Why do woodpeckers peck?

Woodpeckers cause extensive damage to our houses, chimneys, decks, trees, and other wooden structures. There are a number of ways that can be adopted to discourage woodpeckers from pecking. But do you want to know why woodpeckers peck at all?

The most common reason behind woodpeckers pecking is mating. Woodpeckers produce a drumming sound to attract their mates. Though this type of pecking doesn’t cause much damage, it is quite frustrating to bear that constant sound though.

Woodpeckers also peck for feeding. They drill in to trees and wood in search of different kinds of insects and pests. This kind of pecking causes potential damage as they peck a hole and then explore it further looking for the insects. When they do not find any insects, they leave pecking at that particular place and start pecking at the adjoining area. Woodpeckers usually end up damaging the whole tree in search of beetles, larvae, and other pests that they feed upon.

Nesting is another reason behind woodpecker pecking. Woodpeckers carry extensive drilling to create a nesting place for them. The hole that they create for their nesting is usually large and deep and mostly they test several sites before they are able to locate a hollowed nesting site for them.

If you find woodpeckers pecking in your backyard or garden, you must use woodpecker deterrents to stop them from causing further damage to your property.