How to humanely deter foxes from your garden

As the nights draw in, UK households have been offered advice on how to deter foxes from their gardens.

Garden experts from GardeningExpress.co.uk have provided six easy – and humane – tips to keep these red rascals away from backyards and outdoor spaces.

Foxes are generally nocturnal animals, so are likely to increase their activity as the nights get longer.

Although they don’t generally cause harm to humans, they can be destructive to lawns, flower beds, and under fences, and they also pose a threat to small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, or even small cats.

Foxes can also carry parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms, which they can transmit to pets – plus, they’re predators and may hunt garden birds, small mammals, or amphibians, which can be a concern for people who wish to protect local wildlife in their garden.

They’re often known for their loud calls, particularly during mating season, and their screams, barks, and howls can be quite disruptive – especially at night.

Foxes are typically more problematic for households in rural areas, but due to increasing urbanisation, they are becoming more common in suburban and even urban areas as well.

Fortunately there are simple steps households can take to humanely keep foxy visitors away, including securing rubbish and food sources, securing entry points, and using ultrasonic devices as deterrents.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “As the evenings grow longer, we often see an increase in fox activity in the UK – especially as they adapt to more urban and suburban environments.

“Although foxes generally aren’t a threat to people, they can cause havoc in gardens and pose risks to small pets.

“To keep these cunning creatures out of your outdoor spaces, focus on addressing things that will typically attract them, like food and habitats.”

Here is Gardening Express’ advice on how to humanely deter foxes from the garden:

1. Secure rubbish and food sources

Foxes are attracted to food waste, so securing rubbish can prevent them from visiting. Ensure that bins have tight-fitting lids, and avoid adding meat, dairy, or cooked food to compost heaps. Use enclosed compost bins if possible. Don’t leave pet food or water bowls outside overnight either, as these can attract foxes.

2. Secure entry points

If foxes are a particular nuisance in your area, you could consider installing fox-proof fencing, which should be at least 6 feet tall and ideally topped with a floppy overhang to make it difficult for foxes to climb. Also block gaps under sheds, decking, or fences where foxes might try to burrow or make a den.

3. Use deterrents

Use commercial fox repellents that contain scents foxes dislike, such as predator urine, garlic, or citrus-based smells. These can be sprayed around the garden perimeter or near entry points. Noise and light deterrents are another option. Motion-activated devices that emit sudden noises, flashing lights, or water sprays can act as great deterrents.

4. Plan your plants

Some plants are said to repel foxes due to their strong scents, such as garlic, marigolds, and certain herbs like rosemary and mint, so you can try planting more of these varieties.

5. Modify habitats

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, and avoid leaving toys or tools scattered around the garden.

6. Try ultrasonic devices

These devices emit a high-frequency sound that is unpleasant for foxes but inaudible to humans. They are often used as a non-invasive method to keep foxes away.