Have you ever encountered a javelina in your backyard or near your property and felt unsure about how to deal with it? These wild animals can be incredibly cute to look at, but they can also be quite fierce and destructive if they feel threatened. Getting rid of a javelina can be tricky, and it’s important that you approach the situation with caution and care to avoid any harm to yourself or to the animal.
There are several methods you can try to get rid of a javelina. One of the most effective is to use a motion-activated sprinkler system, which will spray water whenever the animal passes by and make it uncomfortable enough to move away. Another option is to use noise-making devices, such as air horns or bells, to scare the javelina off. You can also try planting javelina-resistant plants in your garden or putting up fencing or other barriers to keep these animals out.
Whatever method you choose, it’s important to remember that javelinas are wild animals and need to be treated with respect and caution. If you’re unsure about how to get rid of a javelina in your area, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local animal control agency or wildlife experts for guidance. With the right tools and knowledge, you can safely and effectively keep these fascinating creatures away from your property and garden.
Identifying Javelina
Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are wild animals that are commonly found in the southwestern parts of North America. They can be identified through various characteristics, which include:
- An average height of 2 feet and length of 4 feet, weighing between 35 to 60 pounds.
- A grey-black coat of fur that covers its body, which might have a white band around its neck.
- A pig-like face with a squared-off snout and sharp canine teeth.
- A bold, fearless demeanor which can end up in an aggressive charge or stampede when they feel threatened.
If you are living in an area where Javelinas are known to frequent, it’s essential to understand these creatures’ behavior and how to identify them. Their presence can be a concern if they are invading your property or getting too close to domesticated animals. Take the time to learn about them to avoid any potential conflicts or safety hazards.
Javelina Encounters
Encountering a javelina can be a frightening and dangerous experience. These wild pig-like animals can be aggressive and are known to charge at humans and pets. Knowing how to properly handle a javelina encounter will help keep you and your pets safe.
How to Get Rid of a Javelina
- Make loud noises: Javelinas are often scared off by loud noises. Try clapping your hands or shouting to scare them away.
- Spray with water: Javelinas don’t like to be wet. Use a garden hose or a spray bottle to squirt water in their direction.
- Use a motion-activated sprinkler: Installing a motion-activated sprinkler in your yard can help keep Javelinas away. These sprinklers shoot water when they detect motion, scaring the Javelinas.
Javelina Deterrents
There are several ways to deter Javelinas from entering your yard:
- Plant bitter plants: Javelinas dislike the taste of certain plants, including rosemary, lavender, and thyme. Planting them around your yard can deter Javelinas.
- Use scent deterrents: Javelinas dislike the smell of certain scents, including peppermint and garlic. Spraying these scents around your yard can keep Javelinas away.
- Install fencing: Installing a sturdy fence around your yard can keep Javelinas out.
Javelina Behavior
Understanding Javelina behavior can help you better handle encounters with them. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Javelinas are most active at night. If you see one during the day, it’s likely looking for food and water. Javelinas are known to eat plants, garbage, and pet food.
| Signs of Javelina activity: | What to do: |
|---|---|
| Skunk-like odor in your yard | Check for Javelinas and take action to deter them from returning |
| Noises outside at night | Check for Javelinas and take action to deter them from returning |
| Plants in your yard have been eaten or damaged | Install fencing or plant bitter plants to deter Javelinas |
By understanding how to handle and deter Javelinas, you can keep yourself and your pets safe, as well as protect your yard and garden from damage.
Reasons for Javelina Removal
Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are wild animals that belong to the pig family. While they may seem harmless, they can be a nuisance in certain situations. Here are some of the reasons why people may need to get rid of javelinas:
- Property Damage: Javelinas are known to dig up lawns and gardens in search of food. They also have a strong sense of smell which can lead them to trash cans and bird feeders, resulting in a huge mess. If left unchecked, they can cause significant damage to your property.
- Health Hazards: Javelinas can be carriers of diseases like rabies and leptospirosis. Their feces and urine can also contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause illnesses like salmonella and E. coli. If you have kids or pets, it’s best to keep javelinas at a safe distance.
- Aggressive Behavior: While not typically aggressive towards humans, javelinas can become territorial if they feel threatened or cornered. They have sharp teeth and can charge at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. If you come across a javelina, it’s best to give them plenty of space.
Javelina Removal Methods
If you’re dealing with a javelina problem, it’s important to handle it safely and humanely. Here are some of the most common methods for removing javelinas:
- Trapping: Live traps can be set up near areas where javelinas are known to frequent. Once caught, the animal can be safely released into a more suitable habitat away from residential areas.
