FYI
In the "spring"....Male woodpeckers start their territorial advertisement by making the loudest noise possible... to get the attention of potential mates----and wood doesn't do it.
Vinal siding, copper tin roof coverings, metal siding, fan vents, gutters, Chimney caps, etc all have great resonating power--When the male makes his love music after dawn.
Usually this drumming is confined to one area of the house--only in the spring months--and does not result in damage. But it sure does a number on returning war vets........
Some suggestions, since this kind of behavior will go on for awhile:
Cover the areas, that they prefer to peck on, with soft materials such as cloth, foam rubber or even rolled up used grain bags to muffle the noise.
Squirting the birds with a hose, shouting at them, banging pans to scare them away and other persistant and consistant methods WILL discourage them and they will go elsewhere. Hanging strips of cloth or foil that flutter in the wind will also frighten them.
Had to put a few light weight mattresses over the entire length of a copper tin roof peak for a Vietnam Vet friend of mine before he lost his mind over the whole spring ritual. Sounded like a machine gun when the male wood pecker would really get going early in the morning.
Hopefully what you are experiencing is the drumming and NOT the feeding ( eating the infestation of insects in your house exterior ) or nesting ( where they are starting to build a cavity IN your house to nest.)
Have other advice if it is. Just let me know.
Milkmaid is right--believe it or not, All woodpeckers are protected by state & federal law.
Hope this helps,
