7 Best Fencing Supplies for Creating a Wildlife Barrier That Actually Work

Protecting your property from wildlife intrusions requires the right fencing supplies that balance effectiveness with environmental consideration. Whether you’re dealing with deer leaping into your garden, rabbits munching on your vegetables, or predators threatening your livestock, choosing appropriate barriers can make all the difference.

You’ll need to consider factors like animal size, jumping height, digging depth, and your specific landscape challenges before investing in wildlife fencing solutions. The best wildlife barriers combine physical deterrents with proper installation techniques to create long-lasting protection without harming the animals or disrupting the ecosystem unnecessarily.

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Understanding Wildlife Barriers: Why Proper Fencing Matters

Wildlife barriers do more than just keep animals out—they protect both your property and the surrounding ecosystem. Effective wildlife fencing creates a physical boundary that prevents unwanted animals from accessing your crops, gardens, or livestock while minimizing potential harm to the wildlife themselves.

When wildlife repeatedly access your property, they can cause thousands of dollars in damage through crop destruction, structural damage, and potential disease transmission. The right fence design accounts for the specific behaviors of local wildlife, including their jumping height, burrowing depth, and climbing abilities.

Different wildlife require different barrier approaches. Deer can jump nearly 8 feet high but rarely attempt to burrow, while raccoons are excellent climbers requiring top-mounted deterrents. Coyotes and foxes often test fences for weaknesses and may dig underneath if the fence doesn’t extend below ground.

Seasonal considerations also impact wildlife pressure on your property. Animals typically increase their foraging activities during spring planting and fall harvest, requiring stronger barriers during these critical periods. Understanding these patterns helps you implement temporary reinforcements when they’re most needed.

The most effective wildlife barriers combine physical exclusion with proper installation techniques. This includes selecting appropriate materials, maintaining proper tension, securing the fence at ground level, and conducting regular inspections for damage or weak points that animals might exploit.

Selecting the Right Electric Fence System for Wildlife Control

Electric fencing provides an effective deterrent for wildlife control by delivering a safe but uncomfortable shock that teaches animals to avoid your property. Choosing the right system depends on your specific needs, power availability, and the type of wildlife you’re dealing with.

Solar-Powered Electric Fence Options

Solar-powered electric fences offer excellent flexibility for remote locations without access to traditional power sources. The VersaNet® Plus and PermaNet® Plus systems feature built-in solar chargers, making them self-sufficient options for wildlife control. These systems work well year-round in sunny locations and can be installed as temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent solutions, eliminating the need for constant battery replacements or power connections.

Battery and AC-Powered Alternatives

Battery-powered options like Deer QuikFence® and RaccoonNet® provide portability for seasonal protection of gardens and orchards. These systems can be easily relocated as needed and are ideal for temporary applications or areas where solar exposure is limited. For permanent installations, AC-powered systems such as the PermaNet® Plus 12/48/3 and 12/68/6 electric netting deliver consistent, reliable power with minimal maintenance, making them excellent choices for long-term wildlife exclusion in areas with access to electrical outlets.

Heavy-Duty Steel Mesh Fencing: The Durable Solution

Heavy-duty steel mesh fencing stands as the gold standard for creating effective wildlife barriers. This robust solution combines strength and flexibility, making it ideal for excluding both large and small animals from your property. Welded wire fencing, such as varieties offered by Grip-Rite, provides exceptional rigidity and durability, effectively keeping out persistent wildlife like rabbits, deer, and other larger animals.

Galvanized vs. PVC-Coated Steel Mesh

Galvanized steel mesh offers superior corrosion resistance and durability, making it perfect for excluding smaller pests like mice and raccoons. One-by-one-inch galvanized wire mesh provides particularly effective protection. PVC-coated alternatives deliver additional weatherproofing benefits with a smooth finish that’s easier to handle, while maintaining excellent rust resistance across various environmental conditions.

Installation Tools and Accessories

Proper installation requires essential tools including landscaping staples, wire cutters, and post drivers to secure your fence effectively. Wire mesh selection should match target animals—use 2×3-inch fencing for groundhogs and raccoons, while 1×1-inch works better for smaller rodents. Incorporating L-footer designs (extending mesh outward underground at 90-degree angles) prevents determined animals from digging underneath your barrier.

