How to Install Snake Proof Fencing | A Barrier That Works

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Snake proof fencing keeps snakes out when you bury fine mesh, angle it outward, and seal every gap.

Installing snake proof fencing is a weekend project that solves a problem repellents rarely do. The right barrier, built with small mesh and buried properly, stops snakes at the perimeter instead of letting them wander into your yard. Success comes down to one principle: eliminate every gap a snake can squeeze through.

Why Mesh Size and Burial Depth Decide Whether the Fence Works

Snakes are surprisingly good at finding weaknesses in a barrier. A fence that looks solid from a distance can fail if the mesh openings are too large or the bottom edge sits above the soil line.

Industry guidance recommends mesh openings of 6.35 mm or less, roughly a quarter inch. That size blocks even small snakes while still allowing airflow and visibility through the fence.

Burial depth matters just as much, because many snakes push along the base of a fence looking for a way under. Sources vary slightly on the exact figure, but the range is consistent: bury the mesh anywhere from 6 to 12 inches deep, with 8 to 12 inches being the most common recommendation. One widely cited approach bends the bottom 6 to 12 inches of mesh outward at a 90-degree angle, creating an underground L-footer that blocks snakes from digging straight down and slipping underneath.

How to Install Snake Proof Fencing: The Step Order That Works

Start by clearing the entire perimeter. Remove vegetation, rocks, debris, and anything else that creates gaps or gives snakes a place to hide against the fence line. Then mark the fence line and post positions before you dig.

Step 1: Check Utilities and Dig the Trench

Call your local utility location service before excavating, even for a shallow trench. Then dig a trench 6 to 10 inches deep along the marked line. If you plan to use the L-footer technique, make the trench wide enough to accommodate the outward bend.

Step 2: Set the Posts

Install sturdy posts first, spacing them every 6 to 10 feet depending on the terrain. Tighter spacing handles curves and uneven ground better. Make sure the posts are plumb and firmly set before attaching any mesh.

Step 3: Attach the Mesh

Position the mesh on the outside of the fence line, then staple, wire-tie, or clip it tightly to the posts. Keep the mesh taut as you work; sagging creates gaps at the bottom.

Where two rolls of mesh meet, overlap them by several inches and fasten both layers securely. An open seam is an open door.

Step 4: Bury and Backfill

If you are using the L-footer method, bend the bottom 6 to 12 inches of mesh outward at 90 degrees before backfilling. Otherwise, set the lower edge of the mesh into the trench. Backfill with soil, compact it firmly, and take care not to damage the mesh coating or bend the fence out of shape while you work.

Step 5: Seal Gates, Corners, and Openings

Gates are the most common failure point on any snake fence. Seal the bottom edge of gates with the same mesh, and check corners, drains, and service openings for gaps. If light shows under the fence or through a seam, a snake can find it too.

When you finish, inspect the entire line for loose corners, open seams, and vegetation touching the barrier. Trim back any plants so nothing bridges the fence.

Fence Height and Top Angle: The Details That Close the Last Gaps

Height and top angle keep climbing snakes from simply going over. One source recommends a fence at least 700 mm high, roughly 28 inches; another says at least 30 inches from the ground, ideally a few inches taller. The higher fence gives you more margin, especially for larger species.

An outward angle at the top stops snakes from climbing straight up and over. Recommendations range from 25 to 30 degrees outward, which makes the fence lean away from the protected area and defeats the vertical grip a snake needs.

If you are weighing options for your property, our roundup of the best snake mesh fences compares top choices by mesh size, height, and material.

Maintenance and Realistic Expectations

A snake fence only works when it stays intact. Check the perimeter regularly for gaps opened by weather, soil shifts, or animals digging along the base. Keep the fence line clear of shrubs, long grass, woodpiles, and clutter; debris leaning against the mesh gives snakes a ramp and hides problems from view.

Know what this fence can and cannot do. Chemical repellents are often ineffective, per one source, so the fence is your primary defense rather than a supplement. The fence also only protects the area it encloses; it must be continuous around the entire perimeter to work. A single unsealed gate gap can defeat the whole installation.

FAQs

How deep should snake fencing be buried?

Bury the mesh 6 to 12 inches deep. The most thorough approach bends the bottom 6 to 12 inches of mesh outward at a 90-degree angle before backfilling, which blocks snakes from digging down and slipping underneath the fence.

What mesh size stops snakes from getting through?

Use mesh openings of 6.35 mm or less, about a quarter inch. Smaller openings block juvenile snakes and small species that could otherwise slip through standard hardware cloth or welded wire.

Do snake repellents work alongside fencing?

Chemical repellents are often ineffective on their own, according to one source. The fence is the reliable barrier; keep the line clear of vegetation and debris rather than relying on sprays or granules to close gaps.

References & Sources

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