Philip John

Straw bale is a solid choice for Southern Indiana, just make sure to keep the bales protected from moisture with proper detailing like raised foundations and wide eaves. Using materials that breathe well will help keep your home comfortable and long-lasting

Add a non-toxic bitter additive to the finish plaster to help deter woodpeckers from pecking at the walls.

If the damage is mostly cosmetic and the texture is the primary issue, some stores sell textured paint that could both cover the patch and re-create the texture in one go.