What Kind Of Fence Will Keep Snakes Out?

Snakes can slip through openings far smaller than most people realize, which makes ordinary fencing useless for keeping them out. Homeowners who want real protection need to understand that snake-proof fences require specific materials, precise measurements, and professional installation.

This article breaks down exactly what kind of fence will keep snakes out and why certain options fail. From mesh size to ground anchoring, you’ll see the critical details that make the difference between a secure barrier and a wasted investment.

Why Ordinary Fences Fail

Most standard fences were never designed with snakes in mind, which is why they often leave dangerous gaps. Understanding their weaknesses helps explain why specialized snake-proof fencing is necessary.

Chain-Link Openings Are Too Large

Chain-link fences may keep out dogs or coyotes, but their wide diamond-shaped gaps are like open doors for snakes. Even larger species can easily pass through without difficulty. Smaller snakes, including venomous ones, need only a fraction of an inch of space to squeeze through. This makes chain-link fencing completely ineffective as a snake barrier.

Wood Fences Leave Ground Gaps

Wooden privacy fences seem solid, yet they almost always leave gaps at the base. Snakes can slide under these openings with little effort, especially when soil shifts or erodes. Over time, boards warp, making gaps even larger. While wooden fencing offers privacy, it doesn’t deliver snake protection.

Decorative Fences Prioritize Looks Over Security

Ornamental fences like wrought iron or picket designs are built for aesthetics, not wildlife control. Their vertical spacing allows snakes to glide straight through with no resistance. Even if combined with landscaping, they lack the continuous barrier required for exclusion. This makes them attractive but ineffective in preventing snake entry.

Standard Gates Are Weak Points

Most gates aren’t installed flush with the ground, creating unavoidable gaps. Snakes naturally seek out these easy access points, making gates one of the biggest vulnerabilities in any fencing system. Even small gaps of a quarter inch are enough for smaller species to enter. Without sealing and reinforcement, gates defeat the entire purpose of fencing.

Fences Without Underground Barriers Invite Burrowing

Snakes don’t need to dig tunnels themselves, but they’ll happily use gaps created by rodents or natural soil settling. Ordinary fences that aren’t buried or skirted outward provide no protection from these entry points. Once a hole exists, a snake can follow the path directly into a yard. A proper snake fence needs an underground extension to block these hidden routes.

Specs That Actually Work: Fence Material & Measurements

Snake-proof fencing succeeds only when built with the right materials and dimensions. These specs are proven to block entry points and withstand outdoor conditions long term.

• Mesh Size of ¼ Inch or Smaller – Snakes can compress their bodies and pass through surprisingly tight spaces, which is why mesh openings must be no larger than ¼ inch. Anything wider, even by a fraction, leaves a clear path for smaller and juvenile snakes.
  
• Fence Height of at Least 36 Inches – Snakes aren’t great climbers on smooth, vertical surfaces, but they can still scale short or angled barriers. A fence height of 36 inches or more keeps them from gaining leverage to climb over.
  
• Galvanized Steel or Aluminum Mesh – Durable materials like galvanized steel or aluminum resist rust and maintain their integrity against weathering. These metals also prevent warping, which could otherwise create new entry gaps.
  
• PVC-Coated or Weather-Resistant Finish – A coating helps extend the lifespan of the fence by preventing corrosion and wear. It also reduces sharp edges that could weaken the structure or create maintenance problems.
  
• Secure Anchoring and Reinforcement – Mesh must be tightly fastened to posts with screws rather than ties that can break or slip. Proper reinforcement ensures the fence stays rigid and leaves no room for snake entry.

Installation Tactics That Seal the Deal

Even the strongest materials fail if the fence isn’t installed correctly. These tactics ensure your snake-proof fence works as intended and holds up over time.

1. Proper Fence Height

Installing the fence at a minimum of 36 inches high is critical, since snakes can climb short structures with ease. The added height removes the leverage snakes need to gain traction. A shorter barrier may stop larger species but will fail against smaller, more agile snakes.

Ensuring the height is consistent along the entire perimeter prevents weak spots. A uniform 36-inch or taller fence is the first line of defense against intrusion.

