Posted by Duncan Page on Fri, Aug 28, 2009
One way to fence in your garden to prevent deer from eating your plants - use poly wire electric fence.
Posted by Duncan Page on Wed, Aug 26, 2009
The destruction of bee hives by marauding bears has become an increasingly troublesome problem with a significant economic impact, especially for commercial apiaries. Factors such as increased urbanization and the trend toward one crop agriculture reduces both bear habitat and bee "pasture". Even though bears are mostly limited to wilderness areas, their appearance in subdivisions has been on the increase.
Bears normally visit apiaries at night. In the process of getting at the honey, hives and equipment are ripped apart and destroyed. Not only is the "crop" lost, but also the equipment necessary to collect it.
The results of many tests and studies have demonstrated that an electrified fence is the most effective barrier. Single strands of wire with 6" to 8" spacing to a height of 42" to 48" works well. This type of fence is relatively inexpensive and is capable of operating in remote areas.
It is important to install the fence before bears have established a pattern of visiting the apiary. Bait, such as bacon strips or pork rind, should be attached to the wires. Bears will approach the bait, touch it with a wet nose or tongue and learn the characteristics of the fence. They will want to avoid it in the future. If the fence is not baited, a bear is likely to crash through the fence, paying no more attention to the shock than it would a bee sting.
Apiaries are not the only areas feeling the pressure from bears. Landfills, food storage sheds, trashcans, and fruit orchards are some of the other areas seeing an increase in bear activity.
Have you had any close encounters with bears? Do you have other ideas for bear-proof fences?
Posted by Duncan Page on Tue, Aug 11, 2009
The National Gardening Association Editors report that, on a long term basis, fencing is the best way to keep domestic and wild animals out of your garden. They offer the following suggestions and tips:
- Fences are most effective when animals can't see what the fence protects - food. A solid fence will block their view of your delectable offerings.
- Polypropylene fences are less visible than solid fences. But they will not give protection from all animals.
- Electric fences will not block your view of the garden. They can be more effective than solid fences, especially if the would be poachers know the wires are hot. Animals are unlikely to test the fence more than once.
- Be sure to check your local ordinances before installing a fence.
- Build the fence to suit the animals you want to keep out of your garden.
- Deer - you need a tall fence. A mesh, a solid or an electric fence can be effective. There are many design options available. Be sure to anchor the fence to the ground. Deer will also go under a fence if given the option.
- Cats and dogs - build a 3 foot high wire fence - buy a 5 foot roll and bend 24" at the bottom of the fence to the outside of the garden to form an apron. This will discourage digging.
- Rabbits - a 2 foot high chicken wire fence with 1" hexagonal mesh openings is recommended. Buy a 3 foot high roll and bend a 12" apron of the fence mesh to the outside of the garden. Bury it several inches deep to prevent digging.
- Woodchucks - a 4 foot high fence with a 24" buried apron works well. They suggest leaving the top 18" of the fence unattached to posts. This will challenge the animals' climbing ability. You can also string an electrified wire along the top. Placing electric fencing a few inches outside the other fence is even more effective. To protect prized plants from these tunneling pests, bury a protective wire mesh basket two to three feet underground.
- Raccoons & Opossums - you need fencing that provides an underground barrier and is difficult to climb. Use a 60" to 72" fence. Bury a 24" horizontal apron several inches underground on the outside of your garden. Leave the top 18" of the 36" or 48" high fence unattached. This will bend over as the animal climbs, preventing it from getting over the top. If you have difficulty finding 60" or 72" high fence, the apron and vertical parts can be two different rolls. Be sure to fasten the two edges together with hog rings or tie wire. For further security, electric fence wire can be run along the top. Spreading light weight netting on the ground around your garden may discourage these animals from approaching the fence.
- Coyotes - an electric fence in combination with a strong 48" fence mesh, such as sheep and goat fence, works well. Place one electrified wire 8" off the ground, 6" to 18"away from the mesh fence. An additional wire strung along the top of the fence will discourage jumping.
- Bears - can be discouraged from entering an area by using electric fence. A 36" to 48" roll of chicken wire secured to the ground with ground staples can also be used as an effective barrier. Be sure to keep the area mowed.
Do the solutions the editors suggest sound good to you?
Do you have other suggestions to share based on your own experience?
Posted by Duncan Page on Mon, Feb 16, 2009
What's so shocking about electric fence wire? Watch this video: