Woodpecker Damage on Stucco: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

If you’ve found neat round holes drilled into the stucco on your Calgary home, there’s a good chance a woodpecker is the culprit. It’s more common than people expect — and left alone, it can lead to real damage.

Why woodpeckers attack stucco

Woodpeckers drill into stucco for a few reasons: hunting for insects living in or behind the exterior, drumming to mark territory during mating season (a hollow-sounding wall makes a great drum), or excavating a nesting cavity. Synthetic stucco with foam underneath is especially tempting because it’s soft and sounds hollow.

Why the holes are a problem

Those holes aren’t just cosmetic. Once the surface is breached, moisture gets in — and in Calgary’s freeze-thaw climate, trapped water widens the damage and eventually reaches the structure underneath. Holes also invite insects and make the spot more attractive to the next woodpecker.

How the repair works

Proper repair is more than filling a hole. We clean out the damaged area, repair the substrate if needed, patch with matching material, and blend the texture and colour so the fix disappears into the surrounding wall. Done right, you shouldn’t be able to tell where the damage was — and we reinforce the spot to help deter future pecking.

Get it fixed properly

We specialize in woodpecker damage repair across Calgary and surrounding areas. Fully insured, WCB covered, 17+ years’ experience. Book your free, no-obligation quote today.