Whether you live in a rural or urban area chances are you’ve been plagued by foxes on more than one occasion. If that’s the case, you’re probably keen to find out how to keep foxes out of the garden.
The problem with foxes coming into the garden is now often a year-round issue, and if they set up a den it can be hard to shift them. In spring foxes are looking for a sheltered place to have their cubs and may decide that your garden is exactly what they’re looking for. In summer the scent of barbecues and other alfresco eating activities is sure to attract them when they’re on the hunt for food, while in autumn and winter all they want is a snug place to call home.
Foxes can wreck your garden design by digging up lawns and flowerbeds, as well as burrowing under fences, decking and sheds to make a den. They can also pose a threat to small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and kittens as they can transmit parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms. They may also hunt garden birds, small mammals, or amphibians, which is a concern if you want to protect wildlife in your garden. Fortunately there are some simple humane steps you can take to keep foxes out of the garden, as these expert tips reveal.
1. Secure or remove food sources
“To keep these cunning creatures out of your garden and away from other outdoor spaces, focus on addressing things that will typically attract them, like food,” says garden expert Chris Bonnett from Gardening Express. “Foxes are attracted to food waste, so securing rubbish can prevent them from visiting your garden. Always make sure that bins are secure with tight-fitting lids.” Never put the rubbish out in plastic bags as foxes can easily break them open. Good wheelie bin storage ideas will make your bins more secure from foxes too.
If you have pets don’t leave their food or water bowls outside overnight either, as these will also attract foxes. They will also be drawn to bird food. Use bird feeders that are designed to stop the food from spilling onto the ground where foxes can eat it. Secure bird food supplies in fox-proof containers in the shed or in your garage storage.
“Foxes are opportunistic feeders, often searching for food or secluded spots to create dens for raising their families. This makes gardens an attractive location for them to explore,” says pest expert John Stewart from Pest-Stop. “To stop foxes from tipping over compost heaps in search of food, ensure they are placed on firm ground and secured with tight-fitting lids.” In addition, avoid adding meat, dairy, or cooked food to compost heaps, as the smell will attract them.
You can also use netting or covers to protect fruit bushes, vegetable patches and compost heaps. Be sure to promptly clear away fallen fruit from trees.
Chris Bonnett, founder of the online garden centre GardeningExpress.co.uk, has over 20 years’ experience in horticulture. His journey in the industry began as a teenager, when he merged his love of the outdoors with the internet to make quality plants accessible across the UK and Europe.
John Stewart BSc is a technical training manager at Pest-Stop, a leading global pest control manufacturer and supplier, with over 20 years’ industry experience. An industry-qualified biologist, he delivers specialist training across domestic and industrial sectors in the UK, equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge needed for success.
2. Protect your garden from foxes with strong fencing
“To protect your garden from foxes, focus on effective fencing to secure entry points. Construct a high perimeter fence and bury the base in the ground to prevent foxes from digging underneath,” says John Stewart.
If foxes are a particular nuisance in your area, you could consider installing fox-proof garden fence ideas. “This should be at least six-feet tall and ideally topped with a floppy overhang to make it difficult for foxes to climb,” suggest Chris Bonnett. It’s also a good idea to block gaps under sheds, decking or fences where foxes might try to burrow or make a den.
“Use strong materials and ensure there are no gaps or weak points to help create a reliable barrier, keeping foxes out without the need for chemicals or traps,” says pest control expert Daniel Steward from Shield Pest Control. “Regularly checking and maintaining the fence will ensure it remains secure over time.”
Daniel Steward is managing director at Shield Pest Control, and responsible for overseeing a team of dedicated managers as well as the company’s operations to ensure it provides high-quality pest control services. With 24 years’ experience in the pest control industry, Daniel has a deep understanding of the various diagnostic methods and techniques used to eliminate pests from homes and businesses.
3. Use motion sensors to make foxes more cautious
Motion sensor garden lighting ideas are an effective way to keep foxes out of your garden by taking advantage of their natural caution around sudden movements and bright flashes. Foxes like to feel safe so a sudden flood of light can quickly scare them away.
“When a fox enters the garden, the lights trigger, creating an unexpected burst of illumination that makes the area feel exposed and unsafe, encouraging the animal to move away,” explains Daniel Steward.
“To maximise effectiveness, place the lights near likely entry points, along fences, or around rubbish collection areas. Position them at a height and angle that covers the main approach paths, and consider using multiple sensors for larger gardens to ensure consistent coverage.”
