Umair Gaines
Deer can wreak havoc on gardens, but a simple electric fence can keep them at bay. Electric fences are not physical barriers but rather produce an electric shock that conditions deer to avoid the fence. The current is supplied by a high-voltage charger, which provides regularly timed pulses followed by a pause with no current flow. To build an electric fence, you will need basic tools like a saw, drill, and angle grinder, as well as materials such as lumber, wire, and support rods. The first step is to determine the perimeter and the number of linear feet of fencing required. Then, drive corner rods into the soil, add support rods at regular intervals, and stretch polytape or electric wire around the posts, threading it through insulators. Finally, connect the wire to a power source, such as an electric fence energizer, to activate the fence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 8 feet tall or 1.5 meters |
| Materials | Pressure-treated lumber, hog wire, cedar, redwood, polytape, electric wire, fiberglass support rods, plastic insulators, high-voltage charger |
| Tools | Saw, drill, angle grinder, level, laser distance meter |
| Procedure | Drive in corner rods and support rods, add insulators, stretch polytape or electric wire, attach gate with hinges and latch, add trellis on top |
| Effectiveness | Combine with odor-based deer repellent for greater effectiveness than using attractants or no additives |
| Safety | Put up warning signs to prevent accidental shocks to pets or children |
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What You'll Learn
The fence should be at least 8 feet tall
Deer are graceful, agile creatures that can easily leap over shorter fences. To keep them out of your garden, you'll need a fence that's at least 8 feet tall.
A fence of this height will act as a physical barrier to deer, preventing them from jumping over and entering your garden. This is especially important if you want to protect young trees or vulnerable plants that deer may find attractive.
When building an 8-foot-tall deer fence, you'll need to consider the materials carefully. Pressure-treated lumber and galvanized hog wire panels are durable options that can withstand the elements while providing effective deer protection. Alternatively, you could opt for cedar or redwood, which are naturally rot-resistant and aesthetically pleasing.
In addition to the fence height, it's important to ensure that the fence is securely installed. This means driving support rods deep into the ground and using sturdy materials that can handle the tension of an 8-foot structure. The gate is also an important consideration, as it needs to be equally as tall and well-built to prevent deer from entering or escaping through it.
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Use pressure-treated lumber and galvanised hog wire for durability
When building an electric fence to deter deer, it is important to consider the durability of the materials used. Pressure-treated lumber and galvanised hog wire panels are excellent choices for creating a long-lasting fence.
Pressure-treated lumber is wood that has been treated with preservatives to protect it from insects, moisture, and decay. This treatment process ensures that the lumber used for your electric fence will withstand the elements and resist rotting, even when in direct contact with the ground. The treatment also helps prevent the wood from warping or cracking over time, reducing the need for maintenance and repairs.
Galvanised hog wire, also known as galvanized steel mesh, is a durable and sturdy option for your electric fence. The galvanisation process involves coating the wire with a layer of zinc, which provides superior corrosion resistance. This coating protects the steel from rust and extends the life of the fence, even in harsh weather conditions. Galvanised hog wire is also known for its strength and rigidity, making it more resistant to deformation or damage caused by deer or other animals attempting to breach the fence.
By using pressure-treated lumber and galvanised hog wire, you can be confident that your electric fence will maintain its structural integrity over an extended period. This durability ensures that your fence will effectively deter deer and protect your garden or property for many years. The combination of these materials provides a robust physical barrier while also enabling the effective conduction of electricity to deliver a deterrent shock to deer, as they are unfamiliar with this sensation.
In addition to durability, the use of pressure-treated lumber and galvanised hog wire offers other benefits. The wire's small mesh size prevents deer from poking their heads through and reaching your vegetation, while the height of the fence, typically 8 feet or more, discourages deer from jumping over. This combination of height and mesh size ensures that your garden or yard is effectively protected from deer intrusion.
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Install a gate for easy access
To install a gate for easy access when building an electric fence for deer, you can opt for a ready-made gate accessory for deer fences. These gates are designed for easy entry and exit from your garden while keeping out wildlife pests that may destroy flowers and crops. Such gate accessories are available in different heights, such as 6 feet and 7.5 feet, to accommodate your specific needs. They come with all the necessary hardware for installation, including the gate frame, leaf, latch, and tensioning system, along with detailed instructions to guide you through the process. You can place these gates anywhere along your deer fence for convenience.
