To effectively keep animals out of your yard with a fence, choose a fence that anchors to the ground to deter digging. Also, consider adding a barrier below the fence to prevent burrowing. 

To make your yard less desirable to animals, eliminate food sources like a vegetable garden, and ensure your garbage cans are sealed and tamper-proof. Installing motion-activated devices like lights or sprinklers will startle animal intruders. Also, a fence won’t work well if you forget to keep gates closed and secure. If you still face persistent animal intrusion issues, contact a wildlife control expert who can offer specialized solutions.

There are a variety of second-story deck privacy ideas depending on your budget and aesthetic. For starters, you might consider fencing or tall privacy railing that masks a good portion of the open deck. A pergola or an awning can provide additional cover and shade. Outdoor curtains are an easy way to add or remove privacy at your convenience, plus they’re a wallet-friendly way to decorate your deck.

The most affordable metal fence type is wire at just $3 to $5 per linear foot. Wire fences come in a variety of styles and do a good job of marking perimeters and keeping animals in or out of certain areas. While they’re very easy to install and repair, many homeowners find them unattractive, and many homeowners associations won’t allow them.

One of the best features of composite fences is their long lifespan. You can expect your composite fence to last 20 to 30 years. It lasts long because it consists of recycled plastic and wood fibers. The plastic offers durability that wood alone can’t provide. It’s mold- and rot-resistant, as well as weather-resistant.