Agricultural crops are an easily available source of food for wild animals, especially when natural food supplies are low. Wildlife crop damage can cause financial losses for farmers and reduce the food available for people or livestock.
Preventing damage to your crops
Many wild animals consume different crops during different times of the year, and farmers may experience high agricultural losses during these periods. To avoid damage to crops by wild animals:
- Use fencing to deter wildlife from damaging crops.
- Rotate your crops to prevent wildlife from creating nesting sites in areas they are accustomed to.
- Install devices such as motion-sensitive lights, noisemakers or aluminum pie plates to scare animals away.
Handling damage to your crops
Having wildlife in your crops can be frustrating. To handle damage to your crops by wildlife:
- Know your field – determine what attracts certain wildlife species and what doesn't.
- Keep an eye on your crops. Regularly check for damage and document the damage that is occurring.
- Use environmentally-friendly, non-toxic wildlife repellent on plants and flowers that are being damaged by animals. These repellents are available commercially.
- Contact your local OMAFRA or MNR representative for advice.
Read more on how handle specific wild animals damaging your crops
Additional information is available from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
