A fox den, often called a fox earth, is a burrow used primarily as a secure shelter for raising young, known as kits or pups. Foxes are highly adaptable and may dig their own dens, enlarge existing burrows, or utilize spaces under decks, sheds, or porches near human homes. While foxes do not typically live in a den year-round, their presence can concern homeowners due to potential property damage or proximity to pets. The goal of humane eviction is to encourage the adult fox to voluntarily relocate its family to an alternative, quieter site without causing harm.
Legal and Seasonal Timing Restrictions
Foxes are protected under various state and local wildlife regulations, making lethal removal or relocation illegal in many areas. Laws often mandate the use of non-lethal methods and may prohibit trapping and relocation due to concerns about spreading diseases like rabies. You should consult your local or state wildlife agency, such as the Department of Fish and Wildlife, to confirm the regulations in your area.
The most important restriction involves the presence of kits, which are typically born between March and early May. It is inhumane and often illegal to attempt eviction when dependent young are inside the den. The adult fox, or vixen, will move her litter if she feels the current den is unsafe. Blocking the entrance while kits are inside can lead to them being orphaned or trapped.
Kits generally begin to emerge from the den at about four weeks of age and are weaned around six to eight weeks. The family typically vacates the den site permanently by late summer. If kits are present, you must wait until they are mobile and able to move with the parent, or contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
Humane Eviction Methods
Humane eviction relies on making the den site feel insecure and unpleasant, encouraging the parent fox to relocate the young to a quieter location. Since foxes are typically nocturnal and prefer dark, quiet spaces, a combination of sensory deterrents is highly effective. The eviction process should be repeated over several days, ideally beginning at dusk when the fox is preparing to leave for the night.
Scent Deterrents
Strong, unpleasant smells disrupt the fox’s keen sense of smell and make the den unattractive. Rags soaked in apple cider vinegar, ammonia, or commercial granular repellents can be placed near the entrance. Predator urine, such as coyote or wolf urine, is another effective deterrent that triggers the fox’s instinctual fear of larger animals.
Visual and Auditory Deterrents
Visual and auditory disturbances signal constant activity, which foxes naturally avoid. Placing a portable radio tuned to an all-talk station near the den opening provides a constant human presence that is unsettling to the fox family. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers near the den can also startle the fox upon approach, reinforcing that the location is not safe.
Partial Closure Technique
The technique of partial closure confirms if the den is actively used and gently nudges the fox toward relocation. During the day, when the adult fox is usually away foraging, loosely stuff the entrance with wadded newspaper or a light pile of soil. If the debris is pushed out overnight, the den is active, and you should repeat the deterrents. If the material remains undisturbed for a full day, the family has likely moved.
Post-Eviction Den Closure and Long-Term Prevention
Once the fox family is confirmed gone, the den entrance must be permanently sealed to prevent re-entry and discourage other wildlife. Closure involves burying heavy-gauge wire mesh or hardware cloth at least 12 to 18 inches deep, extending it outward around the perimeter of the hole. This buried L-shaped barrier prevents the fox from digging under the new material to regain access.
After securing the area with mesh, the den entrance can be filled with concrete rubble, paving slabs, or heavy stones and topped with soil. This provides a solid, unappealing barrier that is difficult for a fox to excavate, especially if the den was under a structure like a shed or deck. The focus should be on creating a physical barrier strong enough to withstand digging and chewing.
Long-term prevention requires modifying the habitat to remove common attractants, making your property less appealing to a fox seeking shelter and food. Foxes are omnivores and scavengers, often attracted by unsecured garbage, fallen fruits, and accessible pet food left outdoors. Securing all trash bins with tight-fitting, locking lids is necessary, and pet food bowls should always be brought inside at night.
Inspect your property for other potential den sites and secure them before a new fox arrives. Block access points under porches, sheds, and decks with the same heavy-duty hardware cloth buried into the ground. If eviction methods fail or the situation involves significant structural damage, contacting a licensed wildlife control operator is advisable.