How to Repair and Protect Your Fence from Wildlife Damage
Fences play a crucial role in protecting your property, but they often face damage from wildlife. Whether it’s small critters chewing through wooden slats or larger animals pushing through barriers, wildlife can leave your fence in need of frequent repairs. Understanding the causes, identifying the signs of damage, and using the right materials can help keep your fence strong and long-lasting.
In this guide, we’ll explore the common types of wildlife damage, effective repair solutions, and preventive measures to safeguard your fence.
Common Types of Wildlife Damage
Different animals cause various types of fence damage. Recognizing these signs early can help you take quick action before the damage worsens.
1. Chewing and Gnawing
- Caused by: Rodents, rabbits, beavers, and other small mammals.
- Signs: Bite marks, holes, and weakened wooden structures.
- Affected Fences: Wooden fences are the most vulnerable to gnawing.
2. Digging Under the Fence
- Caused by: Foxes, raccoons, dogs, and burrowing animals like groundhogs.
- Signs: Loose soil, holes near the fence base, and sections of the fence leaning or sinking.
- Affected Fences: Chain-link and wooden fences without deep foundations are most at risk.
3. Pushing or Breaking Through
- Caused by: Deer, bears, livestock, and larger wildlife.
- Signs: Bent or broken fence posts, sagging wire, and snapped wooden planks.
- Affected Fences: Weak wooden or wire fences with no reinforcements.
4. Climbing Over
- Caused by: Raccoons, possums, squirrels, and even deer.
- Signs: Scratches on fence posts, bent wire at the top, and visible animal trails.
- Affected Fences: Short fences or fences without deterrents.
How to Repair Wildlife-Damaged Fences
Once you’ve identified the type of damage, it’s time to repair your fence. Here are some common fixes:
1. Repairing Wooden Fences
- For Chewed Wood: Cut out the damaged section and replace it with a new plank. Use wood filler for small holes.
- For Broken Posts: Reinforce with metal brackets or replace the entire post if it’s severely damaged.
- For Loose Panels: Secure panels with strong nails or screws and reinforce with crossbeams if needed.
2. Fixing Chain-Link Fences
- For Bent or Broken Links: Cut out the damaged portion and replace it with a new piece of fencing.
- For Loose Bottom Edges: Bury the fence at least 12 inches into the ground or add a metal barrier to prevent digging.
- For Weak Posts: Reinforce with concrete or replace the posts entirely if they are unstable.
3. Strengthening Wire or Electric Fences
- For Sagging Wires: Tighten loose wires with tensioners to prevent animals from pushing through.
- For Broken Wires: Splice and reconnect damaged sections using wire joiners.
- For Electric Fences: Check for voltage drops and replace any faulty components.
Preventive Measures to Protect Your Fence from Wildlife
Prevention is key to reducing fence damage. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Choose Durable Materials
- Metal or Vinyl: More resistant to chewing and weathering.
- Pressure-Treated Wood: Lasts longer and deters pests better than untreated wood.
- Welded Wire Mesh: Stronger than traditional chain-link and harder for animals to bend or chew.
2. Extend Fence Height and Depth
- Increase Height: A fence at least 6-8 feet high can prevent deer from jumping over.
- Bury the Base: Dig at least 12-18 inches down and install a mesh barrier to prevent burrowing animals.
3. Add Wildlife Deterrents
- Coyote Rollers: Prevent climbing animals from gaining a grip at the top of your fence.
- Motion-Activated Lights & Sprinklers: Startle nocturnal animals and keep them away.
- Spiked or Slanted Tops: Make climbing more difficult for raccoons and possums.
4. Maintain Regular Fence Inspections
- Check your fence monthly for signs of damage.
- Reinforce weak spots before they become a bigger issue.
- Trim overhanging trees or bushes that provide easy access to wildlife.
Best Fence Designs for Wildlife Resistance
If you’re looking to upgrade your fence or install a new one, consider these wildlife-resistant options:
- Metal Panel Fences: Strong and resistant to chewing and pushing.
- Electric Fences: Provide an effective barrier for large animals without harming them.
- Tightly Woven Mesh Fencing: Small gaps prevent animals from squeezing through.
- Double-Layer Fencing: A combination of materials, such as wire and wood, adds durability.
Conclusion
Wildlife damage to fences is a common issue, but with the right materials, repairs, and preventive strategies, you can keep your fence in excellent condition. Identifying the type of damage early, choosing durable materials, and implementing deterrents will help protect your property from future animal intrusions.
Taking proactive steps now will save you time and money in the long run, ensuring that your fence remains sturdy and effective for years to come.