19/12/2017 Top Five Strategies to Protect Crops from Wild Animals

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Top Five Strategies to Protect Crops from WildAnimals

Ines MarjanovicAgronomy Expert

4 min

Before the beginning of every farm season, most farmers prefer to plan potential yields.

On the other hand, some farmers chose to skip planning. Whether a farmer plans the

potential yield or not, certain expectations are still present. While hoping for the best,

farmers are often presented with various challenges and obstacles that require them to

constantly question their productivity and resulting �nal success.

The greatest importance is usually given to crop protection from diseases, insect pests,

and weeds, as well as to protection from unfavorable weather events such as frost or

hail  ,along with other crop maintenance practices. The aforementioned challenges are

well-known and often discussed. However, farmers also face another interesting

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19/12/2017 Top Five Strategies to Protect Crops from Wild Animals

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challenge, often forgotten about or not realized; wild animal crop protection.

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Wild animals are a special challenge for farmers throughout the world. Animals such as

deer, wild boars, rabbits, moles, elephants, monkeys, and many others may cause serious

damage to crops. They can damage the plants by feeding on plant parts or simply by

running over the �eld and trampling over the crops. Therefore, wild animals may easily

cause signi�cant yield losses and provoke additional �nancial problems. Another aspect

to consider is that wild animal crop protection requires a particularly cautious approach.

In other words, while utilizing his crop production, every farmer should be aware and take

into consideration the fact that animals are living beings and need to be protected from

any potential suffering. 

Top Five Strategies to Protect Crops from Wild AnimalsSuccessful farmers always seek to determine the satisfactory level of wild animal crop

protection using one of the following �ve technologies:

1. Agricultural fences

Fencing is a popular wild animal protection practice for that can last for many years.

Agricultural fences are quite an effective wild animal protection technology. Hoewever,

utilizing fences as a practice is often regulated. Some local and state entities may

restrict or prevent the use of certain types of fences. Therefore, before deciding on a

suitable fence, it's important to check local law regulations.

The quality of fencing depends on the material and structure. Depending on how it is

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made and what it is made of, some permanent fences can last up to 30 years. Farmers

usually use one of the following types of fences:

Wire fences; constructed of metal wires woven together forming a physical barrier.

The fences are effective, long lasting, and require relatively little maintenance. However,

they are expensive and recommended only for the protection of high-value crops.

Plastic fences; polypropylene fences are generally less expensive and easier to

install and repair than other types. Additionally, these fences are widely acceptable and

meet various regulations. Their disadvantage include their short lifespan (up to 10 years)

and questionable effectiveness in areas with a higher possibility of wild animal crop

damage. 

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Electric fences; are constructed to in�ict an electric shock to animals that come in

contact with the fence, thus preventing animals from crossing the fence. These fences

are long lasting and an effective crop protection measure. Costs vary depending on

speci�c type and size of an area. Before purchasing electric fences, it's very important to

make sure they are allowed for use in the speci�c area, and for protection against

endangered animal species. Additionally, it's recommended that electric fences are

marked with a warning sign to prevent any possible human contact. 

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2. Natural repelents

Some farmers   prefer using natural protection measures instead of mechanical or

chemical protective practices. There are various ways to protect crops from wild animals,

including:

Smoke; in some areas farmers burn elephant dung or other materials that smolder

and create heavy smoke

Fish or garlic natural emulsion; repels rabbits and deer

Beehive fencing; for instance, elephants are repelled by the sound of honey bees; this

practice is bene�cial as it serves as an extra source of income

Chili peppers; the chemical Capsaicin makes chili peppers hot; an excellent repellent

against elephants, monkeys, squirrels, and some other wild animals; farmers who plant

chili peppers will also bene�t from an extra source of income

Lavender, soybean, peas, and beans are excellent repellents against rabbits and are

also an additional source of income

Egg based repellent; homemade repellent against deer

Castor oil; natural repellent that keeps away burrowing animals such as moles 

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3. Chemical repelents; active substances such as Anthraquinone, Butanethiol, and

Methyl Anthranilate can be used to keep wild animals away from crops

4. Biophysical barriers; fences made of bamboo sticks, coconut tree bunches, or some

other available shrubs; low-cost practice but also low e�ciency in protecting crops

against wild animals

5. Electronic repellents; effective, long lasting, and eco-friendly method for crop

protection that repels animals without harming them. Farmers use one of the following

two types of electronic repellents:

Ultrasonic electronic repellent; silent to humans, high-frequency sound waves repel

wild animals

Sonic electronic repellent; audible noise that scares animals 

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Quality Wild Animal Crop Protection Secures the YieldAside from the aforementioned strategies, some farmers rely on scarecrows,

�recrackers, bright lights, �re, beating drums, and dogs.

Along with practicing certain crop protection measures, the most successful farmers will

19/12/2017 Top Five Strategies to Protect Crops from Wild Animals

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g p g p p

monitor their �elds as often as possible. After all, constant monitoring is the best way to

make sure that everything on the �eld goes as planned.

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In an attempt to ensure maximum crop protection, some farmers will combine a few

crop protection strategies. Furthermore, modern farm technology researchers are

working on new technological solutions. These solutions involve the use of cameras,

computers, and even robots to protect plants from wild animals. While waiting for

advanced technology to become available, farmers can do all their best and practice

some of the above mentioned strategies to protect their crops.  Text sources: Maryland.gov

(http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/hunt_trap/fhfh.aspx) || BBC

(http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141204-�ve-ways-to-scare-off-elephants)  Image sources: India's Endangered (http://indiasendangered.com/when-snares-set-for-

wild-boars-spell-trouble-for-karnatakas-tigers/) || Profence

(http://www.profence.org/products/woven-wire/) || GuangTong (http://www.plastic-

netting.org/plastic-mesh/agriculture-net.html) || Pest Kill

(http://pestkill.org/other/rabbits/how-to-keep-out-of-garden/) || Tiny Farm

(https://tinyfarmblog.com/anti-raccoon-measures/) || AVS Fencing

(https://www.avsfencing.co.uk/blog/tips-advice/what-are-the-legal-requirements-of-

electric-fencing/#post) || BBC (http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141204-�ve-ways-to-

scare-off-elephants) || Bird-X Inc (http://www.bird-x.com/transonic-mole-products-

70.php?page_id=137) || stoppestinfo.com (https://stoppestinfo.com/118-how-to-get-rid-

of-raccoons.html) || Bird-X Inc (http://www.bird-x.com/yard-gard----products-74.php?

19/12/2017 Top Five Strategies to Protect Crops from Wild Animals

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of raccoons.html) || Bird X Inc (http://www.bird x.com/yard gard products 74.php?

page_id=137) 

Read next:

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How Can Regular CropMaintenance Provide

Stable Yields?Farming is a complex activity, one in whichevery segment impacts the crop production.To have a successful crop production, allsegments need to be managed properly.Good soil preparation is half of the job, whilethe other half is good management o ...

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