding or wood.

• Fall (September–October) – Some birds seek out a safe winter roost, leading to a brief resurgence of activity.

What We Do

At Gold Country Wildlife Control, we offer long-term solutions to protect your home from woodpecker damage:

✅ Seal Up Damage

We repair existing holes using a combination of metal flashing and wood filler, preventing birds from returning to nest or re-use the same area. 

✅ Prevent Further Damage

We cover vulnerable areas like roof peaks, fascia boards, and construction cubbies where birds love to start nests.

✅ Use Targeted Deterrents

We install optical gel deterrents near active pecking zones. These gel discs repel birds by sight and smell and are especially effective near nesting sites and on architectural features.

✅ General Area Disruption

We install "Intimidator" deterrents, motion-activated or reflective devices that act as a broader deterrent to keep woodpeckers uncomfortable in the general area.


“Can we trap or shoot a the woodpecker?” 

No, woodpeckers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  Even to apply for a depredation permit requires taking steps to deter the bird first. This is why its not really a woodpecker removal service, but a woodpecker deterrent program.

What to Expect

Our woodpecker pest control solutions have a high success rate, especially when damage is addressed early. However, woodpeckers are persistent, and some properties may require follow-up visits or seasonal touch-ups—especially if prior damage has created a strong attraction to the site.

Don’t wait until woodpeckers cause thousands in repairs.
Call Gold Country Wildlife Control today to stop the noise, prevent new nests, and seal up your home for good.