Invisible Critter Fence

Our deer fence kits and garden fence kits are designed to be installed by homeowners and contractors alike. Put together by standard tools, we believe we offer the highest quality, easiest to install, most effective and least visible fence materials of this type on the market.

What does that mean?

HIGHEST QUALITY

• 16ga round galvanized line posts that are black gloss powder coated - strong & long lasting - (not vinyl coated, thicker than 17ga found elsewhere). Some posts on the market are not galvanized, only black coated.
• The best available poly & wire fencing (see below for details) - strong & long lasting.
• Access gates 3-24 feet wide with galvanized black gloss powder coated tubing with all steel corners and fittings (not aluminum which can crack under stress)- strong & long lasting
• Many options - we offer over 1000 different fence kits and combinations of materials to offer you exactly what you need.

EASIEST TO INSTALL

No-dig patent pending ground sleeves for line post, post brace, corner post and gate installation. This means no concrete is necessary and no digging to make installation easy. Posts lock in place with a locking set screw.

Here's an example of how our posts and ground sleeves with set screw (patent pending) work:

MOST EFFECTIVE FOR ANIMALS

• Most traditional fence leaves gaps at the bottom for animals to get through. Our fence kits with overlap include extra fencing to overlap onto the ground and pin to the ground so animals can't get through.
• Our poly fence is strong but flexible; animals can run into the fence full speed and bounce off without getting hurt.
• Small opening size mesh - available in different opening sizes 1/4" - 1/2" and up to keep even the smallest animals out.
• Can be buried in a trench - our small opening mesh is hot dip galvanized after welding then black PVC coated for long life, even with fence to soil contact.
• No-climb fence systems and fences with a top to keep in or out all animals including cats, squirrels, predator birds, coyotes & more.
• We do not suggest using any fence where the opening size is more than 2 inches square. Animals like deer can get caught up in large opening size fence and will get hurt.

LEAST VISIBLE

• All black posts, ground sleeves, gate hardware, post hardware and even hogring connectors - this means from as little as 20 feet away your fence will disappear. We believe we have the least visible fence system in the world with exclusive components you won't find anywhere else, parts that are unique and specific to Critterfence and proprietary in the patent process.
• For deer exclusion: The less visible your fence is the more effective it will be at keeping out deer. Research has shown that if deer can't judge the height of a fence (poor eyesight depth perception) they won't try and jump it. For deer you need the least visible fence that is also strong enough; if they run into it by accident they will bounce off. To have an effective deer fence or a fence that will blend in well with your landscape, you need the least visible material you can get that will do the job. This is where the term invisible deer fence comes from. The beauty of this type of material is it will disappear from a short distance away (as little as 20 feet away). This is especially important for those customers trying to preserve a nice view from their back yard or don't like the look of a tall barrier fence. This material is truly an invisible deer fence from a few feet away.

There are different grades of deer fencing material and accessories depending on your application. This includes all metal deer fencing. Please be sure to do your research in selecting what you need for your project. Buyer beware! There are many catalog companies and online re-sellers now online mass marketing what appear to be the same products.

METAL FENCING

We specialize in high breaking strength, small opening size metal fencing that is galvanized after welding (or weaving) then black PVC coated. For more specific information on the types of galvanized wire fence on the market, and why it matters please visit this page: TYPES OF GALVANIZATION

Popular sizes are 1"x1" and 2"x2". We do not recommend any fence with an opening size larger than 2" which will trap or hurt animals. We also do not promote the use of single strand electric fence or barbed wire fence that can hurt animals.

Electric fence is not effective for wild animals in single strand formats. It's most often used with farm animals where you can shock them once to teach them the danger of electric fence. Wild animals will run into the fence (deer for example) and break the strand. That one deer may not come back (because you shocked them) but the fence is now broken. Research has shown that electric fence is not reliable as a deer fence when installed in single strand format. If you have a need for electric fence for a specific application, consider our poly electric fence - it's a patent pending design that pairs the physical barrier needs for wild animals with the advantages of electric fencing.

POLY FENCING

There are many different types of poly fencing on the market. In this section, we hope to explain what we chose for our Crittefence brand poly fence and why.

