How do I Repair Woodpecker Holes in Wood Siding?

How do I Repair Woodpecker Holes in Wood Siding?
Published: Sep 11, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Hiring a professional to fix woodpecker damage can be expensive, but most competent do-it-yourselfers can repair their siding and trim using readily available materials.

Things You Will Need

  • Lightweight structural adhesive epoxy putty
  • Scrap piece of wood
  • Putty knife
  • Fine grain sandpaper
  • Rough grain sandpaper
  • Wood stain or paint
  1. Mix up a batch of lightweight structural adhesive epoxy putty on a scrap board. Scoop out a golf ball-size glob of both substances and blend them together thoroughly using a putty knife. Mix the materials for only 2 to 3 minutes, or the substance will begin to harden.

  2. Smear a generous layer of the epoxy putty over the holes. Use a putty knife to apply the putty liberally across the holes so it sinks in.

  3. Scrape away the excess putty and discard before the substance dries. If the weather is 70° F. outside, the epoxy will take 30 minutes to dry. It molds well and easily adheres to wood surfaces. The epoxy penetrates the wood like a sponge to make it even harder and more resistant to damage.

  4. Sand the epoxy lightly across the wood's surface so it blends in with the wood. Use a light grain sandpaper and go slowly so the finish looks natural.

  5. Apply stain or paint after brushing off the sanding residue completely.

The Drip Cap

  • Woodpeckers can inflict serious property damage by pecking holes in a home's wood siding and trim.
  • Scoop out a golf ball-size glob of both substances and blend them together thoroughly using a putty knife.
  • Use a putty knife to apply the putty liberally across the holes so it sinks in.
  • The epoxy penetrates the wood like a sponge to make it even harder and more resistant to damage.

Photo Credits

Woodpecker image by Gail Ranney from Fotolia.com

Woodpecker image by Gail Ranney from Fotolia.com

Kimberly Sharpe

Based in Oregon, Kimberly Sharpe has been a writer since 2006. She writes for numerous online publications. Her writing has a strong focus on home improvement, gardening, parenting, pets and travel. She has traveled extensively to such…

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