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 will usually look for food in wood and if you have some kind of insect nesting in your siding, he could be pecking out the bugs. When feeding their holes and pecking will be all over the house though usually in one main region or side. Now if there only appears to be one main hole like you're describing, it's more likely this bird is trying to make  nest.

I suggest you view our woodpecker control video below which shows how to install one of our ATTACK SPIDERS. This is a visual deterrent that does a great job of scaring away unwanted animals like woodpeckers. Installed above the hole but close enough to reach it when activated, the moving action of the spider will keep this bird away. It usually only takes a couple of encounters and the unwanted pecking will cease.

Here is a direct link the Attack Spider and some other Bird Control Product options:

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

Bird Control products:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page80.html#1658

Woodpeckers, like other birds, get territorial from time to time every year. During this time they instinctively establish territories and will even confront birds they see in what they believe to be "their turf". Windows can reflect images and many times birds will see themselves but mistake the image to be another bird. This is most likely what's happening at your house.

Generally this wouldn't be a major problem and since it only lasts a short while, there is a good chance the activity will stop. But in many cases the bird will get conditioned to seeing his reflection and if left to go on "fighting" with himself, the behavior can continue much longer than normal. This is when it becomes a problem.

The best way to deal with this behavior is to set out some Bird Tape which are featured in our Woodpecker Control article. Set some up over each window and any window where the pecking is happening. If the Tape doesn't do the trick, set out a Jumping Spider. This will definitely get them to move away.

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

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

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

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

Chasing nuisance woodpeckers away can be done if you are able to place some Bird Tape or a Jumping Spider where they're active. Sometimes this is tough but both deterrents do a good job of repelling them. If they're on the side of the house, use the Jumping Spider and anchor it to the soffit or roof overhang. If they're around windows, use the Bird Tape. We have more options listed in our Woodpecker Control article.

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

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

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

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

Most woodpeckers will "sound" or peck at objects as a way to establish their territory as explained in our Woodpecker Control article. Gila woodpeckers are no different. Most likely to happen in the spring, sounding will be done  throughout the day and is a way for this bird to communicate. To stop the loud behavior, set out some BIRD TAPE on either side of the vent. This is usually enough to repel them and keep them away from the home.

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

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

Most species of woodpeckers will "sound" during the spring as described in our Woodpecker Control article. This could be a random thing but many times they will tend to use one side or section of the house. You should be able to get them to move away by installing a Jumping Spider or Bird Tape. These visual/motion deterrents do a good job of alarming woodpeckers and make them uncomfortable enough to get them to go elsewhere. I suggest you set either or both of these repelling devices up where he is most active and see if you can get him to stay away.

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

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

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

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

Woodpeckers will be "sounding" like this most every spring as explained in our Woodpecker Pecking article. Fortunately this should only be a problem in the spring, around mating time, but in some cases it does persist if the woodpecker is left to do as it wishes. There are a few things you can do to keep him away. We've had good results with both the Bird Tape and the Moving Spider. Set these up just above the fixture and they will make him stay away. Take them down after 2 weeks and in most cases he won't return but if he does, keep installing the devices as needed till he's gone for good.

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

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