• Poly fencing can be made of polypropylene or polyethylene with different percentages of virgin material and recycled material
• Poly fencing can be made with different amounts and types of UV inhibiting additives (this is what prevents the fencing from breaking down in sunlight)
• Poly fencing can be extruded round strand, semi-round strand, flat strand or knitted with different square shapes - some are rectangular, some are very straight and square, some are slightly twisted squares.
• Poly fencing can be made in different weights, strengths, heights and lengths. It can also be configured in different opening sizes. It can be folded or spooled full length.
• Poly fencing can have a reinforced bottom edge and/or a enhanced (thicker) top border.
• Poly fencing can have structure or be very floppy (soccer net material is polyethylene for example, if you don't pull it up it will fall down). It can be stretchy or rigid.
• Poly fencing can have one finished edge and one unfinished (cut, irregular) edge or two cut edges.

CRITTERFENCE POLY FENCING IS:

• Made of 100% virgin polypropylene and 0% recycled polypropylene. This preserves the integrity of the entire fence mesh.
• Made with UV inhibitors with outdoor life spans of up to 15 years, 20 years and 25 years depending on the type of Critterfence poly.
• Extruded in the semi-round/round strand type. Without question this type of engineered product has a higher breaking strength per square foot. If you take two pieces of the same weight polypropylene material, this type will have a higher breaking strength per strand and also per square foot (poly fence mesh strength is measured in breaking strength per square foot). This type is also less visible than other designs. Please see notes above on why the least visible fence is important. This type also has very linear, equal sized squares that look better than other types up close.
• Wrapped in heavy plastic using heavy tape for shipping protection or shipped in a cardboard box.
• Made in different breaking strengths from 650 pounds of breaking strength per square foot up to 1400 pounds or more. Typically, fence mesh with less than this amount of strength can be broken by hand (if you pull on it with two hands it will break). This strength fence material is not suitable for animal containment or to keep out animals. In big box stores and mass marketers online you will often find this inexpensive material. Its usually bird netting that is 3/4" to 1" opening size +/- marketed as deer fence or garden fence.
• We offer the reinforced bottom fence mesh but do not offer or suggest using an enhanced top border. The top border is often used in polyethylene fence which has to be pulled tight to be held up. A very visible top border is not suggested for keeping wildlife out, please see LEAST VISIBLE notes above
• Made with structure - Our Critterfence fence mesh does nearly stand up on it's own. It requires fence posts and support, but compared to other poly fence types it's rigid. It also stretches less than other types.
• Made with one finished edge and one cut edge. This is important when working with the fence material - cut edges can hurt hands (and also animals). Typically customers install the finished edge on top with the cut unfinished edge on the bottom. Note: our reinforced bottom fence mesh types is semi-finished on the bottom (may have some irregularities and burrs but in general this type of fence roll has two finished edges one top and one reinforced bottom)

PHOTOS OF OUR POPULAR FENCE TYPES AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES

ENTIRE FENCE SYSTEM EXAMPLE

Research has proven that wildlife exclusion fencing will reduce the number of ticks in an area up to 90% over time. Reduce the number of wild animals in an area and you will reduce the number of ticks in an area.

Why is this important? Ticks are dangerous because of the diseases they carry. Which is largely due to an increase in deer population and other factors. A main reason our customers choose to install our fence systems or fencing is specifically for the purpose of controlling ticks.

As dangerous as ticks are to humans, they are also hazardous to your pets. Dogs and cats are notorious for having embedded ticks in their fur that can then make their way into your home.

RESOURCES AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

Ticks are increasingly becoming not only a big nuisance but a serious health risk. Ticks transmit Lyme disease and other diseases. Here's a link to the CDC page with direct information on Lyme Disease as well as quoted text with links from their website: Lyme disease - "Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, applying pesticides, and reducing tick habitat. The ticks that transmit Lyme disease can occasionally transmit other tickborne diseases as well."

