Protect your Yard from Pests and Predators with Fencing
Keeping your home safe involves awareness and action. Back in the days when wolves and bears abounded, people thought more about protection from predators and other wildlife. But, protecting your property from wildlife is still a valid concern. Some pests and predators that were a problem in the past are still an issue today, especially if your home is in an outlying area or one which is close to the open desert.
What kind of pests?
A fence won’t coyote-proof your yard, but can deter them.
One of the considerations for determining what kind of animals represent ‘pests’ is certainly in the eye of the beholder. For example, we don’t think of rabbits as pests, until we realize that they carry fleas, ticks, and other pathogens that can easily be transferred to our pets. Then it seems that keeping them out is a little more valid concern.
There are plenty of types of fauna that we can appreciate without having them roaming our yard. Javelina, for example. They enjoy a variety of plant food and will eat native plants and flowers. While javelina aren’t a particular threat, any wild animal should be treated with caution.
Many pests will be attracted by the presence of pet food in the yard. Limiting feeding of pets inside the home, or not keeping pet food in the yard for more than an hour will eliminate many pests and their predators. So, for example, if your pet food attracts rodents, you may find yourself dealing with their natural predator, snakes, as well.
How effective is fencing?
Practically speaking, a fence won’t be 100% animal proof. Coyotes can be a compelling danger because they are easily capable of jumping a six or seven-foot fence (“It looks like they’re levitating!” said one shocked resident.) The point may be that if they have the option of jumping a fence or taking the easier route, they will, in all likelihood, choose the more natural path. If a homeowner has small pets and is concerned for their safety from coyotes, a full enclosure with a roof should be built.
Cats, whether feral or not, will also traverse a fence of any height. They may annoy our other pets, use our yard as a bathroom, or even have kittens on the porch or another enclosed area. Once again, deterring, rather than complete prevention, is the value of a protective fence.
Once the decision has been made to build a protective fence, a homeowner will want a sturdy gate with a solid lock. After all, some of the worst predators a family can encounter are the human variety.
If you're considering a fence or gate project in the Phoenix area, Sereno Fence builds custom fencing, fence repair, custom gates, gate repair, RV gates, horse corrals, pool fence, pool gates, custom welding, and wood fences. For more information call (602) 481-1298 today!
