The growing presence of wild swine, often referred to as feral hogs, has become a significant problem for property owners. These invasive animals cause extensive damage, primarily through “rooting” the ground to search for food like insects, roots, and tubers. This activity leaves lawns, gardens, and landscaping looking as though they were run over by a tiller, destroying ornamental plants. Feral hogs also damage fences, disrupt irrigation systems, and carry diseases that pose risks to livestock and humans. Effective long-term control requires a multi-faceted approach, starting with the most reliable physical barrier.
Securing the Perimeter with Fencing
A robust physical barrier is the most effective long-term solution for preventing hogs from entering a yard. Feral hogs are strong and determined, often attempting to breach a fence by rooting underneath it or pushing through weak spots. A simple wire fence is usually insufficient because they use their powerful snouts to lift or burrow under the bottom edge.
The most successful exclusion fences use high-tensile, fixed-knot woven wire mesh, which offers superior strength compared to standard field fences. This mesh should be a minimum of 48 inches high, though a well-constructed fence of 36 inches can deter a hog from attempting to jump over. The single most important element is preventing them from digging beneath the barrier.
This is achieved by burying the bottom of the fence at least six inches deep. Another option is installing an “apron” of mesh that extends outward from the base along the ground for 18 to 24 inches. An electric fence serves as an effective supplementary layer, featuring two charged wires. One wire is placed low to the ground, six to eight inches high, to deliver a shock to the hog’s sensitive snout, and a second wire is placed higher up. The electric charge teaches the hogs to associate the area with pain, making them less likely to challenge the physical fence.
Habitat Modification and Sensory Deterrents
Removing common attractants is a necessary step in reducing the appeal of your property to foraging hogs. Feral swine are opportunistic omnivores, readily consuming pet food left outdoors, fallen fruit, and unsecured garbage. All potential food sources should be removed or stored in heavy, sealed containers that hogs cannot access or overturn.
Water is another major attractant, as hogs seek out muddy areas to create “wallows” for cooling during warmer months. Sources of standing water, such as bird baths, leaky spigots, or pooled irrigation water, should be drained or eliminated. Eliminating these resources reduces the incentive for hogs to linger near your home.
Sensory deterrents, such as commercial repellents or automated noise makers, offer short-term relief, but their effectiveness is limited by the hogs’ ability to habituate. Repellents rely on aversive tastes or odors, but they must be constantly reapplied, especially after rain, and hogs quickly learn to ignore them. Auditory deterrents, like motion-activated alarms or lights, can initially startle the animals, but they also become accustomed to the disturbance over time. These non-physical methods are best used as temporary measures or in combination with physical barriers, not as a standalone solution.
When Professional Intervention is Necessary
When damage is severe, persistent, or involves a large group of animals, professional intervention is the most effective course of action. Feral hogs travel in groups called sounders, and lasting relief requires removing the entire sounder simultaneously. Attempting to trap only one or two individuals will “educate” the remaining hogs, making them warier and significantly more difficult to capture later.
Wildlife control professionals typically employ large corral traps, often utilizing surveillance cameras to monitor the sounder’s behavior. The area is pre-baited for an extended period, conditioning the entire group to enter the enclosure for food before the trap is triggered. This technique ensures the highest removal rate.
Regulations regarding the removal, trapping, and disposal of feral hogs vary significantly by state and county, as they are considered an invasive species. Before attempting any active removal, contact the local agricultural extension office or state wildlife agency. These authorities provide up-to-date information on legal methods and may offer assistance programs or professional contacts for compliant removal.