Critterfence Fence stops pesky animals like woodchucks, rabbits, and small pets from raiding your garden and romping around in it. Fencing is the best way to keep domestic and wild animals away from a garden. Fencing can be costly, but it could be the best way to protect your garden from expensive damage. You can click here to learn more about the numerous benefits of proper fencing. These are some things to remember:
- Fences are most effective when the animal is unaware of what it is protecting. If an animal is hungry, they will be more likely to break through any fence. They don’t see what they are missing if they have solid fences.
- Although fences can be more costly and require more maintenance, they have a smaller impact on your view than solid fences and are often more effective. If animals are familiar with fences, they will be more likely to use them. Peanut butter can be used on fences to make them more shocked. They will be less likely ever to test it again. The fence should not be touched by vegetation. It can reduce its charge, or even ground it.
- You should check local ordinances regarding building fences. Fences that are too large can block views and violate codes.
- The animal fence should be built to fit the animal. Here are some design tips for foiling certain animals.
Deer
The deer are likely to be the most popular choice for many homeowners. Deer can leap so the fence must be high and at an angle. Game wardens have many options for deer barriers. A deer fence that is 8-10 feet tall and angled at 45 degrees in the direction of most deer will be crossing it is one option. They will be less likely to jump. Deer can also get under fences if they are not kept in place. You can also use fences with peanut butter or solid fences to block your view of a food source.
Cats and Dogs
A wire mesh fence three feet high should be built and anchored by sturdy posts. It is unlikely that cats will climb on it, and most dogs won’t be able to knock it over. To discourage dogs digging under the fence, bend the base of the fence inwardly to create a 2-foot-wide apron.
Rabbit
A 2-foot chicken wire fence with holes measuring 1-inch in diameter will keep rabbits out of your yard. Curve the bottom of your fence 90 degrees to prevent them digging under.
Woodchuck
Woodchucks, like opossums and raccoons, are excellent climbers. To discourage them, any fence must be either unattached at 18 inches above the ground or have a wire strung across it. To prevent them from digging under the fence, a 2-foot-wide apron should be placed on the 4-foot high fence. A fence can be placed just a few inches beyond a wire fence.
Tunneling Pests: Gophers, Chipmunks, Moles, etc
They are invisible and can eat your plants unnoticed. They can move under the snow to gnaw at young tree trunks in winter. You may not notice the damage until spring. To protect your prized plants from these tunneling creatures in your garden, you can make cages or baskets. Line the bottom and sides of the bed with wire mesh. Plant your garden and replace the soil.
Tree trunks can be protected with wire mesh guards that are placed 2 feet above the trunk and a few inches below soil line. In spring and autumn, adjust the wire mesh guards to allow for tree growth. Learn more about gophers and chipmunks.
Opossum and Raccoon
These animals dig and climb so the fence must have a floppy top as well as a barrier against digging. The top 18 inches of a 4-foot fence will allow the climber to fall back, keeping them from scaling it. You can prevent them from digging under the fence by bending the bottom 90 degrees. This creates a 2-foot-wide apron and then burying it several inches below the fence. You can also place an wire over a fence that is 3-4 feet tall.
Opossums and raccoons are not fond of material that sticks to their feet. To deter them, you can place bird netting outside the fence. Also, keep the grass mowed.
Coyote
Begin with perimeter fencing. You can add a sheep fence by adding another fence wire 8 inches off the ground, and about a foot in front. Add a wire to the top of your sheep fence, as coyotes are capable of jumping.
Bear
Bears are able to easily trample on most fences but can be discouraged if they enter an area that they haven’t explored. They don’t like to walk on chicken wire so lay some about 3-4 feet wide and secure it. The area should be kept mowed. If bears come across the fencing before they are aware of the food source, it is possible to use fencing.