Top Materials for Constructing Small Mammal Exclusion Fences

Small mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, voles, and groundhogs can wreak havoc on gardens, landscaping, and even agricultural fields. These animals are notorious for chewing on plants, gnawing on structures, and creating burrows that can destabilize soil and damage property. One of the most effective ways to protect an area from these persistent critters is by installing exclusion fences specifically designed to keep them out.

Constructing a small mammal exclusion fence requires selecting the right materials that provide durability, ease of installation, and effective deterrence. In this article, we explore the top materials used for building small mammal exclusion fences and provide guidance on their benefits, drawbacks, and best applications.

Understanding Small Mammal Behavior and Fence Requirements

Before diving into the choice of materials, it is essential to understand the behaviors of small mammals that influence fence design:

• Burrowing: Many small mammals dig tunnels to enter protected spaces. Fences need to extend below ground or have barriers to prevent digging underneath.
• Climbing: Some species can climb fences if there’s sufficient grip or support. Smooth surfaces or overhangs can deter climbing.
• Chewing: Small mammals have strong teeth and will chew through weak or brittle materials.
• Size: The mesh size or gaps in the fence must be small enough to prevent animals from squeezing through.

With these points in mind, the materials selected must offer resistance to chewing and digging while being structurally sound enough to stand up to wildlife pressure.

1. Galvanized Steel Mesh (Hardware Cloth)

Description

Galvanized steel mesh, often referred to as hardware cloth, is one of the most popular materials for small mammal exclusion fencing. This material consists of woven steel wires coated with a layer of zinc (galvanization) to prevent rust and corrosion.

Benefits

• Durability: Galvanized steel is extremely strong and resistant to chewing by small mammals.
• Corrosion Resistance: The zinc coating ensures longevity even in moist soil conditions.
• Small Mesh Size: Typically available in mesh sizes from 1/4 inch up to 1/2 inch, which effectively blocks even tiny rodents like voles.
• Ease of Installation: Hardware cloth can be cut with wire cutters and attached to wooden or metal posts using staples or ties.
• Burial Capability: It can be buried 6 to 12 inches underground to prevent burrowing.

Drawbacks

• Cost: It tends to be more expensive than some plastic alternatives.
• Weight: Can be heavy and harder to handle for large fencing projects.
• Rust Risk if Damaged: If the galvanization layer is scratched or compromised, rust may develop over time.

Best Uses

Ideal for garden protection where durability is paramount. It works well around raised beds, vegetable gardens, young trees, and flower beds.

2. Vinyl-Coated Wire Mesh

Description

Vinyl-coated wire mesh features steel wire coated with a layer of vinyl plastic. This coating enhances aesthetics by offering color options (typically green or black) and also adds an extra layer of protection against rust.

Benefits

• Corrosion Resistance: Vinyl coating protects against weathering and rust better than bare galvanized wire alone.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The colored coating helps the fence blend into garden settings.
• Durability: The steel core ensures strength; vinyl coating resists wear.
• Small Mesh Size: Available in tight weaves comparable to hardware cloth.

Drawbacks

• Chewing Resistance Varies: While strong, some very determined animals may chew through vinyl coatings given enough time.
• Higher Cost: More expensive than galvanized hardware cloth due to added coating process.
• UV Degradation: Over many years in direct sunlight, vinyl may crack or degrade.

Best Uses

Recommended in residential gardens where appearance matters alongside functionality; also useful where extra rust resistance is desired.

3. Welded Wire Fence

Description

Welded wire fences are made by welding intersecting wires into rigid square or rectangular grids. They come in various gauges (thicknesses) with different mesh sizes.

Benefits

• Strength: Welded connections increase rigidity compared to woven wire mesh.
• Versatile Mesh Sizes: Often available in 1-inch or smaller mesh sizes suitable for medium-sized mammals.
• Stability: The rigid panels support easier installation with less sagging over time.

Drawbacks

• Larger Mesh Sizes: Standard welded wire meshes often have larger openings (1 inch or more), which may not exclude smaller rodents.
• Chewing Vulnerability: Smaller mammals might gnaw through thinner gauge wires if mesh size is too large.
• Heavier Panels: Bulkier than woven wire fencing; may require stronger posts.

Best Uses

Better suited for excluding larger small mammals like rabbits and groundhogs rather than tiny rodents. Often used as a secondary barrier combined with finer mesh buried underground.

