Sandy Ricardo writes: I have a woodpecker who is slowly pecking one spot on our wood siding. What can I do? 

Hi Sandy–Unfortunately, structures covered in wood siding are a paradise for all 5 species of woodpeckers in Ohio, and cedar is especially desirable.  There are several ways to cover areas if there are only small spots of exposed wood, otherwise, shiny (scary) deterrents may be helpful. If you need help, contact me. There are many variables to consider when trying to deter / exclude woodpeckers. 

Lisa Fosco

Director of Animal Care 

Ohio Wildlife Center 

614-761-0134

Michael Ayers writes:  

The house I purchased 3.5 years ago had wood peckers nesting in the redwood siding.  There was evidence that previous owners had tried to simply cover the hole which of course led to several additional adjacent holes. I read an article that suggested hanging something shiny in the immediate area so I taped several strips of aluminum foil to a piece of plywood which I nailed to the siding and IT WORKED!  I continue to leave this in place because I do not know how long wood peckers live or how good there memory might be. Wind-blown strips occasionally need to be replaced.  :-P 

Here’s a list of things we accomplished in 2007: [1] We held 10 work days. [2] 404 volunteers worked 2 hours to pick up litter or remove invasive plants to Adena Brook. [3] 487 bags of litter and debris were removed. [4] We cut about 10 tons of honeysuckle and  pulled 4 tons of garlic mustard. We paid to have the garlic mustard hauled and shredded so the garlic mustard did not spread to other Central Ohio areas. [5] We planted 770 native trees. [6] We designated July as YOUTH month and partnered with Metro-Martial Arts. 53 youth with their families removed litter from the Brook. [6] We organized and collaboratively installed the first city/community rain garden. It cost our group $4,258.03. The city paid about $20,000 for a new sidewalk, curb, and inlet. [7] Neighbor Thom and Jan McCain organized and hosted an Adena Brook Community celebration concert in their backyard which raised $1100. [8] We collaboratively renovated the wire fence on Overbrook Road from High to Canyon. We shared half the $7,200 cost with Columbus Recreation and Parks (our cost was $3600). [8] Adena Brook neighbor Greg Cunningham installed five new and maintained 57 nesting boxes. [9] Steve and Georgia Blum Herminghausen launched the Adena Brook Community website. [10] Street representatives delivered education materials to over 800 neighbors.