Theres no denying how cute squirrels are, but they can also be quite a nuisance for homeowners. Without proper barriers in place, the bushy-tailed creatures can get into your garden or home and wreak havoc.
– Attics – Chimneys – Electrical wire openings – Exposed utility pipes – Foundation vents – Rotted boards – Soffits – Windows
Preventative maintenance is crucial because once squirrels get in, it can be hard to get them out. Not only that, but they can cause substantial damage trying to escape an enclosed space.
In many cases, wire mesh is an excellent solution. If youre like a lot of homeowners, you might be wondering, Can squirrels chew through wire mesh, and if so, which kinds?
Chicken wire (also known as hex mesh) has many uses, particularly in the gardening and home improvement domains. However, its not recommended for squirrel exclusion, as most rodents can chew through it. Keep reading for a breakdown on the best type of mesh for keeping squirrels out.
The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Wire Mesh for Keeping Pesky Squirrels Out
As a homeowner and gardener, I have an ongoing battle with squirrels invading my property and causing destruction. These bushy-tailed critters chew through plastic, wood, and flimsy metal to access attics, chimneys, gardens, and anything else containing a tempting food source. After years of frustration, I finally discovered the solution – heavy-duty wire mesh!
In this ultimate guide I’ll share my extensive research on the best type of wire mesh for effectively blocking squirrels. I’ve tested various materials first-hand and gathered recommendations from pest control pros. Read on to learn about
- Why wire mesh is the best squirrel barrier
- Key factors in choosing the right mesh
- Specific wire mesh products that work
- Pro tips for proper installation
Whether you’re protecting your home, garden, or bird feeders from squirrel invasion, the optimal wire mesh is out there. Let’s crack this nutty problem once and for all!
Why Wire Mesh is the Best Defense Against Squirrels
Out of all the potential solutions for keeping squirrels at bay, a properly installed wire mesh barrier is the clear winner. Here’s why it leaves other options in the dust:
-
Physical Barrier: Wire mesh provides a solid obstruction that squirrels cannot claw through or squeeze under when holes are small enough.
-
Customizable Coverage: Mesh comes in different opening sizes and can be cut to fit any shape necessary to seal off vulnerable access points.
-
Durable & Long-Lasting: Quality steel mesh resists corrosion, rust, and chewing, providing lasting protection without the need for frequent replacement.
-
Low Maintenance: Once installed, wire mesh is a set-it-and-forget-it fix that requires minimal upkeep compared to other deterrents.
-
Versatile Uses: In addition to controlling squirrels, wire mesh has many helpful uses around the home and yard.
Key Factors in Choosing the Right Wire Mesh
Wire mesh comes in many varieties, so choosing the right mesh for your specific needs is key. Here are the most important criteria to consider:
-
Mesh Opening Size: The openings must be small enough that squirrels can’t squeeze through. Ideal openings are 1/4″ or less.
-
Wire Gauge/Thickness: Thicker wire is more durable and chew-resistant. Look for 23 gauge or higher thickness rating.
-
Material Type: Galvanized steel or stainless steel are best. Avoid aluminum mesh as it’s less sturdy.
-
Weave Style: Welded mesh keeps rigid structure while woven mesh is more pliable. Welded is better for excluding squirrels.
Top Wire Mesh Products for Squirrel Control
Based on extensive testing and expert input, these are my top wire mesh recommendations for keeping squirrels at bay:
-
1/4″ Opening 23 Gauge Galvanized Welded Wire Mesh – My #1 overall pick for affordability, durability, and optimal 1/4” openings.
-
1/4” Opening 28 Gauge Stainless Steel Welded Wire Mesh – For high longevity and weather-resistance with small, rigid openings.
-
1/4″ Opening 23 Gauge Galvanized Steel Woven Wire Mesh – Budget-friendly woven mesh in handy roll format to cover large areas.
Pro Tips for Securing Your Wire Mesh Barrier
To get the most protection from your wire mesh, proper installation is key:
-
Seal All Possible Entry Points: Cover openings at roof lines, attic and foundation vents, chimneys, and more. Use metal flashing if needed.
-
For Gardens/Trees: Install 1/4″ mesh fencing at least 3′ high with 6″ buried underground to prevent burrowing.
-
Pull Mesh Taut: Ensure the mesh barrier has no gaps and firmly secure edges with durable zip ties or staples.
-
Do Regular Checks: Periodically inspect for loose spots, holes, or other damage in need of repair to maintain integrity.
Give Squirrels the Mesh Off!
Crafty squirrels may be a clever match for most deterrents, but wire mesh is their kryptonite. By being strategic in choosing durable steel mesh barriers with 1/4″ or smaller openings, you can successfully block these pests from entering your home or garden. Once properly secured in place, you can finally bid those bothersome bushy-tailed bandits goodbye for good! Give squirrels the mesh off once and for all with the wire mesh solution.
