best wire mesh for squirrels

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Wire Mesh for Keeping Squirrels Out

As a homeowner and gardener, dealing with pesky squirrels invading your property can be extremely frustrating. These bushy-tailed rodents can cause serious damage as they chew through wood, wiring, plants, and anything else in their path.

The good news is that installing wire mesh barriers is one of the most effective solutions for squirrel-proofing your home and yard. But with so many mesh options out there, how do you know which one will do the best job at repelling squirrels?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the optimal wire mesh for keeping squirrels at bay. Let’s get started!

Why Wire Mesh is Ideal for Squirrel Control

Wire mesh presents an impenetrable physical barrier that squirrels cannot penetrate or claw their way through. Here are some of the key benefits that make wire mesh ideal for deterring squirrels:

• Durable Material – Quality wire mesh is made from galvanized or stainless steel that resists rust, corrosion and squirrel chewing.

• Customizable Protection – Mesh can be cut to any size and shape to securely seal off all possible squirrel entry points.

• Small Openings – Holes are small enough to prevent squirrels from squeezing through or getting a clawhold.

• Low Maintenance – Once installed properly, wire mesh requires little upkeep compared to other deterrents.

• Long Lasting Effectiveness – It continues working to block squirrels without needing frequent replacement.

Key Features to Look for in Squirrel Wire Mesh

With so many wire mesh products on the market, it can be tricky to know which one will work best for excluding squirrels. Here are the most important features to look for:

• Material – Galvanized or stainless steel mesh offers the greatest durability and chewing resistance.

• Mesh Opening Size – Openings should be 1/4” or smaller to prevent squirrel entry.

• Wire Gauge – Heavier wire gauges like 23 or 24 provide more strength.

• Weave Style – A rigid, welded weave is better than woven mesh.

• Coating – Look for corrosion-resistant coatings like vinyl, galvanization or powder coating.

The Best Materials for Squirrel Wire Mesh

The material used to construct the mesh is crucial in determining its durability and how well it deters chewing squirrels. Here are the top materials to look for:

Stainless Steel
This corrosion-resistant metal offers maximum longevity and chewing resistance. Though more expensive upfront, stainless steel mesh will last for decades with minimal upkeep required.

Galvanized Steel
Steel coated in a protective zinc layer makes galvanized mesh an affordable and durable option for deterring squirrels. The galvanization prevents rusting.

Welded Wire
Welded wire mesh is made from wires fused together at their crossing points. This creates a rigid, flat surface that squirrels can’t stretch or bend.

Vinyl Coated Wire
For increased corrosion resistance and longevity outdoors, look for wire mesh coated in vinyl. The vinyl coating also further prevents chewing damage.

Recommended Wire Mesh Opening Size

Squirrels have narrow heads that can squeeze into surprisingly small spaces. To keep them out, the mesh openings need to be tiny. Here are recommended opening sizes:

• 1/4” – This small opening size is ideal for blocking out gray and red squirrels.

• 1/2″ – Larger squirrels like fox squirrels may require a 1/2″ hole size to prevent entry.

• 1/8” – For the smallest squirrels, micro mesh with 1/8” openings may be needed.

• Hardware Cloth – Hardware cloth typically has 1/4″ openings perfect for keeping out most squirrels.

The Right Wire Gauge for Strength

The gauge, or thickness, of the wire used in the mesh impacts its durability and cut-resistance. Here are recommended gauges:

• 23 or 24 gauge – This heavy-duty thickness offers the optimal strength.

• 25 gauge – Slightly thinner but can still be effective for squirrels.

• 28 or 30 gauge – Works for lightweight wire mesh applications.

• 32 gauge – Too thin for optimal squirrel exclusion and chewing resistance.

Weave Styles: Welded vs. Woven Mesh

Wire mesh comes in two main weave styles:

Welded Wire Mesh
In welded mesh, the wires are fused at their intersection points to form a rigid, flat barrier unable to be stretched or pulled apart. This makes it superior for keeping out squirrels.

Woven Wire Mesh
Woven mesh has wires that intersect in an over-under pattern allowing more flexibility. Squirrels can potentially stretch openings in woven mesh to gain access.

For best squirrel exclusion, rigid welded wire mesh is recommended. But high-quality woven mesh can also be effective if installed tautly without any gaps.