Polypropylene Deer Netting: Lightweight and Effective

Polypropylene deer netting offers an ideal balance of effectiveness and practicality for wildlife exclusion. This versatile material provides a reliable barrier while being significantly lighter and easier to handle than metal alternatives.

Height Considerations for Different Wildlife Species

Different animals require specific fence heights for effective exclusion. For rabbits, squirrels, and birds, a 3-4 foot barrier typically suffices. Deer, however, demand taller protection—generally 6-8 feet to prevent jumping. In areas with bovine tuberculosis concerns, fencing should exceed 8 feet for maximum protection against deer intrusion.

Securing Methods for Maximum Protection

The PermaNet® Plus 12/68/6 Electric Netting system provides exceptional security with its tall design and electrical deterrent capabilities. For comprehensive protection, implement L-footer installations by extending mesh outward at a 90-degree angle underground, preventing animals from digging beneath. Combining polypropylene netting with proper anchoring ensures both perimeter security and structural integrity against persistent wildlife.

Predator-Resistant Fence Posts and Stakes

Your wildlife barrier is only as strong as the posts that support it. Selecting the right fence posts and stakes ensures your barrier remains effective against persistent predators while maintaining long-term structural integrity.

Metal T-Posts vs. Wooden Options

Metal T-posts offer superior durability in harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for permanent wildlife barriers. They resist rotting and provide excellent stability for heavy fencing materials. Wooden posts, while requiring more maintenance, are safer for wildlife as they prevent entanglement injuries when animals attempt to jump over. Wood top rails particularly reduce the risk of serious injury to deer and other jumping animals.

Concrete Footings for Permanent Installation

Concrete footings significantly enhance fence stability for long-term wildlife exclusion projects. These foundations prevent posts from shifting in soft soil or during freeze-thaw cycles, maintaining tension in your fencing materials. For maximum effectiveness, combine concrete footings with L-footer style fencing that extends horizontally underground at a 90-degree angle, creating an additional barrier against digging predators like foxes and coyotes.

Wildlife Deterrent Gates and Access Points

Even the most robust fencing system is only as effective as its entry points. Gates and access areas are often the weakest links in wildlife barriers, requiring specialized solutions to maintain the integrity of your perimeter.

Self-Closing Gate Systems

Self-closing gate systems are essential components of any effective wildlife barrier. These mechanisms automatically shut gates after each use, eliminating the risk of human error that could leave your property vulnerable to animal intrusions. Spring-loaded hinges provide reliable closure force, while hydraulic closers offer adjustable closing speeds for heavier gates. For maximum effectiveness, pair these systems with weatherproof components that won’t rust or freeze in extreme conditions.

Wildlife-Proof Latches and Locks

Wildlife-proof latches and locks prevent clever animals from gaining access to protected areas. Two-step mechanisms that require lifting and sliding simultaneously offer superior protection against raccoons and other dexterous creatures. Gravity-activated latches automatically engage when gates close, while combination locks provide additional security at critical access points. For persistent predators, consider installing anti-tamper shields that prevent animals from manipulating the latch mechanism from multiple angles.

Underground Barrier Extensions to Prevent Digging

When standard fencing isn’t enough to deter determined wildlife, underground barrier extensions provide essential protection against burrowing animals. These specialized additions prevent creatures from accessing your property by simply digging beneath your fence line.

L-Footer Style Fencing

L-footer style fencing is one of the most effective underground barrier methods for wildlife exclusion. This technique extends wire mesh outward at a 90-degree angle beneath the soil, creating an “L” shape that prevents animals from digging under your fence. For optimal protection, bury your L-footer approximately 12 inches deep and extend it outward at least another 12 inches. This configuration creates a horizontal barrier that animals encounter when attempting to dig, effectively stopping their progress. For smaller pests like moles and voles, use 1×1-inch galvanized wire mesh, while larger animals like groundhogs and raccoons require 2×3-inch fencing material.

Trenching Tools and Techniques

Proper trenching is crucial for effective underground barrier installation. Dig trenches at least 12 inches deep around your entire fence perimeter using specialized trenching shovels or mechanical trenchers for larger properties. Before completing your fence, leave one opening monitored with a one-way door to prevent accidentally trapping animals inside your perimeter.

