Have you ever been bitten by a snake or had a close encounter with one? Snakes are the most common venomous creatures on the earth, they seem shy, but their poison is life-threatening. If you have lived in an area where they mostly evolve and bury homes underground, you should be most cautious about your life. It is best to stay in your homes, especially in the most active season. Being safe is better than becoming prey to them.
One way to protect your area from these snakes is to install a snake fence. It will save you and your loved ones from the deadly poison.
Let’s have a look and discover more about these below.
What are Snake Fences
A snake fence is composed of stiff cloth or mesh of wire to keep snakes out of the region. Once placed, these are remarkably effective at keeping out a wide range of species. A snake fence barrier prevents snakes of all sizes from accessing any place. It can serve you for years with no upkeep. It fits well with the landscape and is straightforward to build.
Installation
Snake mesh wire is installed in the fence 30 inches from the ground or approximately 36″ above. Place the metal mesh at 30 degrees angle to prevent the snakes from climbing over the wall. Make sure you have fine mesh to bury it at least 5 – 10 inches. It will avoid the gaps created by rodents or any erosion.
You should remove all neighboring plants and vegetation so snakes cannot use them to traverse the fencing. Before installing the mesh, you’ll need to patch any holes or gaps in your fence. The gap should not be more significant than ¼-inch from the ground level.
Besides, you must seal the entire fence route and inspect it regularly for new openings, notably after severe rains.
Drain blocks should be fixed with concrete anchors and enclosed with the same wire mesh. These are some of the most typical places for snakes to enter a yard.
The average installation cost will be around 25$-50$ for yards under 500 square feet. As the size of your yard increases, it becomes expensive. But don’t worry because the safety of your life is more important than money.
Material Options
When opting to install a snake fence, choosing a material that helps serve the purpose is essential. The fence must use something that keeps the snake out and prevents it from clinging to and climbing along it. The most suitable options are aluminum and galvanized steel mesh.
Aluminum is very durable and lasts much longer than other metals. Not only does it resist corrosion, but it is also effortless to work. Its affordability makes it a good choice for your fencing to keep out those snakes.
Galvanized steel is way more sturdy and heavy-duty than regular steel. It is coated in zinc, making it robust and able to hold up quite well in harsh environments.
Another option is to use vinyl fencing to secure your area. Vinyl makes a very sturdy barrier, and since it is smooth and slippery, it makes it hard for the snakes to climb over it. However, it is more expensive than aluminum. But if you can afford it, it makes a beautiful barrier for your area and keeps off the snakes.
Do It Yourself (DIY) Vs. Professional Installation
Installing a snake fence is tricky and requires a proper understanding of the process, the land, and the tools required. You can do it yourself as a DIY project or hire a professional to do it perfectly.
Taking on a DIY project is fun and allows you to work how you want. You can customize your snake fence according to your needs. The color, material, and length are all alterable. Most importantly, you save the money you would otherwise have to spend on hiring someone. However, this only works if the price of the materials is relatively lower than the price of a contract.
However, doing it yourself is time-consuming and requires proper planning and understanding. Nevertheless, this project can succeed if you have the right tools and the appropriate procedure in mind.
On the other hand, hiring a fence installation company will cost money, but it is accurate. You do the work without any hassle, saving your strength and time. It produces impeccable results since the contractor has better experience and knowledge about the topographic character of the land and materials.
Factors Affecting the Cost
If you plan to install a snake fence, you want the job done once and for all. The total cost of fencing depends on many factors.
First and foremost, the material you choose for it. Use something readily available, durable, and doesn’t require much maintenance. Aluminum is quite affordable and works best. Using galvanized metals is expensive and increases the overall cost.
Secondly, the length of the fence and how high you want it to be will affect your budget. The terrain of the land you are working with will also add to the labor cost.
You must contemplate the money you spend on the gates for your fence. Again, using decorative and heavy metal gates will be more expensive.
Final Thoughts
A wire mesh snake fence can be quite effective at preventing snakes away from a specific location. So, if you have issues with snakes invading your yard, a good snake fence can help. Some people may find snakes beautiful and the most attractive creation of God, but you better be careful because you might be the next victim of their deadliest attack!
Jennifer Mornard is the owner of a backyard farm in Calaveras County. She keeps her garden pest-free by using organic and inorganic methods and keeping it clean. She also tests pest control products to keep snakes, gophers, and other pests away.
Jennifer has worked and study reptiles around the globe including Africa, Asia, Australia and in the open prairies, grasslands deserts in USA. It is her mission to provide a solution for reptiles, manly snakes, and human beings to co-exist. Her goal is to educate people so they can prevent the unpleasant experience of snakes and humans crossing paths in people homes and properties.