Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1085240
76 • MARCH 2019 • WORLD FENCE NEWS barriers that make an effective wall designed specifically to keep Arizona rattlesnakes out. When combined with habitat re- duction techniques, there is no better way to keep rattlesnakes away from the home. Special consideration for the unique species that live in each area of Phoenix and Tuc- son are part of how the fences are built. How do you do it, and what mate- rials do you use? We use 1/4" galvanized mesh (hardware cloth) that is 36" high. If your view fence sits on top of a con- crete curb we bring the bottom edge directly in contact with the concrete so no rattlesnakes can get under it. If you have dirt or gravel under your view fence, we dig a trench 4"-12" down, de- pending on the hardness of the soil, and bury the fencing below grade. This helps ensure that an entry point for snakes doesn't open up over time due to normal wear and tear, wind, or activity from other animals. While removing rattlesnakes from homes where fencing has been poorly installed by a third party, we've seen the fencing on top of the dirt, where inevitably (often very quickly) an ac- cess point develops. We attach the wire mesh to the outside of the view fence using screws, rather than the more commonly used zip-ties which break down in the Ar- izona sun and a year or two, or wire ties which allow the fencing to move some and have the potential to create a snake access point. Wire ties also rub the paint off the fence allowing it to rust. Screws last the longest and offer the lowest profile – a safe yard doesn't need to look like a hardware store; our solution is made to last and not detract from the prop- erty's aesthetic. At the end of each fencing run, if it butts up to a block wall, we drill into the block wall and use concrete an- chors to secure it, rather than just but it up to the wall as we have often seen which can allow the fencing to move and create an access point. Snakes travel along walls and fences, mean- ing the ends are as important as every inch between them. Gates need some creativity; no two are the same. Most often, we pour a concrete curb under the gate to within 1/4" of the bottom of the gate, closing off that access point without needing to install additional barriers to the gate itself. Along the sides of the gate, if there is a gap, we either use a door sweep or a fiber- glass edging piece to block the gap while maintaining the function of the gate. Drain blocks are sealed with the same wire mesh and anchored with concrete anchors. These are one of the more common areas for snakes to gain entry to a yard. When we are done with the project, our goal is for there not to be any gaps larger than 1/4" around the area we have secured. We have been to many hun- dreds of homes to remove rattlesnakes where they already had snake fencing; the problem was that it was improper- ly installed, used the wrong materials or it wasn't secured properly and an access point was created. The final step when we are done installing the fencing is to do a full search of your property to locate any snakes that may already be on your property and remove them (without any additional fee if we do find some). To schedule a consultation, con- tact Rattlesnake Solutions at 480-565- 7824 or by e-mail at fence@rattle- snakesolutions.com. For more information, visit www. rattlesnakesolutions.com. Keeping rattlesnakes out of yards is specialty of Arizona company continued from previous page Shown above is mesh installed on the view side of an existing fence, while the photo below shows one way a gate is snake proofed. (Rattlesnake Solutions photos) An elderly lady calls her husband on his cell phone and says, "Are you northbound on I20?" "Yes," he answers. "Well be careful," she says. "There's some idiot driving the wrong way down the middle of the highway!" "One idiot? Hell, there's hundreds of them!" • • • When I see lovers' names carved in a tree, I don't think it's sweet. I just think it's surprising how many peo- ple bring a knife on a date. On Time and In Budget. As your single-source provider, Guardian is your competitive edge. Alumi-Link™ Chainlink • Defeats rust, even in the most corrosive environment • Guaranteed to outlast galvanized chain link and other wire products • Best warranty in the industry MiniMesh™ Chainlink • Nine sizes • Six gauges • Heights up to 20 feet • Aluminized, galvanized, vinyl-coated and stainless Tie It All Together • Straight ties • Loop ties • Hook ties • Hog rings • Pre-shaped twist ties for fast install with drill Top It Off • Barb wire • Razor ribbon • Crimped tension wire RetroGuard Xtreme™ • Ultimate protection for high threat facilities Call us for customized security solutions. On Time and In Budget. As your single-source provider, Guardian is your competitive edge. GFFENCE.COM 800.845.2526 RetroGuard Extreme ™ • Ultimate protection for high threat facilities Call us for customized security solutions. Aluminized Chainlink • Defeats rust, even in the most corrosive environment • Guaranteed to outlast galvanized chainlink and other wire products • Best warranty in the industry MiniMesh ™ Chainlink • Nine sizes • Six gaugaes • Heights up to 20 feet • Aluminized, galvanized, vinyl-coated and stainless Tie It All Together • Straight ties • Loop ties • Hook ties • Hog rings • Pre-shaped twist ties for fast install with drill Top It Off • Barb wire • Razor ribbon • Crimped tension wire