chicken wire fence for squirrels

Chicken Wire Fence for Squirrels A Practical Guide

Squirrels are fascinating creatures, often seen scurrying around backyards, parks, and gardens. While their playful antics can be entertaining, they can also be a nuisance when they start raiding your bird feeders, digging up your garden, or invading your attic. If you're looking for an effective and humane way to keep these furry intruders at bay, a chicken wire fence can be an excellent solution. In this article, we will explore how to use chicken wire fencing to deter squirrels and protect your property.

Understanding Squirrel Behavior

Before we delve into the specifics of chicken wire fencing, it’s essential to understand squirrel behavior. Squirrels are agile and adaptable creatures. They can jump up to ten times their body length and have sharp claws that allow them to climb almost any surface. Their ability to manipulate their surroundings makes them formidable in their search for food and shelter.

Squirrels are particularly drawn to areas where food is readily available. This includes bird feeders, vegetable gardens, and trees with accessible fruits or nuts. By understanding their habits, we can better implement protective measures.

Why Choose Chicken Wire?

Chicken wire, made of thin, flexible wire with hexagonal openings, is a popular fencing option for several reasons

1. Cost-Effective Chicken wire is relatively inexpensive compared to other fencing materials. 2. Lightweight and Easy to Handle It’s easy to maneuver and install, making it a practical choice for DIY enthusiasts. 3. Non-Intrusive The open design does not obstruct views significantly and can blend well into most landscapes. 4. Durability While not as robust as some metal fences, chicken wire can withstand various weather conditions if properly installed.

How to Install a Chicken Wire Fence

Installing a chicken wire fence to deter squirrels requires some basic materials and steps. Here’s a simplified guide to help you get started

1. Gather Your Materials You will need chicken wire, wooden posts or metal stakes, a hammer, strong wire or staples, and garden scissors.

2. Determine the Area to Fence Identify the areas that need protection, such as your garden or bird feeder locations.

3. Measure and Cut the Wire Measure the dimensions of the area you wish to enclose. Cut the chicken wire to size, allowing extra length to ensure it can be buried slightly underground to prevent digging.

4. Install the Posts Set your posts or stakes at regular intervals (about 4-6 feet apart). Ensure they are firmly secured in the ground for stability.

5. Attach the Chicken Wire Begin at one end and roll out the chicken wire, securing it to the posts with strong wire or staples. Ensure the wire is taut and.trim it to fit along the ground.

6. Bury the Bottom of the Fence To further deter squirrels, bury the bottom foot of the chicken wire at least 6 inches underground. This prevents them from digging under the fence.

7. Create an Overhang (Optional) For added security, bend the top foot of the chicken wire outward at a 90-degree angle to create an overhang. This makes it difficult for squirrels to climb over the fence.

Additional Tips for Enhanced Protection

While chicken wire is an effective deterrent, combining it with other strategies can increase your success rate

- Remove Attractants Keep bird feeders clean and store pet food indoors. Harvest garden produce regularly to eliminate food sources. - Natural Deterrents Consider planting herbs like mint or using scents like cayenne pepper around your garden, as they are known to repel squirrels. - Regular Maintenance Inspect your chicken wire fence for any damage or gaps regularly, particularly after storms or heavy winds.

Conclusion

Using a chicken wire fence is a practical, cost-effective way to keep squirrels away from your garden, bird feeders, and other areas of your property that require protection. With a bit of planning and effort, you can create a barrier that deters these agile creatures while maintaining the natural beauty of your outdoor space. After all, a harmonious coexistence with wildlife is possible when we take proactive steps to manage our environments.