Pigs and wild boars have a remarkable sense of smell. While you may be able to smell various scents, it might be difficult to distinguish everything included in the concoction when mixed together. For a pig, however, it’s easy to quickly identify what’s included. For this reason, they either gravitate toward specific scents or avoid them altogether. Discover seven smells that pigs and wild boars absolutely hate!
What Is the Difference Between Pigs and Wild Boars?
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Wild boars fall under the species umbrella of pig, but the two types of animals have a number of differences. Pigs are domesticated animals that are sometimes kept as pets but are more often raised for their meat. On the other side of the fence are wild boars, which have protruding lower canine teeth that appear as tusks. Although pigs also have canine teeth, they’re considerably smaller.
Since wild boars come from pigs, they share a slightly similar appearance, as seen with their elongated, leathery snouts. However, you wouldn’t mistake one for the other. Wild boars are usually darker and may have different colorations depending on their location. Pigs are much lighter, more of a pink color but may also be dark, even black (but this is extremely rare).
The habitat of a wild boar is untamed, just like the boar itself. They are usually found in tropical jungles, forests, and grasslands, whereas pigs cozy up close to their human counterparts in outdoor yards or pig barns. In the wild, boars eat various foods, including fruits, roots, and plants. Pigs typically eat feed, which may include corn, barley, and wheat. They may also be provided with leftover human foods.
How Do You Stop Pigs and Wild Boars?
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Unless you own a farm and you’ve welcomed a pig onto it, you probably don’t want your neighbor’s pigs on your property, and you definitely don’t want wild boars running about, creating chaos. One of the first options is building a fence. It should be made from metal mesh wiring and should be tall enough to keep these animals away (at least 34 inches tall).
Keeping your environment clear of any debris that may attract pigs or wild hogs is another way to prevent them from coming onto your property. In some cases, you may need to trap a persistent pig or feral hog. If that’s the case, be sure to use a humane live trap and get a call out to your local animal control so they can come to pick it up.
Aside from these methods, you may also want to try sound to repel them. A dog bark is a good way to keep them away, but so is general human chatter. A shotgun could scare them off as well. They’re sensitive to these loud sounds and will avoid an area that irritates or scares them.
5 Smells That Pigs and Wild Boars Absolutely Hate
1. Cayenne Pepper
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Cayenne pepper adds a pop of color and a kick to your food, but it’s disgusting for pigs and wild boars. While you may enjoy the sting of a spicy meal, pigs aren’t interested. They can pick up on the capsaicin, and even though they may enjoy a variety of other vegetables, they leave out cayenne pepper the way kids leave their least favorite dinner items on a plate.
2. Garlic and Onions
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Most wouldn’t dare brave a recipe without these staples, but when dealing with pigs and wild boars, they do more than you might think. Like cayenne peppers, pigs know to steer clear. Onions and garlic cause an upset stomach, so they avoid both. You could plant these in your garden along with peppers and repel pigs while you get to enjoy your harvest.
3. Human Hair
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This one is a little out there, but wild boars aren’t interested in getting too close to humans. If you’ve noticed they’re attracted to a particular spot on your property, you can go out there and mark your territory with some hair. Hair usually ends up getting stuck in the vacuum, anyway!
4. Avocados
It’s ultimately the skin of the avocado that repels pigs. It’s toxic to them, and they seem to have an innate understanding that they should not approach avocados.
5. Other Pigs
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These animals are territorial, so if there are other pigs present, they stay away.
What Smells Are Pigs and Wild Boars Attracted To?
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While it’s important to know what smells pigs and wild boars absolutely hate, it’s also crucial you know what they’re attracted to. This way, if you’re working to repel them, you’re not thwarting your own efforts. Pigs love vegetables; some of their favorites include sweet potatoes and broccoli. They also love apples and apricots. Wild boars are attracted to the smell of sweet corn, and some pig bait experts swear by dry dog food too! Therefore, if you keep pups, be sure to keep the area outside clear of their food.
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