The Woodpeckers are Drumming!

Can you hear them? They are on the dead trees, telephone poles and, well, our houses with wooden siding. Like little jack-hammers. What's a homeowner to do?

First, we need to understand that there are multiple reasons for their drumming at this time of year. Drumming could signify their quest for grubs. If our wooden homes have them under their siding and cedar shingles, the woodpeckers will find them. But, in the Spring there is another reason that brings them to hammer on our abodes. It is called mating season.

Woodpeckers drum for mates. And the louder the better. After all, what female woodpecker could ignore such an amorously insistent call? Those sounds are music to her ears. Not only can a male call attention to himself but he can also call attention to the fact that he is a good provider and will help her raise a brood of nice fat and happy babies.

Luckily, the drumming for mates doesn't last long. Just long enough to attract a mate and then it is off to the honey-moon, house hunting and raising of families.

On the other hand, if our homes have grubs and insects under our wooden siding and shingles, the woodpeckers will let us know, albeit in a very loud way, that they are there. They will root them out and unceremoniously eat them.

Let the drumming begin!