Wild animals don’t understand our human boundaries. They wander where they please, seeking food, shelter, safety, water, and more. In their never-ending quest for survival, they can cause damage and safety hazards for industrial businesses.
Preventing wildlife from entering industrial areas on your property is about reducing the risk of damage, financial loss, and health problems. It’s also about protecting the environment and ensuring that wild animals are able to live safely in their proper territory. In this blog, we’ll explore the impact wildlife has on industrial properties and what you can do to prevent it.
What Kind of Impact Wildlife Can Have on Your Property
While it may not initially seem like a big problem, having a wildlife infestation on your property can have a significant impact on your business. Preventing wildlife from entering industrial areas is key for reducing risk of problems such as:
Structural Damage
Animals such as squirrels, raccoons, rodents, and birds can cause a lot of damage to your industrial property. For example, rodents have a tendency to chew on wiring, insulation, and building materials, which can lead to electrical problems and issues with the structure of the building.
They will also seek shelter within parts of the building which can lead to clogged ventilation systems, reducing efficiency and even causing malfunctions.
Health and Safety Problems
Wildlife infestations can also be health risks for occupants of your industrial property. Many species of wildlife carry infectious diseases that can easily jump to humans. As an example, rodent saliva, droppings, and urine can spread diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella.
Allergens are also a risk. Wildlife droppings and fur can trigger allergic reactions in employees or customers.
And of course, there’s the risk of bites and scratches that can happen if the animals feel threatened.
Damage to Your Reputation
If you have a wildlife problem, it can become a black mark on your business’ reputation. News of a wildlife infestation can cause potential clients to pass on you. They may leave negative reviews and social media posts that can have a lasting impact on your business.
Legal and Compliance Problems
An infestation of wildlife on your industrial property can lead to legal issues. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may face health code violations and be fined for failing to address the health hazards. Some industries are also subject to specific wildlife control and prevention regulations. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to consequences for your business.
Loss of Productivity and Inventory
Rodents and insects can damage your inventory and contaminate stored goods. That leads to financial losses. Additionally, employees may be distracted by the presence of wild animals, leading to reduced productivity. Media may also cover stories of wildlife infestations in commercial properties. Negative publicity like that can be difficult to overcome.
Fencing Strategies for Preventing Wildlife from Entering Industrial Areas
Protecting your property and preventing wildlife from entering key industrial areas is an ongoing battle. There’s no simple solution that you can just implement and then forget about it – you need to be vigilant and proactive.
Ensure All Garbage is Properly Secured
Animals are always looking for sources of food that they can rely on. Suppose your industrial operation handles food or anything that an animal might perceive as edible, you need to ensure your waste is properly secured and sealed or else you’re going to get hungry critters flocking to your property in search of a bite to eat.
Installing Durable Fencing Can Prevent Some Animals from Entering Your Property
Even if you think you’ve done a good job of removing anything that might attract animals to your property, it never hurts to take further precautions. Choosing the right fencing plays a key role in the battle against wildlife intrusion. It’s an eco-friendly solution that also avoids harming the animals in the process.
When it comes to preventing animal intrusion, a chain link fence is the most common option. It’s a cost-effective solution and requires almost no maintenance. A chain link fence is easily customizable and can meet your property’s needs. It’s also easy to repair if it does sustain damage.
Larger animals will look for weak spots in the fence if there is a reason to get onto your property. Choose a vinyl-covered chain link fence to help avoid corrosion in your fence, which leads to weak spots that animals can exploit.
Before you build your fence, you should consult local bylaws to ensure it falls within regulations, as many places may have restrictions on how high you can build a fence.
Line the Bottom of Your Fence with Wire
Chain link fences can keep larger animals out, but it’s less effective against the smaller ones. Lining the bottom of your fence perimeter with woven chicken wire provides an extra layer of protection against smaller animals. Additionally, it’s thin enough that you can easily inspect your fence perimeter for signs of damage and intrusion.
Schedule Regular Inspections and Maintenance
No matter how good your fence is, it can sustain wear and tear over time, leaving it vulnerable in spots. As previously mentioned, animals will search for weak spots, potentially even damaging them even further in their search for food. Regular inspections can help catch these vulnerabilities early, allowing you to repair them before they become problems.
Add Lighting to Deter Exploration
Many animals are nocturnal and will be more likely to try and enter your property at night when there are fewer humans and lower light levels. Adding lighting to your property can make animals think there are people around, which helps to keep them away.
City Fence Inc. Provides Fencing Solutions to Preventing Wildlife from Entering Industrial Areas
If you’re looking for the best fencing options for preventing wildlife from entering industrial areas, City Fence Inc. has the answers. We offer a wide range of durable, reliable fencing options that can hold up to the elements while keeping your property safe and secure from animal intrusion.
To request a quote, please reach out to us today.