Woodpeckers
Fun Facts: Woodpeckers are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This dictates how they can be controlled. Woodpeckers generally hammer into a tree for 1 or more of 4 reasons: Make their nest, Find insects, Store food and Attracting a mate. Their head is adapted to cushion the brain from the impact and their tongue wraps around the inside of their head. Because they are protected, their nests and them can't be moved, killed or harrassed without breaking federal law.
Problem:
House being pecked: Generally woodpeckers prefer rotting wood. However if siding or wood parts have insects such as grubs, ants or termites, woodpeckers will peck to remove them. This can be rememdied by treating the insect problem to eliminate the food source. Woodpeckers will also hammer on metal objects (flashing or chimney caps) in an effort to attract a mate. This rarely causes damage and will end by summer. It is best to let it be.
Woodpecker destroying mortar: This is happening for 1 of 2 reasons: the woodpecker needs grit (small stones etc to help grind food) or there is a calcium shortage. You can place some fine sand on a flat raised platform a short distance away and another with ground eggshell. This should solve both problems.
Woodpecker nesting in home: Federal law prevents the movement or removal of woodpeckers or nests. Once the chicks leave, the adults will abandon the nest. The hole can be sealed once this happens.