A fence is a barrier used to confine or exclude people, animals and plants. It can be made from timber, soil, stone or metal.
Fences have a wide variety of social impacts, ranging from deterring invasive species to reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions along roads and impeding the long-distance movements of everything from wildebeests to Mongolian gazelles. Contact R.C Fence LLC now!
As the pace and scale of island eradications increases, managers are turning to methods of preventing invasion in advance of a species’ arrival. Prediction, prevention, early detection and eradication are considered frontline tactics of biological invasion management (Epanchin-Niell and Liebhold 2015). Fences are commonly used to prevent invasive species, but a range of other barriers can be employed including’metaphorical’ fences such as sound, smoke or smell or hedges, and more sophisticated physical barrier systems such as wire-mesh fences buried with an apron.
The spatial structure of landscapes is known to affect the dispersal patterns of invasive species [1]. Human modification of hydrological regimes creates a network of invasion hubs where invasive cane toads can survive dry season, allowing them to access adjacent habitat (see Figure S1). Fences can be strategically placed at these ‘invasion nodes’ to reduce the spread of a species by limiting its opportunities to move into new regions.
Our research has shown that excluding cane toads from artificial waterholes (AWPs) significantly reduced their population declines. However, removing the toads from a large landscape will require many AWPs to be excluded, which can be expensive. Fences can also be located at key arid landforms such as canyons where human-induced landscape changes are occurring, to protect these features from a cane toad invasion.
The use of interior fences substantially reduces the total cost and probability of failure of an eradication project. This is because fences separate a project into independent regions, so that the failure of one region does not incur the cost of retreating to the next. As a result, the expected treatment costs for the remaining regions are much lower, and the range around these costs is reduced, as illustrated in Figure 4. In addition, a fence strategy dramatically reduces budgetary risk, reducing the magnitude of overruns and underruns.
Keeps Animals in
Many people who own horses, goats and other livestock find a fence is the best way to keep them from wandering off their property. A good quality fence that is able to stand up to the elements and resist moisture damage is vital for this purpose. Galvanization, rust-proof paint and vinyl are all excellent protective treatments. Wood fencing should be pressure treated or made of rot-resistant wood.
Many animals are able to scale small fences and may dig under them if the inclination exists. This can be a big problem for vegetable gardens and flower beds. A better option for these kinds of situations is to use a mesh fence or electric netting, which will deter burrowing animals by shocking them whenever they touch it with their noses, ears or beaks.
Climbing animals such as raccoons and opossums can also be a problem for fences. To avoid this, a four to five foot fence that leaves the top a foot and a half unattached will discourage climbing animals. It is also a good idea to have at least two feet of apron buried in the ground around the outside of your fence to prevent digging under it.
The Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia is one of the largest fox and cat free areas on mainland Australia and is home to endangered species like the Woylie (Brush-tailed Bettong). This is due to careful land management and a 56 kilometer fence which was built to protect plants and provide a safe habitat for threatened mammals.
Fences have profound effects on ecosystems, and it is important to understand these before designing a new one. These effects can range from blocking animal migration routes to increasing disease transmission amongst the animals that are confined by the fence.
Protects Agricultural Land
Fencing protects agricultural land by keeping livestock and plants safe. It also helps prevent herbivorous wildlife from entering cultivated areas. This can reduce the risk of loss from invasive species and improve yields. In one example, a man used tall fences and motion-activated lights to keep deer from attacking his gardens. This technique prevented the loss of his crops and earned him a reputation as the “deer gardener.”
Another benefit of fencing is that it creates a physical barrier to trespassers, vandals and other unauthorized visitors. This helps farmers maintain the integrity of their property and prevents theft and other crimes. Fencing can also be used to define and mark property lines for legal purposes.
Traditionally, landowners have been required to fence in livestock to prevent them from roaming over neighboring properties. This practice was common in the West before the introduction of open range laws in the late 19th century. This practice is still prevalent in some states today.
While the benefits of fences are clear, some people may argue that fencing is unnatural and deprives animals of their freedom. This is a valid point to consider, but modern farming practices are evolving rapidly. As a result, it’s important to balance tradition with innovation.
Agricultural fencing is a vital investment for any farm or ranch. It offers clear boundaries, protects against wildlife intrusion, deters unauthorized access and enhances crop and livestock management. With customizable solutions and a variety of designs, heights, and materials, it’s possible to find the perfect fence for your needs. To learn more, contact a professional for assistance. They can help you choose the best type of fence for your property and discuss other options for protecting your land.
Keeps People Out
Fencing helps to keep intruders and trespassers out of the yard, which improves overall home security. It also helps to protect children and pets from wild animals that could harm them, as well as other people who may not have their best interests in mind. Additionally, fencing helps to deter weeds and other nuisance plants from entering garden spaces.
Fences are also helpful in controlling risks for business property, as they can provide a physical barrier that prevents potential thieves or vandals from gaining access to sensitive areas. They can be designed to be aesthetically pleasing and complement the look of the premises, or they can simply be used to limit unauthorized entry and prevent the potential damage that can be caused by criminals and terrorists.
In addition, the use of a fence can help to reduce insurance premiums for businesses that have one in place. This is because it proves to insurers that the company has taken steps to control the risk of theft, vandalism, and other crimes.
The presence of a fence can also make it more difficult for criminals to sell stolen goods as they will be unable to quickly turn them into cash. This can have a significant impact on the profitability of an organized crime group.
Whether you’re looking for a wood fence, vinyl, or chain-link, Greengate’s has the perfect solution for your home. Our wide range of products includes fence posts, panels and ancillaries like clips and spikes, helping you to create a beautiful outdoor space that is both safe and secure. To learn more about our fencing solutions, contact us today. We’re proud to be an expert supplier for builders and homeowners across the country.
Deters Crime
Fences can deter crime by acting as a physical barrier that can limit criminal access to a property. The height of a fence can play an important role in this as well, as the higher a fence is, the more challenging it is for criminals to scale it. Fences can also be strategically placed to limit a criminal’s view of what is happening on a property. Fences can also be used in conjunction with other crime prevention measures such as lights, closed-circuit television, staffed observation posts and intrusion detection systems.
Historically, fences have played an important role in the underground economy of stolen goods, or “foolish trade.” A fence is a go-between who buys and sells stolen merchandise to buyers who may or may not be aware that the goods are stolen. Fences typically pay thieves a lower price than the items would command in the legitimate marketplace. This low-balling often entices thieves to work with fences and provides them with an opportunity to turn their loot into cash.
A fence’s ability to buy and sell stolen goods in bulk depends on his or her reputation and clandestine connections with fences in other locales. Some fences will transport stolen goods to different cities in order to sell them without being recognised by the local police. When doing this, a fence will often try to disguise the stolen nature of the goods by removing or altering serial numbers or other markings.
In addition to selling stolen goods, fences can also be involved in the buying and sale of information, such as credit card or banking details, known as e-fooling. These activities are usually facilitated by a network of computers and can generate significant profits for the fences themselves, as well as other criminals who participate in this lucrative market.
