How To Keep Javelinas Away

How to Keep Javelinas Away From Your Property

Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are fascinating creatures, but their rooting habits can wreak havoc on your yard and garden. These tough, intelligent animals are persistent, so keeping them away requires a multi-pronged approach. This guide will provide you with effective strategies to deter javelinas and protect your property.

Understanding Javelina Behavior: The Key to Effective Deterrence

Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to understand why javelinas are attracted to your property in the first place. They're primarily looking for food and water sources. Understanding their behavior is the first step to successfully keeping them away.

What Attracts Javelinas?

• Food Sources: Javelinas are omnivores with a varied diet. They are particularly drawn to:

  • Fruits and vegetables: Fallen fruits from trees, garden vegetables, and pet food are all tempting treats.
  • Seeds and nuts: Bird feeders can inadvertently attract javelinas.
  • Grains and other plants: They'll readily consume various plants in your landscape.

• Water Sources: Access to water is essential, especially during dry periods. Leaking pipes, pet water bowls, and even puddles can become attractive watering holes.

• Shelter: Javelinas seek shelter from extreme weather conditions. Dense shrubs and overgrown areas can provide them with ideal hiding places.

Proven Methods to Deter Javelinas

Now that we understand what attracts these animals, let's explore effective and humane ways to deter them from your property.

1. Eliminate Food Sources

• Secure your garbage: Use heavy-duty garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. Clean up spilled trash immediately.
• Remove fallen fruit: Regularly pick up fallen fruits from trees.
• Protect your garden: Use fencing, netting, or cages to shield your garden from javelinas.
• Store pet food indoors: Keep pet food inside to prevent javelinas from accessing it.
• Remove bird feeders: While bird feeders add beauty to your yard, they can inadvertently attract javelinas.

2. Limit Water Access

• Repair leaking pipes: Promptly fix any leaking pipes or faucets.
• Secure pet water bowls: Bring pet water bowls inside at night or place them in areas inaccessible to javelinas.
• Drain standing water: Eliminate any standing water sources in your yard.

3. Create Physical Barriers

• Fencing: Installing a sturdy fence is a highly effective barrier. Javelinas are strong diggers, so consider burying chicken wire or hardware cloth a few inches below the ground. A minimum height of 3 feet is generally recommended.
• Repellents: Commercial javelina repellents are available at most garden centers. These repellents typically use scents or tastes that javelinas find unpleasant. Remember to reapply as directed, as their effectiveness can diminish over time.

4. Employ Sensory Deterrents

• Motion-activated sprinklers: These sprinklers scare javelinas away with a sudden burst of water when they enter a designated area.
• Noisemakers: Loud noises can startle javelinas and deter them from your property. Consider using noisemakers like wind chimes or ultrasonic devices.
• Bright lights: Javelinas are generally nocturnal animals. Bright lights can make your yard less appealing as a nighttime habitat.

5. Maintain a Clean Yard

• Remove brush piles and debris: Clear out areas where javelinas might seek shelter.
• Trim shrubs and hedges: Keep your landscaping neat and tidy, removing areas that could provide cover for javelinas.

Persistence is Key

Remember, javelinas are persistent creatures. A combination of these methods will provide the best results. Be patient and consistent in your efforts; it may take time to establish a javelina-free zone. If you continue to struggle with javelina problems, consider contacting your local wildlife agency for additional advice. They may have specific recommendations for your area.