Finding woodpecker damage on your house can be alarming. The first thought is often – do woodpeckers indicate a termite problem? The short answer is woodpeckers are usually searching for larvae and other insects, not termites specifically. However, the presence of woodpeckers can sometimes reveal underlying issues that may also attract termites. Let’s take a closer look at the link between woodpeckers and termites.
Why Do Woodpeckers Peck Holes in Houses?
Woodpeckers peck holes in houses for a few key reasons:
- Searching for food – Woodpeckers feed on insects like beetle larvae that live inside wood. They can hear movement inside and peck away at the wood to get to the insects.
- Creating nests – Woodpeckers will drill into houses to create nesting and roosting cavities.
- Drumming – Drumming on houses and other structures is a way woodpeckers establish territories and attract mates.
They are essentially just looking for food, shelter, and mating opportunities. Unfortunately, our houses often get in the way!
Signs of Woodpecker Damage
How can you tell if you have woodpeckers drilling into your house? Here are some signs:
- Small holes – Look for small, rounded holes in wood siding, eaves, trim boards, and other wood structures.
- Large cavities – Larger rectangular-shaped cavities may indicate a nesting site.
- Flaking paint or wood – Woodpeckers can chip away paint and wood as they peck.
- Drumming sounds – You may hear a regular drumming or knocking as they communicate.
Take a close look around the exterior of your home to identify any damage. The more damage, the more likely an active woodpecker is in the area.
Do Woodpeckers Indicate Termites?
Now that we know why woodpeckers damage houses, let’s get to the key question – is their presence a sign of termites?
Woodpeckers Don’t Specifically Target Termites
Woodpeckers are opportunistic and feed on a variety of wood-boring insects, including:
- Beetle larvae
- Carpenter ants
- Caterpillars
- Fly larvae
- Mealybugs
- Scale insects
- Seed bugs
- Spiders
- Treehoppers
Termites do not make up a significant portion of their diet. Woodpeckers simply peck where they hear movement and food sources.
Signs Woodpeckers Target Specifically
Instead of termites, woodpeckers target signs of these other insects:
- Frass – Wood debris and insect waste that accumulates around holes.
- Staining – Dark stains around holes from fungus or insects.
- Tunnels – Visible tunnels left by carpenter ants and other boring insects.
- Rot – Decomposition in wood attracts insects.
They purposefully peck where these signs occur since it indicates food. Termites, on the other hand, don’t leave such obvious external signs.
Termites Create Hidden Damage
Termites burrow deep into wood and prefer staying hidden. They excavate internal galleries and don’t break through to the wood surface. This means:
- No holes
- No staining around holes
- No frass piles
- No visible evidence on the surface
So termites do not leave the obvious external signs that attract woodpeckers. Woodpeckers would have no idea termites are present from surface evidence alone.
When Woodpeckers May Indicate Termites
Although woodpeckers don’t specifically target termites, there are cases where woodpecker damage can indicate conditions that attract termites:
Water Damage or Rotting Wood
Woodpeckers are attracted to wood that is beginning to rot and decompose from moisture damage. Termites are also attracted to rotting wood as a food source. So extensive woodpecker damage to water-damaged areas may signify conditions that termites can thrive in.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants burrow into wood like termites. If woodpeckers are targeting carpenter ants, it likely means there are areas of wood damage that may also appeal to termites.
Older Houses
In older homes that have not been well-maintained, woodpecker damage and termite damage may simply coincide. The prevalence of rotting wood and carpenter ants in older homes provides attractive conditions for both woodpeckers and termites.
In Summary
While woodpeckers do not directly indicate termites, extensive woodpecker damage may reveal conditions that invite termites. Be on the lookout for:
- Water damage
- Rotting wood
- Carpenter ant infestation
- Older houses with deferred maintenance
In these situations, it is wise to have a termite inspection after identifying woodpecker damage.
Inspecting for Termites
If woodpeckers are concerning you about potential termites, follow these tips:
Call a Professional
Contact a licensed termite control professional for an inspection. They have the proper tools and expertise to thoroughly check for signs of termites.
Inspect Inside and Out
A proper termite inspection involves checking the home’s interior and exterior. Termites can enter through walls, floors, foundations, roofs, and more.
Check Near Woodpecker Damage
Focus the inspection on areas with woodpecker damage. Also check surrounding areas for hidden activity. Use a moisture meter to identify rotting wood.
