Mat, Old texts suggest covering the hive(s) with chicken wire - just far enough away from the woodwork, so that the woodpecker cannot do the damage. Questions: 1. What kind of woodpecker is it? 2. Is it attacking the hand hold area (that is if you have such things on your hive)? Also, try putting up a bird feeder containing good quality peanuts - I suggest that the bird is quite hungry during the cold weather! -distraction. Good luck - and don't kill the bird! Peter