Where to Install Wire Mesh Around Your Home

Squirrels gain access to attics and other interior spaces in very crafty ways. Here are key areas where wire mesh should be installed:

• Attic vents
• Soffits and fascia boards
• Chimneys
• Gable vents
• Roof peaks and edges
• Around pipes or wiring holes
• Crawl space vents
• Under doors or floor edges

Tips for Securing Mesh Against Squirrels

Proper installation is just as crucial as the mesh itself. Follow these tips to securely install wire mesh:

• Cover all possible entry points into interior spaces, leaving no gaps
• Wrap mesh several inches around, not just over holes
• Use mesh overlapped double layered when possible
• Secure tightly with galvanized staples, zip ties, or steel wire
• Check for and patch any loose edges or holes in mesh

When to Use 1/4” Welded Wire Hardware Cloth

1/4” welded wire hardware cloth is one of the most popular and affordable wire mesh options for keeping out squirrels. Here are some of its best uses:

• Covering attic, gable and crawl space vents
• Protecting gardens, flower beds, and planting containers
• Wrapping tree trunks to deter climbing
• Building cages or shields for squirrel-prone items like AC units or sprinkler valves
• Lining fences to block burrowing under the perimeter
• Securing rip-stop poly under porches and sheds before adding hardware cloth to keep squirrels from digging through

Preventing Squirrels with Stainless Steel Wire Mesh

For maximum strength and longevity in outdoor applications, stainless steel wire mesh is worth the extra investment. Here are some tips for using stainless mesh to foil squirrels:

• Opt for small opening sizes no larger than 1/4″
• Choose a durable gauge thickness around 23 to 27
• Use rigid welded weave rather than woven mesh
• Look for 304 or 316 grade stainless steel
• Install mesh screens over outdoor vents, chimneys, and roof peaks
• Build protective cages around fruit trees or garden beds
• Cover the underside of porches, sheds, or decks by installing below the floorboards

Keeping Squirrels Away with Galvanized Hardware Cloth

An alternative to stainless steel, galvanized steel wire mesh offers a more budget-friendly solution. Follow these tips for effectively using galvanized hardware cloth:

• Look for 1/4” x 1/4” opening size
• Opt for 23 or 24 gauge thickness
• Ensure it has a G90 galvanized coating
• Use it to cover attic and crawl space vents
• Line the interior upper walls of gardens or under porches
• Protect conduits, pipes, or wires by encircling with mesh
• Place beneath picnic tables or seating to block squirrels from climbing up the legs

Chicken Wire – Not Ideal for Deterring Squirrels!

You may be tempted to use chicken wire as an inexpensive option, but it’s not actually very effective against squirrels. Here’s why to avoid it:

• Large, 1” openings allow squirrels to potentially squeeze through
• Thin wire is easily chewed through by squirrels
• Made from lightweight galvanized steel which tends to bend and warp
• Does not provide the same strength and durability of hardware cloth
• Best suited only for enclosing chickens, not blocking squirrels

Alternative Uses for Squirrel Wire Mesh

Wire mesh for excluding squirrels also comes in handy for many other pest control and DIY uses:

• Prevent rats and mice from entering crawl spaces or gardens
• Keep snakes, lizards, and rodents out of window wells
• Protect ponds from leaves and debris but allow water flow
• Use as a screen in homemade camping grills or outdoor kitchens
• Build a cage enclosure for small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs
• Create a mesh shield to safely keep dogs inside vehicles

The Takeaway on Finding the Right Squirrel Wire Mesh

Dealing with a squirrel invasion can quickly become aggravating as the crafty rodents access attics, chew up gardens, and damage property. Installing wire mesh barriers provides a safe, effective deterrent against squirrels gaining entry.

The optimal wire mesh has small, 1/4″ openings made from galvanized or stainless steel in a sturdy welded weave. Properly securing mesh around all potential access points keeps pesky squirrels where they belong – away from your home! Investing in quality wire mesh saves time, money, and sanity when it comes to squirrel control.

So don’t let those furry tailed invaders ruin your garden or make themselves at home in your attic. Fight back with the right wire mesh for squirrels and protect your property once and for all!

Yes, squirrels can chew through some types of wire mesh, particularly those made of lightweight or plastic materials. While they can’t chew through all wire mesh, they can certainly breach lighter-duty options like chicken wire or plastic mesh, especially if determined.