How to Winterize Your Electric Netting Before the First Frost
How to Winterize Your Electric Netting Before the First Frost
As October rolls in and the days grow shorter, homesteaders know that colder nights and frosty mornings aren’t far behind. Preparing your electric netting for the winter season is one of the best ways to protect your animals and extend the life of your fencing. With a little maintenance and planning, you can keep your setup running smoothly and avoid mid-winter frustrations.
Here are five practical steps to winterize your Starkline electric netting before the first frost.
1. Inspect Your Netting and Posts
Before the ground freezes, walk your fence line and look for any sagging, leaning posts, or damaged sections of netting. Straighten posts, replace broken ones, and tighten the netting where needed. Making these adjustments now will save you from struggling with frozen soil later.
Tip: Double-spiked fiberglass posts hold up best in cold, wet ground, so if you’ve been thinking about upgrading, fall is the perfect time.
2. Clean Connections and Energizers
Cold weather and moisture can weaken electrical flow. Check your energizer, grounding rods, and all clips or connectors to make sure they’re clean and free from rust or debris. Wipe them down with a dry cloth and ensure connections are tight.
Tip: Store your energizer in a dry, covered space if you expect heavy snow or ice, and use extension leads to connect it safely outside. Tarps and energizer boxes are also great tools to keep your equipment protected from the elements and running efficiently all season long.
3. Clear the Fence Line
Leaves, tall grass, and fallen branches can drain power from your netting and create unnecessary strain. Take time to mow or trim around your fence before winter sets in. Keeping your fence line clear helps your energizer deliver a stronger, more consistent charge.
4. Check Solar Energizers Before Shorter Days
If you’re using a solar-powered energizer, fall is the time to make sure it’s fully charged and positioned correctly. Angle panels to capture as much sunlight as possible during shorter autumn days, and wipe them clean of dust or debris.
Tip: If your area experiences long stretches of cloudy weather, consider having a backup battery charged and ready.
5. Plan for Snow and Ice
Snow can weigh down fencing, and ice can cause posts to shift. Walk your fence line regularly throughout winter and after storms to clear off buildup and check stability. If you know you’ll be moving animals less often in winter, consider setting up netting in a more sheltered location to reduce exposure to wind and snow.
Final Thoughts
Taking a little extra time this October to prepare your electric netting will pay off all winter long. With strong posts, clean connections, and a clear fence line, your animals will stay safe, and your fencing will last season after season.
At Starkline, we’re proud to provide durable, easy-to-use electric netting designed to make seasonal transitions as simple as possible.
