Types of Deer Fencing

Fencing can protect property from deer.

Deer are beautiful creatures, generally docile and a notable part of the natural experience. That said, they are also a nuisance to rural homeowners who have valuable crops, gardens or landscaping to be protected from unwanted incursions. With a lack of natural predators today, deer populations often grow to damaging levels, and homeowners need a way to keep the deer from their property. Fencing options consist of conventional wire, electric and mesh fabric types.

Conventional Wire

Conventional wire fencing is the most common type of deer fencing in use. Made from galvanized metal before welding the wire together, it is sometimes plastic coated or left bare. Maintenance costs are almost zero, but over time the wire can break down slightly to become weaker or begin to rust. Because it's made from heavy metal wire, it's very effective at deterring deer, but it is expensive.

Electric

Electric deer fencing is a cheap option because it's often a single wire or small cluster of wires not far off the ground that carry a mild electric charge. Electric fencing is well suited for areas where having a full-height conventional fence isn't possible. Deer fencing is sometimes baited to attract the animals and then train them by giving them a shock. Electric is not recommended for areas with children or pets present.

Mesh

Mesh fence is the newest form of deer fencing and is cheaper than conventional but more expensive than electric. Made from black or dark grey polypropylene mesh fabric, this has the advantage of being almost invisible so as not to detract from property surroundings. Very durable, mesh fencing weathers well, withstands direct charges from deer, and is both environmentally friendly and humane to the animal.

Use

All types are relatively easy to install by homeowners, although for large areas or in the case of electrical fencing, professional installation is often best. Both conventional wire and mesh are more effective when flared at the bottom to make it impossible for the deer to get beneath them. To help train the deer to avoid the fence while migrating, white strips of material are attached to help the deer see and avoid the fence.

Natural Alternative

Homeowners interested in deterring deer from their property but are against having deer fences might look to natural repellents. Planting lemongrass, mint or lavender around a property will cause deer to avoid those areas. They are aromatic to humans, but deer find them offensive.

References

• "Deer-Resistant Landscaping: Proven Advice and Strategies for Outwitting Deer and 20 Other Pesky Mammals"; Neil Soderstrom; 2009
• "Solving Deer Problems: How to Keep Them Out of your Garden, Guaranteed"; Peter Loewer; 2002
• "Outwitting Deer: 101 Truly Ingenious Methods and Proven Techniques to Prevent Deer from Devouring Your Garden and Destroying Your Yard"; Bill Adler Jr.; 1999