Identification

• Woodpecker damage looks like long, straight holes into surfaces such as wooden or synthetic sidings, according to Colorado State University. There are usually dozens of such holes in a similar area.
  
  

Significance

• Woodpeckers sometimes peck into home sidings because they have detected wood invading insects. Even though woodpecker damage needs to be repaired, the damaged areas should also be checked for insects like termites.
  
  

Prevention

• Woodpeckers can be scared away from a home with sudden loud noises or a mobile of a hawk and a mirror. The mobile is placed near the damage and the mirror right next to where the damage occurs. This gives the bird the illusion that a hawk is about to attack it.