Animal Fencing Techniques: Build the Right Barrier for Every Pest

Fencing: The Only Sure-Fire Exclusion

Fencing is the only guaranteed way to keep wild and domestic animals out of a prized garden. Though expensive for large animals like deer, it may be the only way to prevent costly damage. Key principles:

• Fences work best when the animal doesn't know what's being protected. Solid fences provide a visual block.
• Electric fences cost more and need maintenance but impact views less and can be more effective. They work best if animals know they're "hot"—smear peanut butter on wires at installation to entice a shock. Keep vegetation off wires.
• Check local ordinances—large fences may block views or violate codes.
• Build the fence to fit the animal.

Solid fences, like this Reed Fence, ensure animals can't see what they're missing.

Deer fences can be lightweight yet effective.

The Low Pest Fence stops rabbits, woodchucks, and other small animals—including pets—from raiding your garden.

Animal-Specific Fence Designs

Deer

Deer jump high; fence must be tall and angled. One effective option: 8–10 ft fence slanted 45° toward likely approach direction. Keep snug to ground—deer also wiggle under. Electric fences baited with peanut butter and solid visual-block fences work well.

Cats and Dogs

3-ft wire mesh fence on sturdy posts. Cats won't climb; most dogs can't knock over. Bend base outward to form 2-ft wide apron along ground to discourage digging.

Rabbit

2-ft chicken wire fence with 1-inch holes. Curve bottom 90° to create 1-ft wide apron; bury several inches deep to prevent digging under.

Woodchuck

Good climbers. Fence must have unattached top 18 inches or electric wire across top. 4-ft tall with 2-ft wide buried apron. Electric wire a few inches outside wire fence helps.

Tunneling Pests: Gophers, Chipmunks, Moles

Create cages/baskets for prized plants. Dig 2–3 ft deep hole, line sides and bottom with wire mesh, replace soil, plant. Protect tree trunks with wire mesh guards from a few inches below soil to 2 ft up. Check spring/fall, adjust for growth.

Raccoon and Opossum

Dig and climb. Need floppy top and digging barrier. 4-ft fence with top 18 inches unattached—falls back on climber. Curve bottom 90° for 2-ft wide buried apron. Electric wire on top of 3–4 ft fence also works. They dislike material clinging to feet—drape bird netting outside fence, keep grass mowed.

Coyote

Perimeter electric fence + sheep fence with electric wire 8" off ground, few inches in front. Add electric wire on top of sheep fence (coyotes jump).

Bear

Bears maul most fences but can be discouraged from unexplored areas. Lay 3–4 ft wide chicken wire on ground, secure well, keep mowed. Electric fencing effective if bears encounter hot fence before knowing food is beyond.

Match the fence to the pest for lasting protection.