Keeping wild animals out with an electric fence
Wild animals such as wolves, wild boars and foxes are increasingly posing a challenge for farmers and livestock owners. They can damage crops, spread disease and pose a threat to animals in the pasture. A standard fence is often not enough to prevent this. That is why specially designed wildlife fences are needed: sturdy, visible and always sufficiently voltage. This is the only way to really limit the risks to animals and crops.
Different types of wildlife fences
There are various ways to protect a pasture from wildlife. The choice depends on factors such as location, the extent of wildlife pressure and the available budget.
Single wildlife fence
A single fence is a sturdy and safe option and is the most commonly used. It is preferably constructed with permanent high-tensile flat wire: strong steel wire that is tightly clamped and requires little maintenance. The advantage of this is that this solution is eligible for subsidies in many regions. A single fence forms a reliable first barrier for wild animals and is suitable for long-term protection.
Double wildlife fence
If you want maximum security, choose a double fence. This involves installing two rows of fences, often at different heights and with sufficient space between them. This not only provides an electric barrier, but also a physical buffer zone. It is also safer for animals such as horses, as they do not come into contact with the wires that are intended for wildlife but can be unsafe for them. The disadvantage is that this is the most expensive solution and is usually not subsidised. A double fence is particularly suitable in areas with high wildlife pressure or for pastures with valuable crops or animals.
Extending the fence
Do you already have a wooden horse fence or a wire mesh fence for sheep? Then you can sometimes easily make it wildlife-proof. A wire mesh fence often forms a good physical barrier on its own, but without electricity it is usually too low and does not deter wild animals when they come into contact with it. A wooden horse fence usually already has the correct minimum height, but wild animals can easily walk underneath it. Distance insulators are used to add electric wires to the outside. This is often the most cost-effective solution, as the existing fence is used as a basis. For many livestock farmers and horse owners, this is a practical way to quickly create more protection.
Success factors for effective wildlife fence
A wildlife fence must do more than a standard livestock fence. Wild animals are not used to electric fences and will not immediately respect them. That is why high voltage is crucial: a minimum of 4.5 kV is needed to effectively deter wild animals. Because the voltage can decrease due to vegetation or damage, regular checks are necessary. A smart solution is an i Series energiser, which automatically monitors the voltage and alerts you via an app in case of deviations. This allows you to intervene quickly before a wild animal discovers a weak spot and enters.
In addition to voltage, the physical construction of the fence also plays an important role. The bottom wire is often the most vulnerable and must be low enough to prevent wild animals from trying to crawl under it. In case of uneven terrain, such as pits or ditches, the wire must follow the profile of the ground. Maintenance is also essential: grass and weeds growing against the wires cause power loss and make the fence less effective. Regular mowing under the bottom wire is therefore an integral part of good management. Those who opt for permanently clamped flat wire benefit from extra strength and durability, making the fence not only a psychological barrier but also a reliable physical obstacle.
A third success factor is visibility. A fence that blends into the landscape may be noticed too late, making it more likely that wild animals will walk through it. By using contrasting materials, such as blue wires and a blue tape at the top, the fence becomes much more visible. This creates a double effect: animals see the fence, are warned by the colour and experience the shock when they touch it. Extra monitoring is advisable in the first few weeks after installation. Wild animals often follow fixed routes and may encounter the new fence along the way. By checking for damage on a daily basis during this period, you can be sure that their first experience will be educational and effective and that they will avoid the fence in future.
Advice and support
Installing a wildlife deterrent fence requires a solution that suits your terrain and situation. That is why Gallagher offers comprehensive support:
- White papers per animal species: practical information on how to optimally tailor a fence to the specific animals in your region, such as wild boar, roe deer or foxes.
- Free on-site advice: a specialist will assess the situation with you, evaluate the terrain and provide tailored advice. This way, you can be sure you are making the right choice.
With a carefully constructed and maintained wildlife fence, you can rest assured that you have a reliable fence and that your animals and crops are well protected.