This Type Of Fencing Might Be The Answer To Your Snake Problem
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If you've ever dealt with snakes in your yard, you know that it can be a scary and frustrating ordeal. Venomous snakes can pose a safety risk, especially to animals and children, so it is important to get the problem under control. In addition to calling a professional to help figure out how to deter snakes from your yard and addressing any yard features that might be attracting snakes, you can install a snake fence to keep snakes from slithering around in your yard. Although a snake fence will not completely eliminate the risk of these critters getting in, it will make it much harder for them.
When installing a fence that will keep snakes out of your yard, you can choose to either modify an existing fence or build a new one. A variety of materials can help you create a snake-proof fence, including hardware cloth, aluminum flashing, and stainless steel or aluminum wire mesh. The exact material you will need depends on whether you are building a fence or modifying one you already have in your yard. Keep in mind that you must follow your local wildlife exclusion regulations (if applicable) when installing this fence.
Tips for building a snake fence
To build your own snake fence, you will need to purchase either aluminum or stainless steel mesh. You should aim to choose a strong material that will be able to withstand the elements and any animals that may try to break their way through. Galvanized wire mesh or welded stainless steel are the best variations of aluminum or stainless steel to help accomplish this. When using your material of choice to build your fence, ensure it is at least 3 feet tall and the openings of the mesh are no more than ¼ inch. To help your fence hook into the ground properly, it should go a few inches deep into your yard, as well.
If you have an existing fence that you would like to use as a natural way to keep snakes out, you will need either hardware cloth or aluminum flashing that is at least 24 inches high. Cover the fence up to at least 3 feet high. Attach the material to the bottom of the outside of the fence to close off openings where snakes could enter, as well. The material should go at least 2 to 4 inches into the ground. Before building either type of snake fence, repair any gaps or holes that could serve as additional entry points for snakes.
How snake fences work and where to buy materials
You might have already guessed that snake fences work by creating a barrier that snakes cannot get through. The small spaces in the mesh materials you use to build these fences do not leave enough room for snakes to make their way through. However, it is important to ensure that you purchase the right kind of mesh. Some variations of the material include larger holes than others, so be sure to purchase one that will actually keep snakes out.
It shouldn't be difficult to locate the mesh material of your choice. For example, Home Depot sells quite a few variations of galvanized steel, including a 24-inch roll of 19-gauge galvanized steel hardware cloth for $9.98. There is also a 36-inch option available for the same product.
If you are modifying an existing fence, the home improvement store also sells rolls of aluminum flashing in a variety of lengths. The Gibraltar Building Products 24-inch-by-10-foot roll of aluminum flashing from Home Depot is priced at $40.13. If you prefer to work with stainless steel, you can order stainless steel hardware cloth with ¼-inch mesh holes for $22.99 from Amazon. While nothing can guarantee to entirely eliminate snakes from your yard, a snake fence using these materials should deter all but the most ingenious of the reptiles.