Discouraging Beavers from Being on Your Property

Keeping Beavers Away

Discouraging Beavers from Settling on My Property

Choose the option that best describes your situation to be directed to the most helpful resources!

I want to prevent beavers from coming onto my property

I want to remove a beaver that is causing problems on my property

Have other questions?

Preventing Beavers from Coming On Your Property

Learn about electric fencing.

Learn about caging individual trees.

Learn about protecting trees with sand paint.

Learn about fencing a grove of trees.

Learn about planting vegetation beavers don’t like.

Electric fencing

Electric fencing may be a cost-effective way to protect crops and areas with multiple trees from beaver browse, though it has not been used as widely as other beaver co-existence methods. A local farm in Lake Oswego has had success excluding beavers from their vineyard with electric fencing, see the video linked above. Electric wire strung 3-4” above the ground with another line approximately 10” above the ground has had success in deterring beavers from areas needing protection. Electric fences are often solar powered and can be bought as kits. It’s a good idea to consult a professional or do extensive research before installing electric fencing if you don’t have previous experience. This method should be used with caution as it comes with certain risks including:

  • Electric fencing presents a potential for grass fires during hot, dry periods. Grass should be kept well trimmed around the fencing and users should consider turning off electric fencing during burn bans.

  • Low lying wires can be a trip hazard for humans and other animals. Consider using flagging along the top wire to make it more visible.

  • Risk of electric shock to humans and/or other wildlife if installed incorrectly.

  • Electric fencing should not be used in waterways or areas of ponding.

Case Study

Shipley-Cook Farmstead in Lake Oswego. OR

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More Electric Fencing Resources

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Caging Individual Trees

Caging trees to prevent beaver chew damage can be an effective way to protect your orchard or landscaping and ensure the continued growth of your trees. It’s important to note metal caging is not the same as plastic tree tubes, which are not generally recommended. Cages made of sturdy wire mesh create a physical barrier that beavers cannot gnaw through, effectively deterring them from damaging the tree trunk. When they are properly installed, cages allow for adequate air circulation and space for the tree trunk to grow unimpeded. The recommended gap of 6 inches between the cage and the tree trunk ensures the tree’s health is not compromised. Unlike some other deterrents, such as repellents, cages offer a long-lasting solution. Once installed, they can remain in place for many years without needing to be reapplied or replaced.

Additional Considerations:

  • Cages should be at least 3 feet tall to prevent beavers from climbing over them.

  • If necessary, protect exposed roots that extend beyond the cage.

  • Anchor the cage to the ground to prevent beavers from pushing it against the tree.

  • Consult with a wildlife professional for guidance on cage selection and installation, especially if you have a large number of trees to protect.

Overall, caging trees can be a valuable tool for property owners who are concerned about beaver chew damage. When considering caging, it’s important to have proper sizing and maintenance to prevent situations where the tree would outgrow the cage – which could cause damage to the tree. It is also important to prevent situations where the caging comes loose and ends up as trash in the waterway. By providing effective protection while minimizing impact on the trees, cages offer a sustainable solution for reaping the benefits of having beavers on your property while minimizing the opportunities for conflict.

Sand paint

Applying a sand-laced paint mixture to tree trunks can be a cost-effective and relatively low-maintenance way to deter beavers from gnawing. The grit in the sand irritates their sensitive teeth, making the bark unappealing. This method is best suited for taller trees, as you only need to coat the bottom three to four feet, and it lasts for several years before needing reapplication. While not 100% foolproof, it can be a good option for protecting valuable trees when coupled with other methods like fencing younger saplings. Remember, be sure to use non-toxic paint to minimize environmental impact and leave some trees untreated to provide beavers with alternative food sources.

Fencing a Grove of Trees

While caging individual trees provides targeted protection, safeguarding an entire grove or orchard with fencing is another option. This strategy can be more cost-effective due to reduced material and labor needs, although it has to be done carefully to ensure no gaps are present that allow beavers to get inside the fenced area. In an area with variable topography, it can be challenging to make sure that the fencing fits tightly against the contours of the ground. Beavers are good diggers and can exploit a small gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground by digging underneath. However, this technique can be useful if you have a large number of trees to protect in a relatively flat area.

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Strategic Planting to Minimize Beaver Damage

Beyond physical barriers like cages and fences, strategic planting offers another approach to minimizing beaver damage to the trees on your property. By intentionally selecting and positioning trees, you can influence beaver behavior and divert their attention away from more valued species.

  • Plant beaver-resistant species: Along waterways and vulnerable edges, plant conifers and other non-preferred species that have a taste or texture which discourages beaver gnawing.

  • Create alternative food sources: Strategically plant fast-growing willows near potential dam sites or foraging areas. This readily available food can draw beavers away from more desirable trees.

  • Prioritize native species: Whenever possible, choose native plants compatible with your local ecosystem. This avoids introducing invasive species and enhances environmental balance.

Remember, effective planting strategies require understanding beaver behavior and local ecology. Reaching out to your local watershed council can ensure your choices address your specific needs while promoting coexistence with beavers on your land.

Strategic Planting Resources

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Removing a Beaver

What options are there for removing a problematic beaver?

There are a number of non-lethal methods that can be used to reduce beaver-related conflicts, such as beaver deceivers, fencing, and water level control devices. These methods are often more effective than lethal control in the long run, and they also allow for the ecological benefits that beavers bring to the landscape.

  • Beaver relocation: In Oregon, it is illegal to relocate beavers without a permit from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). ODFW will evaluate each relocation application on a case-by-case basis and will only approve relocations if they meet certain criteria. More information about beaver relocation can be found here.

  • Beaver dam removal: Beaver dams can provide a number of benefits to the environment, such as improving water quality, creating habitat for fish and wildlife, reducing flooding and groundwater recharge. However, beaver dams sometimes cause serious problems for humans, such as flooding roads and agricultural land. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove beaver dams. If you need assistance with beaver dam removal, you can contact your local ODFW office.

  • Lethal control: Landowners and land managers interested in lethally removing beavers on their own property can contact their local ODFW office, but lethal beaver removal should be seen as a last resort option. Beavers are an important part of the local ecosystem and their presence should not be automatically seen as a problem.