What’s the Best Wire Mesh for Squirrel Control?
Squirrels are inherently resourceful, and you shouldnt put it past them to find any and all unsecured entries to your home, garden, or shed. Although chicken wire and other lightweight wire mesh materials with large weaves are easy for them to breach, heavy-duty woven mesh with a tight weave should do the trick.
The squirrel-control wire mesh products from TWP Inc. have relatively small openings, all under a quarter of an inch. Choose from highly resilient welded stainless steel mesh with a standard mill finish, galvanized stainless steel hardware cloth, or poly-coated galvanized stainless steel wire mesh. Galvanization involves dipping the steel into molten zinc, which creates a protective alloy coating, making it ideal for squirrel-proofing a home.
6 Tips for Squirrel-Proofing Your Home & Landscaping
Using the right material is the first step in keeping squirrels and other rodents at bay. That being said, if you want to pull out all the stops and keep critters out once and for all, check out the expert tips below.
1) Before installing wire mesh barriers around your home, make sure all rodents are out. Additionally, repair or replace any potential openings, such as rotting boards or broken windows.
2) Using squirrel-exclusion wire mesh, cover all access points from the inside if possible, including your attic vents and foundation vents. For your chimney, an exterior cap will work.
3) To squirrel-proof your garden, create a fence out of heavy-duty wire mesh at least 30 inches above-ground and six or more inches below.
4) To keep squirrels out of the trees in your yard, you can install mesh fencing around the trunk. Trimming low-hanging branches will help keep them out as well.
5) Make sure all food sources are cleaned up or secured. This includes trash bins, birdseed, and pet food, along with any nuts, fruit, or berries growing on your property.
6) Continue to check your barriers periodically and repair them as needed. Also, keep an eye out for new access points.
Keeping squirrels off your property doesnt have to be a herculean task. The more proactive and persistent you are about pest control, the easier it will be.
How To Squirrel Proof A Fruit Tree
FAQ
What wire mesh is squirrel proof?
… welded stainless steel mesh with a standard mill finish, galvanized stainless steel hardware cloth, or poly-coated galvanized stainless steel wire mesh
What is the best netting to deter squirrels?
Rat & Squirrel Protection Mesh
Rats and Squirrels are common animals that can cause damage to property, gardens, sheds, chicken runs and allotment patches if not controlled. We would recommend looking at a 12mm / 1/2″ mesh or even a 6mm / 1/4″ mesh for long term guaranteed results.
Can squirrels chew through wire mesh?
-
Reddit · r/SquareFootGardeninghttps://www.reddit.comPoultry netting (chicken wire) VS hardware cloth for squirrelsApr 2, 2021
What size mesh is squirrel proof?
The 25mm hole is small enough to keep squirrels out, and the 1.6mm wire is thick enough to prevent them from chewing through the wire. It is also a good choice for general garden use and fencing applications.
What size mesh is best for squirrels?
The best mesh opening size for keeping out squirrels is 1/4-inch or smaller. This allows air circulation while preventing access. The wire gauge indicates the thickness of the wire used in the mesh. Thicker wire is stronger and more durable. For squirrel exclusion, look for wire gauges of 23 gauge or higher.
What is the best mesh for squirrel deterrents?
The best type of mesh for squirrel deterrents is made of thin-plastic rather than a rigid plastic (only slightly heavier than traditional garden netting) with 1-inch openings. I found mine at a big-box hardware store and bought two 4-by-50-foot rolls.
Is wire mesh good for squirrel control?
The good news is that wire mesh is an effective deterrent for keeping squirrels out of areas you want to protect. But with so many types of wire mesh on the market, how do you choose the best option for squirrel control?
Which wire is best for squirrel control?
Thicker wire is stronger and more durable. For squirrel exclusion, look for wire gauges of 23 gauge or higher. Common gauges used are 23, 24, and 28 gauge. Squirrel-control mesh is available in different materials like stainless steel, galvanized steel, and aluminum. Stainless steel offers the greatest durability and resistance to rust.
How do I choose a squirrel barrier?
With wire mesh being such an effective squirrel barrier, your main challenge is choosing the right type of mesh for your particular needs. Here are the most important factors to consider: The size of the openings in the mesh is critical. The openings need to be small enough that squirrels can’t squeeze through or claw their way in.
Do chicken wires keep squirrels out?
Most people use regular chicken wires to keep squirrels out of their gardens. However, other wire mesh alternatives can keep squirrels out. Generally, any wire mesh made from stainless steel will be difficult for squirrels to gnaw through. So, leave the regular options and go for something created specifically to drive out squirrels.