How Can Fences Keep Animals Out?

Living in Florida means sharing your space with a wide array of wildlife. From curious deer and clever raccoons to smaller pests like rabbits and gophers, your beautiful garden or pristine yard can quickly become an all-you-can-eat buffet. While these animals are a natural part of the local ecosystem, they can cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, a well-chosen and properly installed fence is one of the most effective ways to protect your home and landscape.

A good fence acts as a physical barrier, deterring unwanted animal visitors and giving you peace of mind. However, not all fences are created equal. The type of fence you need depends heavily on the specific animals you’re trying to keep out. Different animals have different abilities—some can jump high, others can dig deep, and some can squeeze through tiny gaps.

This guide will explore how different types of fences can help keep animals out of your yard. We'll cover the best materials and designs for deterring common pests in the Debary area and provide practical tips to make your fence as effective as possible. Understanding your options will help you choose the right solution to protect your property for years to come.

Choosing the Right Fence for the Job

The first step in animal-proofing your yard is identifying which creatures are causing the trouble. A fence designed to stop a deer won’t necessarily stop a rabbit. Here’s a breakdown of common nuisance animals and the fences that work best to deter them.

Deterring Large Animals Like Deer

Deer are beautiful, but they can be a major nuisance for gardeners and homeowners. They are known for their ability to jump impressive heights, so a standard four-foot fence often isn't enough to keep them out.

Height is Key: For deer, the most important feature of a fence is its height. A fence should be at least eight feet tall to reliably prevent deer from jumping over it. While some sources suggest six feet might be enough, a determined or frightened deer can easily clear that height.
Solid vs. Spaced Fencing: Solid privacy fences, such as those made from wood or vinyl, can be effective because deer are often hesitant to jump over a barrier if they can't see what's on the other side. Angled fences that lean outward at the top can also be a strong deterrent, as they create a visual and physical obstacle that is difficult for deer to clear.
Material Choices: Wood, vinyl, and certain types of woven wire or mesh are excellent choices for deer fencing. Chain-link can also work, provided it is tall enough. The key is to ensure the barrier is high and presents a formidable obstacle.

Keeping Out Medium-Sized Animals

Raccoons, opossums, and foxes are common visitors in many suburban and rural areas. These animals are clever, agile climbers and can exploit any weakness in your fencing.

Prevent Climbing: To stop animals like raccoons, you need a fence that is difficult to climb. Smooth surfaces, like those found on vinyl or metal panel fences, offer few handholds. If you opt for a chain-link or wood fence, consider adding a roller bar system (like Coyote Rollers) to the top. These rollers spin when an animal tries to get a grip, causing them to fall back to the ground.
Secure the Top and Bottom: A floppy or loose top wire can also deter climbers. For the bottom of the fence, ensure there are no gaps. Burying the fence a few inches into the ground or adding an L-shaped footer made of mesh can prevent them from digging underneath.
Electric Fencing: For persistent pests, a low-voltage electric wire running along the top of your existing fence can be a highly effective deterrent. A mild shock is usually enough to teach an animal to stay away without causing serious harm.

Stopping Small Animals and Diggers

Rabbits, groundhogs, skunks, and gophers are notorious diggers. They can easily burrow under a standard fence, gaining access to your vegetable garden or prize-winning flowers.

Go Underground: The most effective way to stop digging animals is to extend your fence below ground level. Burying a portion of the fence or an attached wire mesh barrier at least 12 to 24 inches deep is crucial.
Use an L-Shaped Footer: For an even more robust solution, create an L-shaped footer (also known as an apron) at the base of the fence. This involves extending the buried mesh horizontally away from the fence, about 12 inches outward. When an animal tries to dig at the base of the fence, it will be stopped by this underground barrier.
Choose the Right Mesh: The spacing of your fence material is critical for small animals. A standard chain-link fence might not stop a baby rabbit. Use a wire mesh with openings of one inch or less, such as hardware cloth or chicken wire, especially for the lower portion of the fence. This ensures even the smallest critters can't squeeze through.

Popular Fencing Materials and Their Benefits

When you work with professional fence contractors in Debary, FL, you'll have a variety of materials to choose from. Each has its own strengths when it comes to animal deterrence.

Wood Fences

A classic wood privacy fence is an excellent all-around choice. Its solid construction blocks the view, which can deter animals like deer and dogs who might otherwise be tempted to enter. The height can be customized to stop jumpers, and the solid panels prevent smaller animals from squeezing through. To prevent digging, you can add a wire mesh footer along the base.

Vinyl Fences

Vinyl (PVC) fences offer many of the same benefits as wood but with less maintenance. The smooth surface of a vinyl privacy fence makes it very difficult for animals like raccoons and cats to climb. Vinyl is also durable and won't rot or warp, ensuring there are no weak spots for pests to exploit over time.

Chain-Link Fences

Chain-link is a cost-effective and durable option. While it doesn't offer privacy, it can be very effective at keeping animals out when installed correctly. To make a chain-link fence animal-proof, ensure it is tall enough for jumpers and has a buried footer to stop diggers. For climbers, adding a roller bar or an outward-facing extension at the top can be very effective.

Aluminum and Steel Fences

Metal fences are strong and long-lasting. While the space between the pickets can allow smaller animals to pass through, they are an excellent choice for containing larger pets and keeping out similarly sized wildlife. For smaller pests, you can modify a metal fence by attaching a fine wire mesh to the lower section.

Beyond the Fence: Additional Deterrent Strategies

While a well-built fence is your first line of defense, combining it with other strategies can create an even more secure property.

Remove Attractants: Make your yard less appealing to animals. Secure your trash cans, clean up fallen fruit, and avoid leaving pet food outside.
Maintain Your Yard: Keep your grass mowed and trim back overgrown shrubs. This removes potential hiding spots for small animals and makes your yard feel less welcoming to wildlife.
Use Motion-Activated Devices: Sprinklers and lights that turn on when they detect motion can startle animals like deer and raccoons, encouraging them to move along.

Ready to Secure Your Property?

Choosing and installing the right fence is the most reliable way to protect your yard from unwanted animal visitors. By considering the specific types of animals in your area and selecting a fence designed to counter their abilities, you can create a safe and secure space for your family to enjoy. A professional installation ensures that your fence is sturdy, secure, and built to last, without any gaps or weaknesses that clever critters might exploit.

If you're tired of battling wildlife for your garden and are looking for expert fence contractors in Debary, FL, look no further. Our team has the experience and knowledge to help you select and install the perfect fence to meet your needs.

Contact Byers Fence today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a beautiful, animal-free yard.