Woodpecker’s Secret Stash: 700 Pounds of Acorns Found Inside House Walls

Nick Castro, a seasoned pest control professional from California, thought he’d seen it all in his 20 years on the job. But nothing could have prepared him for what he uncovered during a routine house call.
A homeowner had contacted Castro after noticing strange damage caused by a woodpecker on the home’s siding. The bird had been drilling holes to stash its food, primarily acorns. But instead of staying put, the acorns had fallen through the siding into the empty wall cavities.
Expecting to find a modest stash of nuts, Castro began cutting into the wall. What started as a small stream of acorns quickly became a torrent. It was beyond anything Castro had ever witnessed. The acorns spilled out endlessly, eventually totaling an astonishing 700 pounds—enough to fill eight large trash bags.
The woodpecker had clearly been at it for years, tirelessly collecting and storing its prized food supply. The acorns had even reached the attic, creating a massive stockpile hidden from view.
Thankfully, Castro’s pest control company adheres to a humane policy, ensuring that animals are never harmed. The woodpecker was left undisturbed, and the homeowner opted for vinyl siding to prevent future food storage mishaps.
This unusual find serves as a reminder of the incredible persistence and ingenuity of wildlife. For the woodpecker, though, it’s time to find a new pantry—one where its hard work won’t go to waste.