The Fence Post

The Barrier Method

One way to fence in your garden to prevent deer from eating your plants - the horizontal barrier is the key here. 

Those Nighttime raids

The destruction of beehives 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 reduce both bear habitat and bee "pasture". Even though bears are mostly limited to wilderness areas, their appearance in subdivisions has been increasing.

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 Effective Barrier

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.

Using Bait for that Rascally Pooh 

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.

Other Sites that Bears Enjoy

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?

The Major Players:   Square Deal,  Hinge Joint,  Fixed Knot,  and V-Mesh

Definitions

There are four types of knots currently in use to tie wires together to make woven wire fence mesh:

Square Deal - also known as S knot. This knot is used in making non-climb 2" x 4" mesh horse fence, 4" x 4" mesh sheep and goat fence, and some styles of field fence. The square deal knot prevents the fence from buckling or sagging. It also provides extra vertical strength and rigidity while at the same time allowing flexibility. This quality makes it ideal for installations over hilly terrain. One-piece vertical stay wires are tied to line wires and crimped at the joint to prevent slippage.

Hinge Joint - also known as Monarch, used most commonly in field and farm fences. This knot acts as a hinge. It gives under pressure, then springs back into shape. Monarch fence is easy to install because the hinge gives the mesh flexibility. The fence always retains its full height for continuing protection and good looks. Vertical wires are individually cut and wrapped for maximum strength and flexibility.

Fixed Knot - also known as Solidlock. Fixed-knot construction is most commonly found in deer and wildlife fences but is also being used in more common farm and field fence styles. This design securely locks the line wire and stay wires together, giving you the strength you need. Vertical stay wires are one piece and cannot unwind under pressure. The inherent flexibility of this design allows the fence to conform to terrain.

V-Mesh - often used with fencing horses, it can also be used for dogs and a variety of livestock. Extremely solid, but flexible; resistant to breakage--gives with animal impacts. Can be used with wooden posts or T posts and on level or hilly terrain. Resistant to climbers and difficult to get a hoof tangled up.

Which Fence for Which Animal Out?

• 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 the animal can't see what the fence protects - food. A solid fence will block their view of the delectable offerings of your garden. 
• 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 not likely to test the fence more than once.

A tall fence is necessary. A mesh, 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 

They can be discouraged from entering an area by using electric fence. 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. 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?

Fences are most effective when animals can't see what the fence protects - food. A solid fence will block their view of the delectable offerings from your garden. 
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 certain to check your local ordinances before installing a fence.

Aiding Migration 

See what the state of Montana is doing with wildlife fence in the Monument Valley area to help elk, deer and antelope in their migrations.