Look for Mud Tubes
Termite mud tubes are a key sign of activity. Look for narrow mud tubes on foundation walls, wooden structures, and under debris.
Search Crawl Spaces
Crawl spaces under homes are prone to termites. Inspect for mud tubes, damaged wood, and termite droppings.
Review Inspection Report
Make sure you receive a detailed inspection report indicating if termites are present. The report should outline recommended treatment if necessary.
Preventing Woodpeckers and Termites
If woodpeckers have damaged your home but you still don’t have a termite problem, you want to prevent both in the future. Here are some tips:
Discourage Woodpeckers
- Seal holes and cavities so they lose interest
- Use deterrents like foil, owls, or noisemakers
- Trim back trees giving woodpeckers roof access
- Install woodpecker-resistant siding like vinyl or aluminum
Prevent Termite Infestations
- Fix moisture issues such as leaky roofs and plumbing
- Replace rotting wood
- Clear debris and wood mulch from the home’s perimeter
- Have regular termite inspections
- Treat high-risk areas preventively
Keep Up Exterior Maintenance
- Paint or stain exteriors to protect from moisture damage
- Seal cracks, joints, and entry points
- Ensure proper drainage to divert water away
- Replace damaged or deteriorating wood
Proper prevention helps avoid woodpecker damage and termites taking hold in your home.
Repairing Woodpecker Damage
If you already have woodpecker holes and damage, you’ll want to repair it properly:
Consult an Expert
Severe damage may require calling a professional carpenter or contractor to assess and repair the holes.
Clean and Sanitize
Use a wire brush to clean out all wood debris from the holes. Then apply a disinfectant spray.
Fill Superficial Holes
For shallow damage less than 1 inch deep, fill with exterior wood putty. Allow to dry completely.
Plug Larger Holes
For deeper holes, tightly pack with durable material like steel wool before sealing with wood filler.
Seal with Caulk
Apply waterproof, flexible caulk around the repaired hole when dry. Smooth and let cure.
Spot Prime and Paint
Prime repaired areas with exterior primer then spot paint to blend with existing paint or stain.
Consider Siding Replacement
If there are too many holes to repair individually, it may be best to fully replace damaged siding sections.
Proper repair helps deter woodpeckers from causing damage in the same areas again.
Dealing with Termite Damage
Here is what to do if a termite inspection does uncover an active infestation:
Get a Treatment Plan
Have a licensed pest control professional provide a termite treatment plan. They have the training and expertise on proper treatment protocols.
Treat the Entire Home
Spot treatments are not enough. A thorough treatment of both the interior and exterior is required to eradicate termites throughout the home.
Consider a Bait System
Termite baits draw them into a contained area for targeted elimination. Baits are ideal for hard-to-reach areas.
Use a Repellent Chemical
Liquid repellents create a treated zone that termites avoid. It serves as a barrier between the wood and termites.
Remove Excess Cellulose
Get rid of cellulose debris like wood piles and mulch around the home’s perimeter. This helps discourage termite activity near your home.
Schedule Follow-Up Inspections
Annual re-inspections allow detection and retreatments if termites persist or return. Maintain vigilant monitoring.
With early treatment guided by a professional, termite damage can be stopped before it escalates or spreads.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key points to remember:
- Woodpeckers typically don’t target termites but rather search for other wood-boring insects.
- Extensive woodpecker damage may indicate conditions also conducive to termites.
- Inspect for hidden termite activity if you have woodpecker damage.
- Prevent future damage by sealing holes, controlling moisture, and removing rotted wood.
- Repair woodpecker holes thoroughly to avoid repeated damage.
- Get professional termite treatment if they are discovered during inspection.
Woodpeckers and termites each pose threats to homes. Take the proper steps upon discovering woodpecker damage to protect your house from both invasive pests. Addressing problems early is key.
Conclusion
Woodpeckers and termites have a nuanced relationship when it comes to houses. Woodpeckers do not directly seek out termites, but their presence and damage may warrant a closer termite inspection. With diligent monitoring and preventative maintenance, both woodpeckers and termites can be managed before they cause extensive damage to your home. Addressing woodpecker holes promptly and having thorough termite inspections by a professional are wise safeguards for homeowners. With proper attention, your home can stay secure against these two destructive invaders.