- Repellents: There are various types of repellents that can be used to deter javelinas. These may include motion-activated sprinklers, predator urine, and electronic devices that emit high-pitched sounds.
- Fencing: Installing a sturdy fence around your property can help keep javelinas out. The fence should be at least six feet tall and buried several inches underground to prevent the animals from digging underneath.
Legal Considerations
Before taking any action to remove javelinas, it’s important to check local laws and regulations. Depending on where you live, there may be specific rules in place for handling wildlife. In some cases, you may need to obtain a permit or hire a licensed professional to handle the removal process.
| State | Javelina Hunting Season |
|---|---|
| Arizona | October – February |
| New Mexico | Year-round |
| Texas | Year-round with a valid hunting license |
It’s important to follow all guidelines and regulations when handling javelina removal to ensure the safety of both the animal and humans involved.
Javelina Repellents
Javelinas are a common sight in many parts of the United States, especially in the southwestern regions. While they may look cute, javelinas can cause significant damage to properties and gardens. Fortunately, there are several ways to repel these wild animals effectively.
- Odor repellents: Javelinas rely on their sense of smell to locate food and mates. By using strong-smelling substances, you can deter javelinas from coming near your property. Some of the most effective odor repellents include ammonia, vinegar, and garlic. You can spray these substances around your property or even soak rags in them and place them in strategic locations.
- Sound repellents: Sound repellents use ultrasonic, high-frequency sounds that javelinas can hear but humans cannot. These sounds can be irritating and stressful for javelinas, making them avoid the area. Some sound repellents come in the form of motion-activated devices that emit a loud noise or a jet of water when triggered by the animal’s movement.
- Fencing: Fencing is one of the most effective ways to keep javelinas out of your property. A sturdy fence that is at least five feet tall can prevent these animals from coming inside. Additionally, adding an electric wire at the bottom of the fence can discourage them from digging underneath it.
It’s important to note that while repellents can be effective, they may not work in all situations. If you’ve tried several repellents without success, it may be time to call a professional wildlife removal service to help you deal with javelinas in a safe and humane way.
To give you an idea of the effectiveness of various repellents, we’ve compiled a table below:
| Repellent | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Ammonia | Effective |
| Vinegar | Somewhat effective |
| Garlic | Somewhat effective |
| Ultrasonic devices | Effective if properly placed |
| Motion-activated devices | Effective if properly placed |
| Fencing | Highly effective |
Overall, using a combination of repellents and preventive measures can help you keep javelinas at bay and protect your property and garden from damage. Remember to be patient and persistent in your efforts, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Javelina Traps and Baits
If you have a javelina problem, you might be thinking about using traps or baits to get rid of them. Here are some important things to know about both options.
- Traps: Using traps can be an effective way to catch and relocate javelina. However, it’s important to make sure you use the right type of trap. Leg-hold traps are illegal in many states, and they can cause serious harm to the animal. Live traps, on the other hand, allow you to safely and humanely catch the javelina and then release them somewhere else. Just make sure you check the trap frequently and release the animal as soon as possible to avoid causing undue stress.
- Baits: You might be tempted to use food to lure javelina away from your property, but this can actually backfire. Javelina are opportunistic feeders, and they can quickly become habituated to human food sources. Once they do, they are much harder to deter. Instead of using bait, focus on making your property less attractive to javelina by eliminating food sources and creating barriers to keep them out.
Best Practices for Using Javelina Traps
If you decide to use traps to catch javelina, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure you do it safely and humanely.
- Use a live trap that is big enough to comfortably hold the javelina.
- Position the trap in an area where the javelina are known to travel, such as along a fence line or near a feeding area.
- Bait the trap with something the javelina are likely to eat, such as corn or watermelon.
- Check the trap frequently and release the javelina as soon as possible. Once you release it, make sure to do so far away from your property so it doesn’t return.
Javelina Trap Comparison Table
| Trap Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Live trap | Humane; allows you to relocate the animal | May require a permit in some areas; requires frequent monitoring |
| Leg-hold trap | Effective at catching the animal | Illegal in many areas; can cause serious harm to the animal |
No matter which type of trap you choose, make sure to use it safely and responsibly.
