It might seem like a minor nuisance, but woodpecker damage is one of the more common repair calls we get, particularly on homes near wooded lots. Here’s why it happens and what a proper repair involves.
Woodpeckers are typically drawn to a wall for one of a few reasons: they hear insect activity inside the foam or substrate, they’re establishing territory or attracting mates during breeding season, or they’re drumming on a surface that produces a resonant sound. EIFS foam, being softer than wood siding, is easy for them to penetrate quickly.
A woodpecker hole isn’t just an aesthetic issue — it’s a breach in the water-resistant barrier. Even a small hole allows water intrusion behind the wall system if left unrepaired, so these should be addressed promptly rather than left for a future project.
A correct repair involves removing damaged foam back to sound material, replacing it with matching insulation board, reinforcing with base coat and mesh, and finishing to match the existing texture and color — not just caulking over the hole, which won’t hold up.
If woodpecker activity is recurring, it’s worth pairing the repair with deterrent measures — reflective tape, decoys, or in persistent cases, netting over vulnerable areas — since repairing the same spot repeatedly gets expensive.
Multiple holes, holes near windows or roof lines, or any sign of moisture staining around the damage are all reasons to have a professional assess the area rather than attempting a DIY patch.
EIFS & Stucco Specialists · Virginia Beach, VA