Skip The Electric Fence And Try These Better Alternatives Instead

When you have a large outdoor space surrounding your home, there are many things to consider to help keep you and any animals you have safe. For one, you may want to keep pets and livestock from running away. At the same time, you may be interested in trying to keep other animals off your property, such as coyotes, deer, or foxes. This is where investing in an affordable fence can help. There are numerous types of fencing options to consider, but electric fences should not be among them. A chain link fence is a better alternative.

Electric fencing poses several problems, especially if you're wanting to use it to either keep animals on or off your property. They're marketed as having several benefits, such as affordability and convenience. However, the benefits don't necessarily outweigh the drawbacks of electric fencing. First, the designs (whether wired or wireless) are considered inhumane because of the pain they can cause to domesticated or wild animals that might cross the perimeter and get shocked. There's also a chance that the shocking hazards may not be enough to deter all types of unwanted animals crossing onto your property. Wireless options are perhaps even less reliable. Also called "invisible fences," wireless electric fences can have several of the same issues as wired versions, and you can also run into issues if the power supply unexpected gets disrupted, or your pet's linking collar no longer functions.

While electric fences pose numerous issues, this doesn't mean you have to invest in an expensive type of fence material or forego fencing altogether. Instead, you might consider the benefits of a chain link fence. These are considered safer for pets and livestock alike, as they do not cause pain from accidental crossings. As long as you build the fence at an appropriate height, most animals should not be able to scale the fence and climb over it. Most chain link fences around residential homes range between 4 to 6 feet tall, but it's also possible to have one up to 12 feet. If you have dogs that enjoy going outside, you can consider safe fencing as just one way to create a dog-friendly yard.

Chain link fences are also affordable and relatively maintenance-free. Unlike electric fences, which require regular wiring inspections and replacements to function properly, chain link fences primarily need regular cleanings with water and soap. If any portion of your fence does get damaged or start to rust, it is much easier to replace a part of a chain link fence. Also, as long as you avoid common mistakes when installing a chain link fence and maintain it, you can expect this fencing to last 20 years on average. There are also some downsides to consider with chain link fencing, but it's still a better option in comparison with electric versions.