Mesh Aprons and L-Footer Installations

Mesh aprons extend your fence protection underground, creating a dig-proof barrier when properly installed. To create an effective L-footer, dig your trench alongside the fence line, then place galvanized or plastic-coated wire mesh in an L configuration with one section against the fence and the other extending outward. Secure the mesh firmly with landscaping staples and cover with soil or mulch to create an invisible yet effective underground wildlife barrier.

Maintaining Your Wildlife Barrier: Essential Supplies and Tools

Choosing the right wildlife fencing supplies is just the beginning of your property protection journey. With the right combination of electric fencing polypropylene netting sturdy posts and underground barriers you’ll create a comprehensive defense system against persistent wildlife.

Remember that different seasons and various wildlife behaviors require adaptable solutions. The best wildlife barriers combine physical exclusion with deterrent features while ensuring proper installation techniques.

Don’t overlook access points and gates as they’re often the most vulnerable areas of your fencing system. Self-closing mechanisms and wildlife-proof latches provide essential protection against clever animals.

By investing in quality supplies and implementing proper installation techniques you’ll create a barrier that protects both your property and local wildlife for years to come. Regular maintenance checks will help preserve your investment and ensure continued effectiveness against even the most determined animal intruders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What height fence do I need to keep deer out?

For effective deer exclusion, fences should be 6-8 feet tall as deer can jump considerable heights. In areas with high deer pressure or bovine tuberculosis concerns, fences over 8 feet may be necessary. Electric options like PermaNet® Plus provide both physical and psychological barriers that can be effective even at lower heights due to the shock deterrent.

Are electric fences safe for wildlife?

Yes, properly installed electric fences are safe for wildlife. They deliver a brief, uncomfortable shock that teaches animals to avoid the area without causing permanent harm. The shock is a psychological deterrent rather than a physical threat. Modern systems like VersaNet® Plus and PermaNet® Plus are designed with animal welfare in mind while effectively protecting your property.

How do I prevent animals from digging under my fence?

Install L-footer style fencing by extending mesh outward underground at a 90-degree angle (about 12 inches). This horizontal barrier prevents digging beneath the fence. Alternatively, bury mesh aprons 6-12 inches deep around the perimeter or use proper trenching techniques with the fence material extending below ground level. Regular inspections will help identify and address potential weak points.

What’s the best fencing material for wildlife exclusion?

The best material depends on your specific needs. Galvanized steel mesh offers durability and corrosion resistance for permanent installations. PVC-coated options provide additional weatherproofing. For lighter applications, polypropylene deer netting is cost-effective and easier to handle. Electric options like PermaNet® Plus combine physical barriers with psychological deterrents for comprehensive protection against various wildlife species.

How do I secure gates against clever wildlife?

Install self-closing gate systems that automatically shut after use, reducing human error. Use wildlife-proof latches with two-step mechanisms that require simultaneous actions to open. Gravity-activated latches provide additional security as they automatically engage when the gate closes. For persistent predators like raccoons, add anti-tamper shields over latch mechanisms to prevent manipulation.

Can I install wildlife fencing myself?

Yes, many wildlife fencing solutions can be DIY-installed with proper planning and tools. Simple systems like polypropylene netting or electric options like Deer QuikFence® are designed for easy setup. However, permanent installations with steel mesh or concrete footings may require professional help for optimal effectiveness. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and consider consulting with wildlife management professionals for complex situations.

How long do wildlife fences typically last?

Lifespan varies by material and maintenance. Galvanized steel mesh can last 20+ years with proper care. PVC-coated options typically last 15-20 years. Polypropylene netting generally lasts 5-10 years depending on UV exposure and weather conditions. Electric systems require battery replacement but the infrastructure can last many years. Regular maintenance, including tension adjustments and inspections for damage, significantly extends fence longevity.

Do I need different fencing for different seasons?

Yes, seasonal wildlife pressure varies. Spring planting and fall harvest typically see increased wildlife activity, requiring stronger barriers during these periods. Battery-powered systems like Deer QuikFence® and RaccoonNet® work well for seasonal protection and can be easily installed and removed as needed. Consider portable or temporary solutions for seasonal coverage and permanent options for year-round protection.