Snake-Proof Fence Materials Ranked Worst To Best

With summertime just around the corner, that means more sunshine, more trips to the beach, and, most importantly, more time outdoors. That being said, aside from reviewing our top tips for fertilizing your lawn in the summer, there is one more important bit of preparation you need to keep in mind as the warm season creeps closer: snake-proofing your yard. If you live in states like Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Florida, you are likely well aware of those pesky critters that slither through the grass in your backyard, and you've probably already taken the proper precautions to keep them out. However, unless you live in Hawaii or Alaska, every single U.S. state has a population of snakes to some degree, so if you haven't thought much about it, now is the time.

This is why it's important that you install the proper fence materials in your yard so that you can avoid the annoyance (or even life-threatening danger) that comes with accidentally stepping on a snake and being bitten. For that reason, today we are going over snake-proof fence materials, ranking them from the worst to the best, so that you can keep those pesky critters out of your lawn (hopefully) for good.

When it comes to keeping snakes from slithering into your backyard, the worst fence material to avoid is none other than standard chain link fencing. Although this is a rather common fencing material for households and playgrounds, it's also the easiest way for snakes to get into your yard. If you live in a state with a high snake population, you already know that a plain old chain link fence is not going to keep snakes from entering your premises. Regardless, it's better to be safe than sorry.

The reason these types of fences are generally ineffective is pretty obvious: Chain link fences have large holes in them that make it very easy for snakes of any size to slither through, and these holes continue throughout the fencing all the way into the ground they're installed in. While you can apply snake-proof wire mesh outside a currently existing chain link fence to keep the snakes at bay, this solution does not come highly recommended. This is because snakes are rather resourceful. They can just as easily climb over the mesh barrier or slither under it into your yard. If you want to keep out snakes, it might be time to replace that chain link fence if you can.

One thing is for certain: a classic wood fence is way more aesthetically pleasing for your yard than the previous option. Yet, there are still some unexpected downsides to a classic wood fence when it comes to their ability to keep snakes outside of your backyard (or front yard for that matter). It's worth noting that the type of wooden fence that we're speaking of is not a picket fence with gaps (as those make it quite easy for snakes to climb through). Instead, we're talking about the wooden privacy fence, as seen in the image above.

Again, snakes can be rather resourceful. Even if you have a wooden fence that is tightly put together with no gaps in between the boards, snakes can still dig their way under them. That said, the easiest way to solve this problem is to dig at least six inches under the foundation of the fence and apply a ½ to ¼ opening size mesh around its exterior perimeter. However, it's worth noting you should avoid using any plastic mesh, as this can easily be chewed through by snakes. For that reason, try to use an aluminum-based mesh instead, as it is both durable, affordable, and resistant to corrosion. However, even this option isn't the best level of protection possible.

The truth is, the only real way to effectively keep snakes off of your property is to install the proper type of metal-based mesh material around the fence perimeter at the right height and depth. Depending on where you live, the snake population in your area may require you to install a ¼ opening size metal mesh instead of a ½. It's recommended that you consult with your local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office for more accurate information on this matter.

Regardless, the absolute best snake-proof mesh material is galvanized stainless steel. But if you want it to be even more efficient, make sure the metal mesh has a ¼ inch opening size to keep even the smallest snakes at bay. The mesh must be installed on the exterior of your fence and buried at the bottom at least 6 inches underground, which prevents snakes from burrowing underneath and into your yard.

Additionally, the stainless steel fencing should be installed at a bare minimum of 36 inches off the ground to prevent snakes from climbing over it. For an extra layer of security, you can also opt to angle the mesh outward at a 30-degree angle, which will dissuade any snakes from attempting to climb over. If you'd like some more tricks and tips for keeping snakes off your property, check out 9 sneaky reasons snakes won't stay out of your yard.