A snake-proof fence is a specialized physical barrier designed to exclude snakes from a defined area, such as a residential yard, garden, or playground. This barrier differs from standard fencing because its construction focuses on preventing the passage of an animal with unique movement capabilities. The system is engineered to account for a snake’s ability to climb, burrow, and compress its body. The purpose of the fence is to create a secure, snake-free zone, offering protection for people and pets without causing harm to the wildlife itself.
Core Design Principles
The effectiveness of a snake-proof fence relies on structural requirements tailored to snake biology. The mesh aperture must be extremely small, typically no larger than one-quarter inch (6.5mm), to block even juvenile snakes. Since snakes can flatten their bodies to squeeze through tight spaces, any opening larger than their head can be an entry point.
The vertical height of the barrier must be sufficient to prevent snakes from climbing over, requiring a minimum of 30 to 36 inches above ground level. To deter climbing, the barrier is often installed with a slight outward angle, usually up to 30 degrees, which prevents the snake from gaining traction. The bottom edge must also address the threat of burrowing and ground-level access.
The fence design incorporates an underground component to prevent snakes from going underneath the barrier. This is achieved by burying the mesh or using an outward-facing skirt, often extending 6 to 10 inches deep or away from the fence line. Securing the barrier beneath the surface is necessary to close off the hidden pathway snakes might exploit.
Essential Materials and Components
The physical components of a snake-proof fence are chosen for durability, small weave, and resistance to damage. The primary barrier material is typically hardware cloth, a welded wire mesh that maintains its shape and aperture size. Galvanized steel or aluminum mesh is the preferred material choice, as the zinc coating resists rust and corrosion, while aluminum is lightweight and naturally rust-proof for humid climates.
Standard fencing materials like chicken wire are inadequate because the openings are too large, allowing snakes to pass through. Support posts, such as metal or treated wood, must be sturdy and spaced closely, often around 10 feet apart, to keep the mesh taut and prevent sagging. The mesh should be attached to the outside of the posts to eliminate internal ledges that could assist a snake in climbing.
Fasteners must be tight and durable to prevent gaps from forming over time. Self-tapping screws with washers or heavy-duty staples are used to secure the mesh to the posts, ensuring the barrier’s integrity is maintained against movement. At the base, a buried section or apron of the same fine mesh creates the underground barrier, often secured with steel pegs or a concrete berm to ensure a flush seal with the soil.
Installation Requirements for Maximum Effectiveness
Proper installation is paramount for a snake-proof fence to be fully effective, as a single gap compromises the entire system. Installation involves digging a trench along the fence line, typically 6 to 10 inches deep, into which the bottom of the mesh is placed. This buried section is then backfilled or folded outward to create an L-shaped apron, blocking snakes from burrowing underneath the fence line.
Sealing all potential entry points is required throughout installation, especially where the fence meets the ground, gates, or corners. Gates are the weakest link and require special attention, needing tight-fitting thresholds, weather stripping, or kick plates to ensure no gap remains. Corners must be carefully constructed, often by overlapping and securing the mesh, to prevent folds that could create small openings.
Ongoing maintenance is necessary to ensure the barrier remains a reliable defense against snake entry. This includes regular inspection for damage, such as holes, rust, or weak points caused by rodents. Vegetation management is also required, as shrubs, long grass, or objects touching the fence on the outside can be used by snakes as a climbing aid or a bridge to bypass the barrier.