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About gopher wire mesh

Types of gopher wire mesh

Gopher wire mesh comes in various types depending on the material, hole size, and intended use. Each mesh is designed to provide effective protection against gophers while serving specific requirements based on soil conditions and landscape features.

Stainless steel mesh

Stainless steel mesh is the most ideal type of gopher wire mesh due to its durability and corrosion resistance properties. The stainless steel wire is knitted into an extremely fine net that has small openings measuring around 1/4 inch and is virtually impenetrable to gophers and other burrowing pests. In most cases, stainless steel meshes are used for permanent installations in gardens, lawns, and landscaping where long–term protection is needed. Due to stainless steel's high resistance to rust, these meshes can also be ideal in wet or coastal areas.

Galvanized steel mesh

Galvanized steel mesh is the second most common type of gopher wire and comes at a lower price than stainless steel. The steel is galvanized to make it rust resistant, though it is not as resistant as stainless steel. Galvanized mesh also features large openings measuring around 1/4 inch, and since it is made from steel, it is durable enough to withstand long-term use. The gopher wire mesh can be ideal for use in gardens, farms, and other agricultural areas where protection is needed against burrowing animals.

PVC-coated galvanized mesh

A PVC-coated gopher wire features a layer of plastic coating over galvanized wire. This not only provides an additional coating against corrosion but also gives the mesh a variety of different colors that can make it visually appealing. Coated gopher wire has a longer lifespan, especially in areas that are exposed to high humidity, salt air, or extreme weather. In addition, because the PVC coating acts as a cushion, the coated meshes are more flexible and easier to install in irregular terrains. They are also used in agriculture & horticulture, landscaping, and residential lawns.

Welded wire mesh

Welded wire mesh is made by welding the joints of the wire to make them stronger than points where the wires intersect. Welded gopher wire is very solid and can resist strong forces, hence suitable for heavy-duty applications. The mesh can be made from galvanized or stainless steel depending on the purpose. Due to its rigidity, it can be ideal for use in construction, such as supporting structures in soil or foundations for plants and trees. Welded gopher mesh is typically used in professional agricultural operations or large-scale farms where maximum efficacy is required.

Remesh mesh

Remesh is concrete reinforcement mesh manufactured using galvanized steel wires. It commonly features larger openings than dedicated gopher mesh, usually around 1-2 inches. While not ideal for all gophers, remesh can still provide a certain level of deterrent because of its rigidity and larger spacing. This kind of gopher mesh can be useful in situations where construction is involved or where budget considerations are paramount because it is cheap and readily available. Some homeowners also use remesh as a cost-effective solution in less severe gopher infestation cases.

Durability & The Life of gopher wire mesh

Durability is a key consideration when choosing gopher wire mesh, as it needs to resist not only animal intrusion but also environmental elements. The lifespan of the gopher mesh varies widely, ranging from 1–2 years for temporary meshes to 50 years or more for permanent structures, depending on material type and coating.

Ideal mesh for long-term, permanent installation

Durable gopher wire mesh is best suited for long-term, permanent installations and comes from stainless steel mesh or galvanized steel mesh. Stainless steel mesh is extremely resistant to rust and corrosion and can survive over 50 years in all installation conditions. Galvanized steel meshes provide a lower-cost alternative and can withstand 10–20 years with proper installation.

Flexibility for irregular terrains

PVC-coated mesh is flexible and better suited for irregular terrains, which extends its durability over 20 years in harsh climates.

Ideal for short-term protection

For temporary or short-term applications, PVC-coated galvanized mesh or welded mesh can last 2–5 years. These are still effective in providing protection within this timeframe and in less demanding environments.

Remesh gopher netting

Remesh offers durability and rigidity that can last up to 10 years. However, since remesh is made from concrete reinforcement wires, it is not coated to prevent rust unless a galvanized coating is chosen. Without galvanization, remesh will eventually rust and weaken, reducing its effectiveness over time.

Environmental conditions play a major role in the longevity of gopher wire mesh. Areas with high soil moisture and humidity, coastal regions with salty air, and extreme temperature fluctuations require more durable options like PVC-coated or stainless steel meshes. In dry, less corrosive environments, galvanized meshes may provide adequate protection for longer.

Proper installation is another factor that affects durability. When securely buried or anchored in the ground, gopher meshes resist tunneling attempts and are better protected from physical wear and tear caused by digging. Regular inspections enable repair of any damage caused by weather, animals, or external factors, allowing the mesh to maintain its protective function throughout its intended lifespan.

Industrial & Commercial Uses of gopher wire mesh

Gopher wire mesh has many industrial and commercial uses beyond just protecting gardens from gophers. Its strength, durability, and ability to deter various burrowing animals make it an important component across many sectors.

Agriculture and horticulture

In agriculture and horticulture, gopher wire mesh is vital for protecting crops, orchards, and commercial nurseries from pests like gophers, moles, voles, and other burrowing animals. Farmers use it to safeguard root systems of crops from damage, which helps to minimize economic losses. Mesh is also used in restraint cages for livestock and poultry, preventing underground predators from attacking. In nurseries, gopher mesh is used to create protective enclosures for young plants, trees, and seedlings, helping them to grow without the threat of animal damage. The wire mesh creates a barrier that protects produce from getting eaten and ensures a larger harvest is obtained.

