Question
Dear Jim,

I don't know if there's just one or several woodpeckers but not only are their pecking noisy, they managed to put a softball size hole in the wall next to upstairs bedroom.  I had someone come out to repair the hole, hoping that would be the end of it.  

Well, that was about couple of years ago, now they(he) are/is back again pecking away.  Now there's a small hole appearing, and I know that in no time it will be softball size hole again.  I honestly don't know what to do.  What are they after?  The hole appears to be at the identical spot where I repaired previously.  Are they looking for food or building a home?

Woodpeckers are beautiful and I love the rest of wild creatures in this neighborhood.  If it isn't for this one problem I'll get along with all of them just fine.  So, dear Jim, if you have a suggestion for me to keep them from drilling hole in my house, I'd be most grateful.

Thank you for listening,

sandgrain in Martinez, CA.

Answer
There are several methods that can be used--the one most people prefer is the bar the woodpecker from the area that is being drilled. As soon as you hear or see evidence that the drilling is going on put a barrier over the site. Metal flashing works well you can paint it to match the house. There are repellents that sometimes work. One home made one is mixing hot peper in water and spraying it on the area. Ofcourse this will wear off with weather. I would also suggest you contact your local State Wildlife agency and see if they have any suggestion that work locally.