Alternatively, you can opt for a handcrafted gate to add a personalised touch to your fence. For instance, you can use cedar wood and customise it with a top board featuring a unique design. When installing a gate, it is essential to ensure that power is transferred safely and effectively from one side to the other. This can be achieved by installing an underground cable to transmit power beneath the gate.
If you're looking for a more temporary solution or a cost-effective option, you can create a simple gate using deer netting and pressure-treated wood boards. Vinyl-coated plant hooks can be screwed in to latch the gate to the fence posts, allowing for easy access. While this option may require more frequent maintenance due to the potential for pest damage, it can be a good short-term solution.
When planning the installation of your gate, consider the overall design of your fence. Determine the number of gates you require and their placement along the fence perimeter. This will impact the cost and complexity of the installation process. Additionally, ensure that you have the necessary hardware and tools for a secure and functional gate installation.
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Put up warning signs to avoid accidents
Electric fences are an effective way to keep deer away from your property, but they can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. To avoid accidents and potential harm, it is crucial to put up warning signs that clearly indicate the presence of an electric fence. These signs serve as a critical alert system for both people and animals, helping to prevent unintentional contact with the fence.
When installing an electric fence, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of others. By putting up warning signs, you can effectively communicate the potential hazard and reduce the risk of accidents. These signs should be highly visible and placed at multiple locations along the fence line and/or around your property. The signs should be made of durable, weather-resistant material, such as plastic, and display bold, clear wording, such as "Warning: Electric Fence."
The purpose of these warning signs is twofold: to alert individuals, especially children, who may accidentally come into contact with the fence, and to notify animals that may be attracted to your property. While the electric shock from the fence is typically not life-threatening, it can cause unpleasant and painful jolts. By erecting warning signs, you can help prevent accidental shocks and ensure the safety of both people and animals.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of local regulations regarding electric fences. Some municipalities may have specific guidelines or restrictions on the use of electric fencing due to safety concerns. Before installing an electric fence and putting up warning signs, familiarize yourself with any applicable laws or requirements in your area. This ensures that you are compliant and helps you avoid potential legal issues.
In summary, putting up warning signs is a crucial step when installing an electric fence to deter deer. These signs help prevent accidents by alerting people and animals to the presence of a potentially harmful electric fence. By taking this precautionary measure, you can effectively enhance the safety of your property while utilizing an electric fence as a deer deterrent solution.
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Use an electric fence energiser to power the fence
An electric fence energiser is the foundation of the power supply to your electric deer fence. The output power of an energiser is specified in joules. The energiser will supply current through a high-voltage charger, which provides regularly timed pulses—55 to 65 per minute—followed by approximately one second with no current flow. These short-duration, high-energy pulses provide sufficient voltage (greater than 4,000 volts) to keep deer away from the fence.
The energiser can be positioned on a wooden post or a building near the fence. Attach a bare wire from the polytape to the charger to activate the fence.
To improve the effectiveness of your electric deer fence, you can use the double-negative conditioning of an aversive odour combined with an electric shock. In experiments, cloth strips were sprayed with an odour-based deer repellent (e.g. Deer Away or Deer Stopper) and spaced every 3 to 4 feet on an electric fence. These repellent-treated fences were more effective than electric fences with aluminium tabs treated with peanut butter as an attractant.
The fire wire is connected by connecting buckle/opening bolts at intervals of 30m to make the pulse voltage more uniform and allow the electric fence to function better.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to plan how many linear feet of deer fencing you will need. Then, drive four corner rods about one foot deep into the soil around the periphery of the garden.
A fence that is 5 to 6 feet tall is not enough to keep deer out—they can clear it with ease! To truly keep them out, you need a fence that is at least 8 feet tall.
One way is to use the double negative conditioning of an aversive odour combined with an electric shock. In experiments, cloth strips sprayed with an odour-based deer repellent were spaced every 3 to 4 feet on an electric fence and found to be effective.
