Electric Fence for Garden Pests
Keeping insects out of your garden is much easier than keeping out large wildlife pests. To deter animals such as groundhogs, rabbits, deer and raccoons, gardeners often install electrically charged fences. Does this Spark an idea?
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Significance
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Electric fences create physical and psychological barriers around the vegetable garden. When an animal comes into contact with the fence, it receives a small, slightly painful electric shock. This electric shock is not harmful but provides just enough discomfort that animals avoid the fence thereafter.
Considerations
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To deter different types of animals, electric fences must be arranged in different ways. The height and number of wires can be changed to effectively deter animals of different heights, though the West Virginia University Cooperative Extension Service recommends leaving a 5-inch expanse between all wires.
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Expert Insight
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While highly effective, electric fences are not fool proof. Deer may jump over the fence, while smaller burrowing animals such as groundhogs and rabbits can dig under the fence to seek entrance to the garden. To ensure these animals get a taste of why they need to stay away from the garden, spread peanut butter or other substances onto the wires to entice them into a deterring shock.
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References
- Mother Earth News: The Art of Garden Fences
- West Virginia University Cooperative Extension Service: Deer Control in Home Gardens
- Fine Gardening: Deer-Proof Electric Fence
- Michigan State University Extension: Repelling Raccoons
- University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension: Dealing with Woodchuck Damage
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