Hiring a Javelina Removal Service
While there are DIY ways to get rid of javelinas, such as building a fence or using repellents, hiring a professional javelina removal service can be a more effective and safer solution. Here are some things to consider when choosing a company:
- Experience: Look for a service that has experience dealing with wildlife control, specifically javelinas. A company with years of experience will know the most effective and safe methods to remove the animal.
- Licensing and insurance: Make sure the company is licensed to remove wildlife, and that they have liability insurance to protect you and your property in case of any accidents or damages.
- Humane practices: Choose a company that follows humane practices when removing the javelina. It’s important to ensure that the animal is not harmed in the process of removal.
When you hire a removal service, they will typically follow these steps:
- Inspection: The company will come to your property to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
- Trapping: The removal service will set up humane traps to capture the javelina.
- Removal: Once the javelina has been trapped, it will be safely removed from your property.
- Prevention: The company may offer advice on how to prevent future javelina incidents, such as removing food sources or installing a fence.
It’s important to note that while some removal services may offer to relocate the javelina, it’s typically not recommended. Javelinas have a strong homing instinct, and they may return to your property. In addition, relocation can be stressful and harmful to the animal.
| Pros of Hiring a Javelina Removal Service | Cons of Hiring a Javelina Removal Service |
|---|---|
| Effective and efficient removal | Can be expensive |
| Professional treatment of the animal | May cause temporary disruption to your property |
| Prevention advice to avoid future incidents | Some removal services may not follow humane practices |
If you’re dealing with a javelina problem on your property, hiring a professional removal service can provide a safe and effective solution. Make sure to do your research and choose a reputable company with experience, licensing, and insurance.
Preventing Future Javelina Infestation
Once you have successfully removed a javelina from your property, it is essential to take preventative measures to ensure that they do not return. Here are some steps you can take:
- Secure your Trash – Javelinas are attracted to food sources, so securing your trash cans is crucial. Make sure the lids are tight, and the cans are not easily accessible.
- Remove any Food Sources – Javelinas are omnivores and will eat almost anything, so be sure to remove any fruit, seeds, or plants that may be attracting them.
- Install Fences – A sturdy fence can help keep javelinas from accessing your property. However, fencing must be at least 3 feet tall to prevent them from jumping over it.
Additionally, there are some more specific steps you can take depending on your property’s location:
If you live in a rural area with a lot of wildlife, consider planting species that do not attract javelinas. Natives like Ocotillo, mesquite or desert Willow Trees are uninviting for javelinas. Humane traps can also be set up to capture and relocate javelinas from your property.
Here’s a handy table to give you an idea of what plants are less attractive to javelinas.
| Plant Type | Attractive to Javelinas? |
|---|---|
| Agave | No |
| Cacti | No |
| Verbena | No |
| Yucca | No |
| Rock Rose | No |
| Penstemon | Yes |
| Mexican Honeysuckle | Yes |
| Texas Ranger | Yes |
| Texas Sage | Yes |
| Bougainvillea | Yes |
Remember that javelinas are wild animals and will follow their instincts, so it is essential to take these preventative measures seriously to avoid future infestations.
FAQs: How Do You Get Rid of a Javelina
Q: What is a javelina?
A: Javelina, also known as collared peccary, is a wild, pig-like mammal found in some parts of North and South America.
Q: Why do I need to get rid of a javelina?
A: Javelinas can damage crops, gardens, and property, and may pose a threat to pets and humans if provoked.
Q: What are some non-lethal ways to get rid of a javelina?
A: Some non-lethal ways to deter javelinas include building a fence, using motion-activated sprinklers or sound devices, and removing attractants such as garbage, pet food, and bird feeders.
Q: Is it legal to hunt javelinas?
A: Hunting regulations vary by state and may require a license or permit. It is important to check with local authorities before hunting or trapping javelinas.
Q: What are some signs that a javelina may be nearby?
A: Javelinas are mostly active at night and can be identified by their strong, musky odor, distinctive grunting and snorting sounds, and tracks that resemble those of a pig.
Q: What should I do if I encounter a javelina?
A: It is best to avoid direct contact with javelinas and give them plenty of space to avoid feeling threatened. If a javelina charges or behaves aggressively, back away slowly and find a place of safety.
Q: Who can I contact for help with a javelina problem?
A: Local wildlife agencies and pest control professionals may be able to provide advice and assistance with javelina control.
Closing Thoughts
We hope these FAQs have been helpful in understanding how to get rid of a javelina. Remember, it is important to take precautions to avoid negative encounters with these wild animals. Thanks for reading, and keep an eye out for more helpful tips and information in the future!