How to Keep Wild Hogs Off Your Property

If wild hogs are tearing up your land, you’re not alone. These animals aren’t shy, and once they’ve found food or water, they’ll keep coming back. Fencing helps, but it’s not the whole solution. You’ve got to think like they do—smart, persistent, and willing to push through almost anything.

Keeping them off your property means getting ahead of their habits, cutting off access points, and staying consistent.

Use Fencing They Can’t Push Through or Dig Under

Regular wire fencing won’t cut it. Wild hogs are strong and low to the ground—they’ll either push right through it or dig under. You’ll need a heavy-duty wire mesh with small enough gaps to stop them, and it should go at least 12 inches underground. Some people add a buried panel or apron to stop digging. Gates need to latch tight, too—they’ve been known to nose their way through weak spots.

Remove Their Food and Water Sources

If there’s a steady food supply, hogs will keep showing up. Dumpsters, spilled grain, fallen fruit, and even pet food can all attract them. Water sources like shallow ponds or leaky hoses can do the same. Clean up regularly and secure anything they might sniff out. If you’ve got livestock, keep feed areas tight and clean. They’re looking for an easy meal, and you’ve got to make your place less appealing.

Install a Hot Wire Low to the Ground

Adding an electric wire along the bottom of your fencing can stop hogs from even trying. It needs to hit around the 6-to-8-inch height mark where their snouts are. That initial zap is usually enough to convince them to look elsewhere. Just make sure you keep the wire hot and clear of vegetation so it doesn’t short out. This trick works best when they’re new to the area and not too bold yet.

Don’t Bother with Repellents

There are all kinds of sprays and gadgets claiming to keep hogs away, but most don’t work long-term. Hogs get used to smells fast, and motion-activated noise makers only slow them down if they haven’t seen one before. If they’re hungry or feel safe, they’ll ignore it all. Save your money and focus on real barriers instead of gimmicks.

Trap if You Need To

In some areas, trapping is the only way to get rid of hogs once they’ve established a routine. Corral traps work best—those big, round setups that can catch a whole group at once. You’ll want to check your local laws first, though. In many places, wild hog control is heavily regulated. Don’t trap unless you know what you’re doing and have a plan for what comes next.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.