Protecting your outdoor landscape from animal damage can be a daunting task. There are many different ways to protect your property, and it can be challenging to know which method is suitable for you. From fencing to chemical repellents, there are many options available. To make it easier, we will discuss a few of the most common types of protection and how they work to keep your property safe.
Putting Up A Fence
Fencing can be a primary defense against animal damage. There are many different types of fencing that you can use for your garden, and some companies even offer fence installation services. Fences should be installed at least two feet into the ground to stop dogs from digging under them. It is best to install them at three feet so larger animals such as deer cannot get over it. When installing fencing around your property, remember that animals can climb fences too! Make sure to place barbed wire or electric wire on top of the fence if you need extra protection from animals trying to jump over it.
Motion Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers can be an effective way to protect your landscape. These sprinklers are commonly on farms with livestock or other large animals. The sprinkler will set off a noise that scares the animal away. While this is very effective for larger animals, it is less impactful for smaller nuisance wildlife such as raccoons and opossums. Motion-activated sprinklers by themselves are not generally enough to protect your landscape, but they are an effective secondary or tertiary line of defense against many animals.
Chicken Wire/Metal Mesh
When using chicken wire or metal mesh as your barrier against animal damage, make sure you use something strong enough to stop an animal from getting through it. The thickness of the chicken wire will depend on what type of animal is trying to get through it. For example, if you’re dealing with larger animals like goats, then 1″ – 2″ should be sufficient protection. Another option is to double up your layers for that extra bit of protection. Remember, goats can jump over things as high as seven feet! If you use chicken wire as a barrier, be aware that it will deteriorate over time and eventually need replacing. However, metal mesh is more durable and should last much longer before needing to be replaced.