Landscape architecture and public works

Landscape architects use gopher wire mesh in their projects to protect public parks, golf courses, and other large outdoor commercial properties from rodent infestations. The animals, if not controlled, can quickly undermine landscaping features and cause significant infrastructure damage to paving, drainage systems, and other below-ground utilities. Urban planners and civil engineers use the mesh for roadways, railways, and other transportation infrastructure to prevent gophers from undermining soil stability and causing surface deformities that will damage these assets. The gopher mesh is also used in the area of landfill caps and covers to stop gophers from penetrating waste layers and potentially contaminating the environment. The wire fence creates a protective barrier that goes across large areas economically and efficiently and is often installed beneath surface materials like topsoil, sod, or mulch in landscaping applications.

Construction and civil engineering

In construction and civil engineering, the gopher wire mesh is used in foundation work and retaining structures to prevent tunneling activity from gophers and other rodents from compromising structural integrity. It is installed around footings, piers, and concrete pads for buildings and other infrastructure to eliminate the possibility of vermin creating burrows that would weaken the surrounding soil. In retaining walls, a gopher barrier mesh is used as a drainage medium that prevents blockages caused by rodents while still allowing water flow to relieve hydrostatic pressure behind the wall. Such a mesh is also integrated into roadway embankments, slope stabilization, and geo-textile features to ensure all soil-filled engineering is protected from animal interference.

Environmental restoration and mining

Gopher wire mesh is used in environmental restoration and mining industries. It is commonly used to protect native vegetation and replanting efforts in mining rehabilitation from rodent herbivory at site restoration projects. By creating a protective barrier around new plantings, gopher mesh allows ecosystems to be restored without threat from burrowing pests. The mesh also protects seed banks, which are crucial for long-term soil healing. The wire is used to repair and stabilize eroded soils and repair infrastructure like drainage pipes or embankments that may be compromised by gophers. Since mining operates in large areas and has long-term ecological impacts, gopher wire provides an easy and cost-effective way to restore plant communities and control pests that compromise restoration efforts.

How to Choose gopher wire mesh

Choosing the right gopher wire mesh depends on buyers' unique needs and the specific conditions it will face. There are several key factors to consider.

Material

The material the gopher wire mesh is made from affects mesh strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation. For permanent protection, stainless steel or galvanized meshes are ideal for long-term, as they are durable and rust-resistant. For temporary applications, cost-effective options like vinyl-coated galvanized or remesh are suitable.

Mesh size

Choose a mesh with small enough openings to block gophers and other pests. Typically, a 1/4-inch or smaller hole size is sufficient to prevent entry. Larger holes may allow rodents access, so ensure the chosen mesh meets the necessary specifications.

The gauge of wire

Measuring in wire gauge, the greater the number, the thinner the wire that is used. Thicker wires are more difficult for gophers to chew through and are stronger to withstand surface wear from digging. For heavy-duty applications, like commercial agriculture or mining, use a larger diameter wire for maximum mesh gopher deterrent.

Coatings

Coatings extending the lifespan of gopher wire mesh are important if buyers are in a humid, coastal, or extreme climate. PVC-coating or galvanization provides extra corrosion protection that makes them suitable for adverse weather. Coated meshes are more forgiving to handle during installation as well.

Ease of installation

Installation ease depends on the roll size, wire flexibility, and mesh tension. Larger rolls cover bigger areas quicker, but heavier rolls may be hard to handle. Flexible coatings make the wire easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Look for install-friendly products.

The cost

Gopher wire prices vary considerably by material, mesh size, and coating. While budget is key, mesh durability and intended use lifespan are also very important. Costly galvanized or stainless steel may save long-term through reduced replacements.

Customer reviews

Customer ratings and testimonials offer insight into real-world performance. Look for comments about how well the gopher wire deters burrowing rodents, stands up to weather, and allows for quick, easy installation. First-hand experience is invaluable to compare different products.

Q&A

Q1: What is gopher wire mesh used for?

A1: Gopher wire mesh is used for preventing rodents like gophers, voles, and moles from damaging gardens, crops, landscapes, and infrastructure. It acts as a physical barrier that protects properties from these burrowing pests.

Q2: How does it differ from regular wire mesh?

A2: Gopher wire is specifically designed with small mesh hole sizes, typically 1/4 inch or smaller, to prevent rodents from entering. While other wire meshes may have larger openings, which rodents can penetrate, it is designed to be super fine and strong.

Q3: What materials are typically used to make gopher wire mesh?

A3: Gopher wire is made from durable materials like galvanized steel, stainless steel, and PVC-coated steel. These resist corrosion, weathering, and surface wear from digging or chewing to increase the life of the gopher fence.

Q4: How long does gopher wire last?

A4: Depending on the environment, gopher wire typically lasts between 5 to 20 years. In harsh conditions, like coastal areas with salt air, PVC-coated mesh protects against corrosion and may extend gopher wire longevity even further.

Q5: Does any maintenance have to be done on gopher wire mesh?

A5: Minimal gopher wire maintenance is required, as its durable materials are build to withstand the elements. However, routine inspections for any damage and repairing holes or seams go a long way in ensuring its mesh gopher longevity.