Keep Foxes Away: Best Tips & Tricks

Foxes, while fascinating and often admired for their cunning nature and adaptability, can become unwelcome visitors in gardens, farms, and urban areas. They are opportunistic feeders, and their presence can lead to damaged property, disturbed rubbish, and potential threats to pets or livestock. Deterring foxes effectively requires understanding their behaviour and implementing a combination of strategies to make your environment less appealing to them. Below are some methods to help keep foxes at bay.

1. Secure Your Property

One of the first steps in deterring foxes is to secure your property to limit their access to potential food sources and shelter. Foxes are highly skilled at squeezing through small gaps and climbing over obstacles, so it’s important to thoroughly inspect your surroundings.

Fencing: Install sturdy, high fencing around your garden or property. The fence should be at least 6 feet tall and, ideally, have an overhang at the top to prevent foxes from climbing over. Additionally, bury the bottom of the fence at least 1 to 2 feet deep to stop them from digging underneath.
Secure Bins: Foxes are attracted to easy food sources like rubbish bins. Ensure that all bins are securely closed and, if possible, store them in a shed or secure area. Consider using fox-proof bins with tight-fitting lids to reduce the chance of foxes scavenging through your waste.
Close Off Entry Points: Foxes may seek shelter under sheds, decks, or other structures. Block off any gaps or openings that could provide them with access to these areas. Use materials like heavy-duty wire mesh to seal off potential dens.

2. Remove Food Sources

Foxes are attracted to areas where food is readily available. To deter them, it’s essential to remove or reduce any potential food sources.

Feed Pets Indoors: If you feed pets outside, ensure you clean up any leftovers immediately. Foxes are quick to sniff out pet food, and feeding pets indoors eliminates this easy meal.
Manage Compost Heaps: Foxes are known to forage through compost heaps, especially if they contain food scraps. Use a sealed compost bin or ensure that your compost is managed properly, without any animal products that might attract foxes.
Bird Feeders: If you have bird feeders, be mindful that spilled seeds can attract foxes. Use feeders that minimise spillage and regularly clean the surrounding area to prevent foxes from coming searching for an easy meal.

3. Use Repellents

Various fox repellents can be used to discourage foxes from entering your property. These repellents work by creating an environment that foxes find unpleasant or uncomfortable.

Scent Repellents: Foxes rely heavily on their sense of smell, so using strong-scented repellents can be effective. Products containing ammonia, garlic, or citrus are often recommended. These should be applied regularly around the perimeter of your property, especially in areas where foxes are likely to enter.
Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but annoying to foxes. When placed around your garden or property, they can help keep foxes away. Be sure to position them strategically, covering areas where foxes are most likely to enter.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Another deterrent is the use of motion-activated sprinklers. These devices release a sudden burst of water when they detect movement, startling and deterring foxes from entering your garden.

4. Modify the Environment

Altering your environment can also play a significant role in making it less attractive to foxes.

Trim Vegetation: Foxes prefer areas with dense cover where they can hide and feel secure. By trimming back bushes, shrubs, and tall grass, you can reduce the appeal of your garden as a potential denning site.
Remove Potential Dens: If you notice foxes using a specific area for shelter, such as under a shed or in a woodpile, take steps to remove or modify these structures. Filling in burrows or blocking off access can discourage foxes from returning.

5. Legal and Ethical Considerations

It’s important to remember that foxes are protected by law in many areas, and harming or killing them is often illegal and unethical. Always choose humane methods when trying to deter foxes and avoid any actions that could cause them harm.

Instead, focus on non-lethal deterrents and consider working with local wildlife agencies if foxes become a persistent problem. In some cases, professional wildlife control services may be necessary to manage the situation effectively and humanely.

Conclusion

Deterring foxes requires a multi-faceted approach that includes securing your property, removing food sources, using repellents, and modifying the environment. By understanding their behaviour and making your property less appealing, you can reduce the likelihood of foxes becoming a nuisance. Always ensure that your methods are humane and compliant with local laws to protect both your property and the foxes themselves.