In the United States, some ticks carry pathogens that can cause human disease, including:

• Anaplasmosis is transmitted to humans by tick bites primarily from the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in the northeastern and upper midwestern U.S. and the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) along the Pacific coast.
• Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. Most human cases of babesiosis in the U.S. are caused by Babesia microti. Babesia microti is transmitted by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and is found primarily in the northeast and upper midwest.
• Borrelia mayoniiinfection has recently been described as a cause of illness in the upper midwestern United States. It has been found in blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Borrelia mayonii is a new species and is the only species besides B. burgdorferi known to cause Lyme disease in North America.
• Borrelia miyamotoi infection has recently been described as a cause of illness in the U.S. It is transmitted by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and has a range similar to that of Lyme disease.
• Colorado tick fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni). It occurs in the the Rocky Mountain states at elevations of 4,000 to 10,500 feet.
• Ehrlichiosis is transmitted to humans by the lone star tick (Ambylomma americanum), found primarily in the southcentral and eastern U.S.
• Heartland virus infection has been identified in eight patients in Missouri and Tennessee as of March 2014. Studies suggest that Lone Star ticks may transmit the virus. It is unknown if the virus may be found in other areas of the U.S.
• Lyme disease is transmitted by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in the northeastern U.S. and upper midwestern U.S. and the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) along the Pacific coast.
• Borrelia mayonii infection has recently been described as a cause of illness in the upper midwestern United States. It has been found in blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Borrelia mayonii is a new species and is the only species besides B. burgdorferi known to cause Lyme disease in North America.
• Powassan disease is transmitted by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the groundhog tick (Ixodes cookei). Cases have been reported primarily from northeastern states and the Great Lakes region.
• Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis is transmitted to humans by the Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum).
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is transmitted by the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sangunineus) in the U.S. The brown dog tick and other tick species are associated with RMSF in Central and South America.
• STARI (Southern tick-associated rash illness) is transmitted via bites from the lone star tick (Ambylomma americanum), found in the southeastern and eastern U.S.
• Tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected soft ticks. TBRF has been reported in 15 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming and is associated with sleeping in rustic cabins and vacation homes.
• Tularemia is transmitted to humans by the dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Tularemia occurs throughout the U.S.
• 364D rickettsiosis (Rickettsia phillipi, proposed) is transmitted to humans by the Pacific Coast tick (Dermacentor occidentalis ticks). This is a new disease that has been found in California.

Not sure if you're in an area susceptible to ticks and these diseases? This websitepage breaks down the type of ticks and their diseases geographically: CDC MAPS LINK - they also have great resource tabs to the left of this page which identify how to remove ticks and other tick related information

Here's research outlining use of a 7+ foot physical barrier fence to exclude deer. Their results show up to a 90% reduction in ticks over time, an effective tick control method.STUDY LINK. These results are similar to feedback and comments from our customers that have installed our fences. The before and after difference in tick density is like night and day. One customer complained she couldn't let her dog out anymore because she would come back so full of ticks; a year later she called saying she never sees any since our fence was installed. The before and after difference can be stark. Our main office and warehouse is based in Connecticut which is ground zero for Lyme disease (named after a shoreline town Lyme, CT). This is a very serious issue concerning our health and well being. To test the number of ticks in an area, try taking a large white sheet and placing it in a shady section of your yard. Pin down the edges so the sheet doesn't fly away and wait 48 hours. You can then count the number of ticks on the sheet (noticeable against the white background). Another way to measure tick density (like the research groups do) is to drag the white sheet through a set area over a set distance and measure the amount of ticks that cling to the sheet.

A study conducted by the state of Connecticut shows a 85% reduction. Note: they site using electric fence, we do not recommend or suggest using electric fence to exclude large wild animals. Electric fencing is great for farm animals that can be trained by shocking them once (they won't touch the fence again). Wild animals that run into an electric fence will probably not come back but will also have broken the single strand of wire, rendering your fence useless. Also, most fences to exclude deer are often in wooded areas where falling limbs and branches will also render your fence useless.

Non-pesticide tick control options are slim. Sometimes the pesticides used to treat an area for ticks can be as dangerous as tick borne diseases. We've installed many fences over the years in areas where there are many ticks. Sometimes, we unfortunately come back with them on us. One tip when working outside we learned from a customer at an installation on Nantucket is to tuck your pants into your socks if you can so they can't crawl up your pants. Spray repellent containing DEET on your clothes not your skin. DEET is bad for you if applied directly to the skin: HAZARDS OF DEET. We've also used lavender as a natural repellent. There is a good lavender scented deodorant made by Tom's of Maine that has helped as well (not found in many stores but available online).