Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are common wildlife in the Southwestern United States that can cause significant damage to landscaping and gardens. These animals travel in cohesive herds, or squadrons, typically numbering between five and 15 individuals. Javelinas have a strong sense of smell and root in the soil to find tubers, bulbs, and succulent roots, often resulting in uprooted plants and churned-up turf. Protecting a yard requires a multi-faceted approach utilizing physical barriers, sensory deterrents, and careful plant selection to make the property unattractive as a food source.
Exclusionary Barriers and Fencing
The most reliable strategy for protecting a garden from javelinas involves installing robust physical barriers that prevent access. Since javelinas are not great jumpers, a fence should be at least four feet tall, though a height closer to six feet provides greater security. The material used should be sturdy, such as hog wire or heavy-gauge wire mesh, to withstand the animals pushing against it.
A critical design consideration is addressing the javelina’s tendency to root, which requires burying the bottom edge of the fence into the ground. For long-term effectiveness, the barrier should extend at least eight to 12 inches below the soil surface to prevent digging. This buried section can be bent outward in an “L” shape to further discourage excavation attempts.
For smaller, high-value areas like vegetable patches or flower beds, electric fencing provides an effective and less permanent alternative. A single strand of electrified wire placed eight to ten inches above the ground can deliver a non-harmful but startling shock. After a few encounters, the animals often learn to associate the location with the unpleasant experience.
Sensory Deterrents and Repellents
Methods that appeal to the javelina’s keen sense of smell can be used to discourage them from entering specific areas without a physical barrier. Commercial repellents often utilize capsaicin or strong-smelling predator urine, such as that from mountain lions or coyotes. These intense odors trigger an instinctive avoidance response.
The effectiveness of these scent-based products is heavily dependent on consistent reapplication. Rain, irrigation, and evaporation require that repellents be refreshed frequently, often every few days or after precipitation, to maintain potency. Homeowners sometimes attempt do-it-yourself mixtures using strong spices or garlic, which function similarly by creating an unpleasant smell or taste.
Motion-activated devices, such as sprinklers or alarms, can also act as temporary deterrents by startling the animals with sudden noise or a blast of water. While effective initially, javelinas may become habituated to these devices over time. Sensory deterrents are often best used in combination with physical barriers or plant selection.
Landscaping Strategies and Plant Selection
Proactive landscaping involves choosing plants that naturally deter javelinas, making the property less appealing as a food source. Javelinas generally avoid plants with strong, pungent odors, fuzzy or hairy leaves, tough textures, or thorns and spines.
Planting herbs like rosemary, sage, and lavender, or succulents such as agave and red yucca, can create a natural barrier due to their strong scents or tough foliage. Ocotillo, with its thorny branches, is another effective choice for keeping javelinas away from sensitive areas. Conversely, javelinas are highly attracted to soft, water-rich vegetation like bulbs, some cacti, and most soft ground covers, which should be avoided or heavily protected.
Selecting plants with a blue or silver hue can also be beneficial, as these colors often signal a bitter or unpalatable taste to herbivores. Focusing on resistant species reduces the likelihood of severe damage to the landscape, even though no plant is entirely “javelina-proof.”
Understanding Javelina Behavior and Habits
Javelinas are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours around dawn and dusk. During hot summer months, they shift to more nocturnal activity to avoid the heat, while in winter, they may feed later in the morning to bask in the sun. This understanding helps in timing the application of deterrents or checking for new damage.
The animals travel in cohesive herds, which results in a distinct, musky odor that is often noticeable. Because they travel as a group, any damage they inflict on a garden can be extensive, necessitating prompt action to discourage their presence.
Attractants beyond garden plants, such as outdoor pet food, fallen fruit, or accessible water sources, will draw javelinas into a residential area. Removing standing water and securing trash cans reduce the overall appeal of a yard. Never feeding javelinas is also important, as it encourages them to seek out natural food sources rather than becoming dependent on human environments.