4. Plastic Mesh Fencing

Description

Plastic mesh fencing is made from UV-stabilized polyethylene or polypropylene plastic formed into flexible grids with small openings (typically 1/2 inch).

Benefits

• Lightweight & Flexible: Easy to handle and install around irregular shapes.
• Rust-Proof & Weather Resistant: Does not corrode like metal materials.
• Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than metal options for temporary fencing needs.
• Easy Replacement: Sections can be swapped out cheaply if damaged.

Drawbacks

• Less Durable: Plastic can be brittle at low temperatures and susceptible to chewing damage by determined animals.
• Limited Burrowing Protection: Plastic edges may tear if animals dig underneath without reinforcement.
• Shorter Lifespan: UV exposure eventually leads to cracking unless high-quality UV inhibitors are used.

Best Uses

Good for short-term use during growing seasons or as a visual deterrent but not recommended as a permanent solution for highly destructive species.

5. Chain Link Fence with Smaller Gauge Wire

Description

Chain link fencing consists of interwoven steel wires forming diamond-shaped apertures typically about 2 inches wide. However, smaller-gauge chain link with tighter apertures can be used for exclusion purposes.

Benefits

• Strong & Long Lasting: High tensile strength resists damage from animal pressure.
• Height Options: Can be installed tall enough to prevent jumping or climbing species.
• Secure Mounting Options: Easily mounted on sturdy posts with tension bars for stability.

Drawbacks

• Mesh Size Too Large for Tiny Mammals: Unless specially ordered with very fine apertures, standard chain link will not exclude smaller rodents like voles or mice.
• Costly Installation & Materials:
  Chain link systems require professional-grade posts and fittings increasing overall cost.
• Not Buried Easily:
  Requires additional solutions such as buried hardware cloth at base for subterranean threats.

Best Uses

Useful in areas needing protection from medium-sized mammals like rabbits or squirrels but often combined with other materials at low levels preventing burrowing or squeezing through gaps.

6. Electric Fencing (Supplementary Material)

Description

While not a physical barrier material per se, low-voltage electric wires sometimes supplement exclusion fences by delivering mild shocks upon contact.

Benefits

• Highly Effective Deterrent: Small mammals learn quickly to avoid electrified barriers.
• Low Physical Barrier Needed: Electric component reduces need for heavy mesh below fence line.

Drawbacks

• Requires Power Source: Solar controllers or batteries needed; maintenance required.
• Safety Considerations: Must be installed properly to avoid unintended shocks to humans/pets.

Best Uses

Best employed in combination with sturdy fencing materials where animal populations are high or persistent. Not a standalone solution but adds extra protection level.

Installation Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

Regardless of material choice, the success of small mammal exclusion fencing relies heavily on proper installation practices:

1. Burial Depth: Dig a trench around the perimeter where the bottom edge of fencing is buried at least 6–12 inches deep horizontally away from protected space (about 6–12 inches outwards). This “L-shaped” extension prevents digging underneath.

2. Fence Height: For jumping animals like rabbits and squirrels, fence height should be at least 24–36 inches above ground; add angled overhangs if climbing species are present.

3. Secure Posts: Use sturdy wood, metal T-posts, or pipe posts spaced every 6–8 feet depending on material weight; ensure posts are driven deep enough for stability.

4. Overlap & Sealing Gaps: Overlap adjacent sheets/sections by several inches; check carefully for holes or tears regularly; use zip ties/staples/wire fasteners tightly securing mesh edges without gaps.

5. Periodic Maintenance: Inspect fences regularly especially after storms; repair holes immediately as animals exploit any weakness quickly.

Conclusion

Selecting the right material for constructing a small mammal exclusion fence depends on factors such as target species size, budget constraints, aesthetic preferences, and expected lifespan of the installation. Among all options:

• Galvanized steel hardware cloth remains the top choice due to its balance between strength, corrosion resistance, and fine mesh size suitable for almost all small mammals.

• Vinyl-coated wire offers similar benefits with improved appearance but at higher cost.

• Welded wire panels provide rigidity but often have larger openings requiring supplementation beneath ground level.

• Plastic mesh fencing is best reserved for temporary applications due to lower durability against chewing and weathering.

In many cases, combining materials—for example using galvanized hardware cloth buried underground topped by welded wire panels—provides comprehensive protection against both digging and climbing behaviors exhibited by different species.

With thoughtful planning and quality materials tailored specifically toward exclusion goals—and proper installation attention—gardeners and property owners can effectively safeguard their plants and land from destructive small mammal intrusions year-round.