There is no doubt two things going on here. As explained in our WOODPECKER CONTROL ARTICLE, these birds will peck for one of three reasons: food, territory marking or nesting. Since it's the fall and not spring, we can rule out territory marking or nesting activity. That leaves food. In all likelihood there is something in the wood they're targeting and in the end, eliminating the food supply will no doubt decrease and eventually stop this destructive behavior. I encourage you to try and identify what might be living in the wood that these guys might be seeking. I'm leaning toward carpenter bees but have no reason to think this other then you mentioned the wood is cedar which I know carpenter bees love. Regardless of the pest, if you eliminate them (the food for the woodpeckers), the birds will move away on their own.

But to stop them now, I suggest installing a MOVING SPIDER where you see any activity. As our video's show, this device is very effective at keeping them away. I would get a few and have them installed whenever any activity is detected. As long as you have them installed they'll keep all birds away. This will allow you to better assess the situation insect wise and if you can figure out what the birds are targeting, maybe you can treat that problem and get rid of both pests for good.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Woodpecker Control Article:  http://www.woodpecker-control.com/woodpecker-control

Moving Spider:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page1658.html

Carpenter Bee Control:  http://www.carpenterbees.com/carpenter-bee-control

Woodpeckers typically feed on insects that ware buried in wood. Their pecking reveals food for them and their keen sense of smell and hearing allows them to target pests which are cannot be seen. I suspect you could have some kind of insect problem like carpenter ants, carpenter bees, some kind of beetle, etc. that is living up under the siding of the house. Such infestations might be naked to the eye but a foraging woodpecker will quickly find them.

To stop this destructive pattern you can try several things. Ideally if you are able to locate just what the bird is feeding on you could attempt to control that pest which in turn would force the woodpecker to forage elsewhere. If you are not able to find the source or insect he is pursuing, try some of the repellents we have listed in our Woodpecker Control article. The Bird Tape might help as would the Attack Spider. Both are easy to install but you may have to set these up on several sides of the home since they'll only work when the woodpecker gets close enough to them. If the activity is limited to a small area repelling him is usually easy to do but if the whole house is under attack, it will take several of each to get adequate coverage.

Here are direct links to the information and products mentioned above:

Woodpecker Control: http://www.woodpecker-control.com/woodpecker-control

Bird Tape:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page547.html

Attack Spider:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page1658.html

Woodpeckers will forage for food on the siding of homes. Such areas commonly have carpenter bees or powderpost beetles. The Carpenter bees will drill holes that are long and big like what you described. You can read more about them on line under Carpenterbee Control. If you think you have this bee you must treat the holes as soon as possible. This most likely will chase the wood pecker away.

Once you've done some kind of insect treatment, install some Bird Tape or Moving Spider where the pecking is mostly happening on the house. This should help keep the wood pecker away. Further information about these products and why woodpeckers do this can be found in our Woodpecker Control article.

Here are direct links to the information and products mentioned above:

Carpenterbee Control:  http://www.carpenterbees.com/carpenter-bee-control

Bird Tape:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page547.html

Moving Spider:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page1658.html

Woodpecker Control:  http://www.woodpecker-control.com/woodpecker-control

Not sure about the netting but we have had good success using the Jumping Spider. Some people have gotten a roll of the Bird Tape and when used in conjuction with the Spider, have gotten good results.

On a side note, we've seen woodpeckers attracted to Carpenter Bees as well as Ladybugs so you may need to do some treating for them too. Woodpecker control is really about "controlling" the things they want!

Here are direct links to the information and products mentioned above:

Jumping Spider:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page1658.html

Bird Tape:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page547.html

Carpenter Bee Article:  http://www.carpenterbees.com/carpenter-bee-control

Ladybug Article:  http://www.asianladybug.com/asian-lady-bug-control