4. Deter foxes by using smells they don’t like
Foxes have a strong sense of smell so you can try using one of the many scents they don’t like as a deterrent. “Use commercial fox repellents that contain scents foxes dislike, such as predator urine, garlic, or citrus-based smells,” suggests Chris Bonnett. “These can be sprayed around the garden perimeter or near entry points.”
Some plants are said to repel foxes due to their strong scents. “Foxes dislike the strong, pungent odor of garlic,” says Daniel Steward. “Sprinkling crushed garlic or garlic powder around the garden perimeter can help make the area less inviting, or try infusing garlic in hot water then spraying this liberally around your garden to deter foxes from sharing your space.” Foxes don’t like the smell of onion or chilli either, so consider adding these to your vegetable patch.
Orange, lemon, or other citrus peels release a scent foxes tend to avoid. Scattering peels around the garden can help create a natural barrier. Strong-smelling oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can make a garden less appealing. Soaking cotton wool balls in these oils and placing them strategically can help deter foxes naturally.
Citrus peelings can also be an effective way to keep spiders out of your house.
Karlsten Fox Off Spray
Powered by natural citronella, this spray aims to reduce fox-related damage in gardens and around patios and bin areas by leaving a scent that foxes don’t like. One spray can help to create a barrier that deters fox-related mess and damage for weeks at a time. Simply reapply after heavy rain.
5. Keep your garden tidy
Foxes tend to seek cover in dense vegetation, so keep shrubs trimmed and lawns mowed to eliminate hiding spots. Also remove any potential den sites, such as woodpiles. Keep an eye on any build-up of clutter too, as this can offer cover for foxes looking for a place to set up home.
It’s also a good idea to keep your garden well-maintained. Trim back any overgrown shrubs, keep on top of lawn care by removing long grass and get rid of dense thickets that will offer hiding spots that provide shelter.
Cover garden ponds with netting to protect fish and frogs from foxes. Make sure you choose a netting with a small enough mesh to prevent foxes from reaching through, yet large enough to allow other wildlife to access the pond.
6. Try ultrasonic devices to deter foxes
These devices emit a high-frequency sound that is unpleasant for foxes but inaudible to humans. They’re often used as a non-invasive method to keep foxes away. Be aware that they will also be heard by other wildlife.
Try a device like the FoxWatch Ultrasonic Fox Deterrent from Amazon, which emits a series of high-pitched noises each time a fox walks in front of its motion sensor. Foxes find the noises irritating and over time it teaches them to avoid the area.
If you set up the FoxWatch facing the entrance to a den the foxes will be subjected to the ultrasonic noises every time they enter and exit the den. If they’re constantly having to endure these sounds right on their own doorstep, they may well decide they’d be better off going elsewhere, so it’s a great idea if you want to find out how to keep foxes out of the garden.
For a more budget-friendly buy, try the HOPSEM Fox Deterrent from Amazon.
Foxwatch Ultimate Deterrent
Featuring an infra red sensor, this will repel foxes up to 18m away and can protect a total area of 125 square metres. It’s simple to install as it comes with a ground spike. It can be powered by battery or connected to the mains, which is the recommended method. Comes with a two-year warranty.
7. Call in the professionals
If you find that you have a persistent fox problem, you may want to consider calling in a professional for a considered opinion and options to evict them humanely.
If you have foxes living in your garden that you’d prefer to be relocated, or if you spot a fox that might be injured, contact the RSPCA for advice on next steps.
FAQs
How do you keep foxes out of the garden naturally?
“To keep foxes out of your garden naturally, focus on making the space less inviting,” advises Daniel Steward from Shield Pest Control. “Minimising food sources, securing rubbish and reducing hiding spots can all discourage them from visiting. Keeping the garden tidy, well-lit and regularly maintained also helps create an environment that feels less attractive to wildlife, making foxes more likely to move on.”
If all else fails, automatic motion-activated water sprays will startle and repel foxes safely. A water ‘scarecrow’ like this solar motion activated scarecrow from Amazon is a popular animal deterrent that connects to a garden hose and springs into life by spraying a jet of water every time something crosses the motion sensor.
In addition to the above methods, you can also try setting up budget-friendly garden ideas like wind chimes or flashing fairy lights to keep foxes out of the garden. Additional sounds and lights can help to deter them with the added bonus of creating a welcoming outdoor space for you to spend time in.
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