Wild boar keep destroying garden in the Somme: how to keep them out of yours

A French retiree has told how around 15 wild boar have repeatedly dug up his garden in northern France, leaving his lawn damaged.

The 80-year-old resident of Abbeville, Somme, said that these visits have become all the more frequent as the boars search for food. 

“Before, it happened two or three times a year. But it’s getting worse. This year, since September, my lawn has been torn up every week,” he told the Journal d’Abbeville et du Ponthieu-Marquenterre.

The boar, including piglets, cross a private wooded area before reaching his lawn, where they use their snouts to dig beneath the grass in search of worms.

As he is unable to safely intervene himself, the retiree hopes local hunters will be able to manage the boar population by coordinating their hunting activities. 

How to keep wild boar out of your garden

Wild boars can cause significant damage to lawns, vegetable patches and orchards as they dig for food, including earthworms, roots, bulbs and fallen fruit.

If they are visiting your property, there are ways to discourage them.

Install a strong fence

A sturdy fence is one way to prevent the boar from entering a garden. As they are powerful and can push through weak barriers or lift poorly secured fencing with their snouts, choose strong wire mesh or rigid fencing panels, supported by firmly anchored posts. The barrier should also be secured at ground level to prevent the boar from pushing underneath it.

Electric fencing can provide another deterrent. It must be installed correctly and be maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Animal repellents

Commercial repellents made for wild boar may help discourage visits. Some rely on strong smells that the animals find unpleasant.

Homemade mixtures containing garlic can also sometimes work as a deterrent. However, their effectiveness may vary, and rain can wash away any treatment applied outdoors.

Remove potential food sources

Boars are attracted to gardens where food is easily available. Fallen fruit, compost and food waste can encourage them to return.

To make your property less attractive, collect fallen fruit regularly, secure rubbish bins and avoid leaving food scraps outside. If you have a vegetable patch, consider protecting it with a sturdy fence.

It is also important to not feed them yourself, even if they appear calm. Regular access to food can make them less wary of people and increase the likelihood of dangerous encounters.

Avoid approaching them

Even though wild boar prefer to avoid people, they can become dangerous if they feel threatened, are cornered or are protecting their young.

If you encounter them in your garden, do not approach, chase or attempt to drive them away yourself. It is best to keep children and pets indoors and give them space to leave.

If the visits are frequent or the damage is substantial, you can also contact your local mairie or the relevant wildlife authorities to ask what measures are available in your area.