If you’ve walked outside lately to find your lawn torn up like a plowed field, chances are you’ve had a run-in with one of Texas’ most destructive pests—wild hogs. These invasive animals are not just a rural nuisance anymore. They’re showing up in suburban neighborhoods, golf courses, public parks, and even urban backyards. At Wildlife X Team, we’ve seen firsthand the damage they cause, and we’re here to help you understand the threat—and more importantly, how to stop it.
The Wild Hog Problem in Texas
Wild hogs, also known as feral hogs, are a non-native species that have exploded in population across Texas. With estimates suggesting over 2.5 million roaming the state, they cause over $500 million in property and agricultural damage annually.
They’re highly intelligent, travel in large groups (called sounders), and are incredibly adaptable. They root through lawns in search of grubs and plant roots, leaving deep ruts and craters that can destroy landscaping overnight. Beyond the mess, they pose serious risks to pets, crops, and even people.
Why They’re Hard to Handle
Wild hogs are tough. They reproduce rapidly—females can give birth to two litters a year, with up to a dozen piglets each time. They’re nocturnal, elusive, and can travel miles in a single night. DIY deterrents like motion-activated lights or sprinklers rarely work for long, as hogs quickly adapt to their surroundings.
Signs You Have a Hog Problem
Not sure if wild hogs are behind the destruction? Look for:
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Uprooted turf that looks like it’s been tilled
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Deep hoof prints in soft soil
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Droppings with bits of plants, acorns, and insects
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Wallowing holes—shallow, muddy pits where hogs cool off
If you’re noticing these signs, it’s time to act fast.
How to Stop Wild Hogs from Ruining Your Yard
At Wildlife X Team, we take a strategic approach to wild hog control. Here’s what we recommend:
Don’t Feed Them—Intentionally or Not
Secure trash cans, clean up fallen fruit, and remove bird feeders at night. Wild hogs are opportunistic and will return to any easy food source.
Install Fencing
A well-built fence can help, but it has to be tough. Hog-proof fencing is typically made of strong wire mesh, buried underground, and reinforced at the base to prevent digging. Electric wire fencing can also be effective.
Use Professional-Grade Traps
Box traps and corral traps are effective when used correctly. These need to be strategically placed, baited, and monitored. However, trapping wild hogs is dangerous and should only be attempted by trained professionals.
Call the Experts
Removing hogs is not a DIY job. They’re aggressive when cornered and can carry diseases like leptospirosis and swine brucellosis. Wildlife X Team offers humane and effective hog removal services tailored to your property’s specific needs.
Long-Term Solutions: Prevention and Monitoring
After removal, prevention is key. We help homeowners set up exclusion strategies, monitor for hog activity, and restore damaged areas. Ongoing maintenance and vigilance are essential to keeping these destructive invaders at bay.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Wild hogs aren’t just a rural problem anymore—they’re a statewide threat. If you suspect hog activity on your property, don’t wait until the damage is done. Contact Wildlife X Team for a thorough inspection and a customized removal and prevention plan.
Your yard doesn’t have to be a war zone. Let us help you reclaim it.