Pro Tip: Always measure twice before cutting material to guarantee the entire barrier maintains the same protective height.

2. Buried or Outward-Skirted Mesh

Snakes can exploit ground-level gaps, especially where erosion or rodent burrows appear. Burying the mesh six to twelve inches underground or installing an outward-facing skirt blocks this entry method. This underground extension ensures no easy access beneath the fence.

Without it, the best materials and height can be rendered useless. Proper ground anchoring also strengthens the overall durability of the barrier.

Pro Tip: An outward-facing skirt requires less digging and offers easier long-term maintenance than full burial.

3. Tight Gate Sealing

Gates are notorious weak points because most leave gaps at the bottom or sides. To be snake-proof, gates need weather stripping, metal flashing, or concrete curbs to close every opening. Even gaps as small as ¼ inch can let in smaller snakes.

Gates should also be tested repeatedly after installation to confirm no daylight shows through. Without reinforcement, a gate can undo the entire fencing system.

Pro Tip: Use a solid kick plate at the bottom of gates for added strength and long-lasting sealing.

4. Anchoring With Screws, Not Ties

Fastening mesh with screws into posts ensures the material stays tight and secure over time. Plastic zip ties or thin wire ties can weaken in sunlight or rust, creating instant entry points. Screws prevent shifting, sagging, or gaps that snakes can exploit.

This method also provides better resistance to weather and physical pressure. A fence that loosens at its attachment points quickly loses its effectiveness.

Pro Tip: Stainless steel screws outperform galvanized ones in humid or coastal environments.

5. Concrete Curbs for Extra Reinforcement

Adding a concrete base or curb beneath the fence creates an impenetrable barrier. This eliminates the possibility of snakes following animal burrows or soil erosion to gain access. It also stabilizes the fence structure, preventing sagging or shifting over time.

While more labor-intensive, it’s a permanent solution in areas with high snake activity. Concrete reinforcement is particularly valuable near gates, corners, and uneven terrain.

Pro Tip: Install curbs at least 4 inches deep to balance protection and cost efficiency.

Quick DIY Checklist for Snake-proof Fencing

This checklist gives homeowners a straightforward way to confirm that their fence is truly snake-proof. Each item highlights a key feature that should never be overlooked.

Mesh Size of ¼ Inch: Snakes can flatten and compress their bodies to pass through surprisingly small spaces. Mesh with ¼-inch openings is the industry standard for blocking even juvenile snakes. Anything larger creates unnecessary risk.

Fence Height of 36 Inches: The barrier must stand at least 36 inches tall to prevent snakes from climbing over. Smooth, vertical surfaces at this height stop most species from gaining traction. A shorter fence simply won’t hold up against persistent climbers.

Underground Barrier or Skirt: Snakes often enter through burrows or soil gaps near the base of fences. Installing buried mesh or an outward-facing skirt closes off this hidden pathway. Without it, ground-level access defeats the entire system.

Gate Reinforcement: Gates are usually the weakest part of a fence due to gaps at the bottom or sides. Adding weather stripping, kick plates, or curbs ensures no space is left unsealed. A properly reinforced gate is just as strong as the rest of the barrier.

Strong Anchoring: Mesh must be screwed securely to posts rather than tied loosely with wire or plastic. This prevents sagging, shifting, and future gaps that snakes could exploit. A firmly anchored fence maintains consistent protection over time.

The Bottom Line on Snake-Proof Fencing

Snake-proof fencing only works when every critical detail comes together: the right mesh size, proper height, underground protection, and strong installation practices. Ordinary fences fail because they leave gaps and weak points that snakes easily exploit.

By contrast, a well-designed barrier built from galvanized or aluminum mesh with ¼-inch openings can provide reliable, long-term security.

The difference lies in execution, materials and measurements mean nothing without proper anchoring, sealed gates, and ground reinforcement. Homeowners who follow these proven specs and tactics can dramatically reduce the risk of snakes entering their property.

For those who want certainty and lasting peace of mind, professional installation from AAAC Wildlife Removal ensures that every potential weakness is addressed the first time.