Woodpecker Damage in the News: What Homeowners Need to Know

Woodpeckers are more than a noisy backyard nuisance. Across the country, they’ve been making headlines for the damage they cause. From cars and homes to utility poles and even NASA’s space shuttle, these stories highlight just how destructive woodpeckers can be and why homeowners should take the threat seriously.

Woodpeckers Damaging Cars in Massachusetts

In 2024, residents of a Massachusetts town reported an unusual problem: woodpeckers relentlessly pecking at parked cars, leaving chipped paint, dents, and broken glass from windshields and mirrors. (NBC News). Wildlife experts explained that reflections on shiny car surfaces and trim can trigger woodpeckers’ natural drumming instincts, making cars appear like rivals or hollow trees.

For homeowners, this is a reminder that woodpeckers don’t always stick to trees or siding. They can target any surface that looks or sounds right, leaving behind frustrating and costly damage.

$1.5 Million in Utility Pole Damage

It isn’t just cars or homes at risk. Near Lake Stevens, Washington, woodpeckers were blamed for $1.5 million worth of damage to utility poles (HeraldNet). By boring holes into wooden poles in search of insects or nesting sites, they compromised infrastructure reliability and safety. Repairs required specialized crews and costly replacements, all due to persistent pecking.

This case underscores how woodpecker damage can scale far beyond a single property. Whether it’s a utility company or a homeowner, ignoring the problem only makes the long-term costs higher.

Nasa's Pad 39B seen with Predator Eye Balloon Deterrents in an effort keep woodpeckers away. Photo Credit: NASA

When Woodpeckers Delayed NASA’s Space Shuttle

One of the strangest cases of woodpecker damage happened in 1995, when a Northern Flicker attacked the foam insulation of the Space Shuttle Discovery’s external fuel tank. Engineers found more than 200 holes, some piercing deep into the tank, forcing NASA to delay mission STS-70 for weeks while repairs were made (AmericaSpace).

Because woodpeckers are federally protected, NASA couldn’t harm the birds. Instead, staff used air horns and balloon decoys to keep them away. It remains one of the most unusual examples of wildlife interfering with spaceflight, and a reminder that woodpeckers’ determination can overwhelm even the most advanced technology.

What Homeowners Can Learn

These news stories illustrate a simple truth: woodpecker damage isn’t rare, and it isn’t limited to rural homes. From cars and houses to multi-million-dollar infrastructure, woodpeckers can create unexpected costs and headaches.

• The risk is real: even small holes in siding or trim can invite water damage and pests.

• The costs add up: like the utility company learned, prevention is far cheaper than repairs.

• Prevention works: proven methods like bird netting, reflective deterrents, and professional exclusion keep woodpeckers away before the damage starts.

Take Action Before It Makes the News

If woodpeckers are targeting your home, don’t wait until the damage forces repairs. At AviAway, we specialize in safe, humane, and effective bird control — from netting installations to tailored deterrent systems.

👉 Learn more in our full guide: How to Get Rid of Woodpeckers