Foxes are highly adaptable animals that have become common visitors to residential areas, drawn in by the availability of food and shelter in backyards. While these animals are often shy, their presence can lead to property damage, concerns for small pets, and the general nuisance of their territorial markings. Addressing an unwanted fox presence requires a humane, multi-step strategy focused on eliminating their motivation to stay and physically preventing their access. The most effective approach involves consistent application of these methods to encourage the fox to seek resources elsewhere.
Eliminating the Primary Attractants
Foxes are primarily driven by the search for calories and a safe place to rest, making the removal of these attractants the foundational first step in deterrence. They are opportunistic scavengers who readily exploit human carelessness with waste and outdoor feeding. Securing all potential food sources is paramount to making your yard less appealing.
Unsecured garbage cans are a major draw, so all bins should have tight-fitting or locking lids to prevent access. Any pet food must be brought indoors before dusk, since foxes are most active during the night and at twilight hours. Fallen fruit from trees and unsecured compost heaps also act as readily available meals and should be cleared daily or secured with wire mesh coverings.
Foxes also seek safe, dry shelter for resting or establishing a den, which is especially likely during the spring when kits are born. Dense brush piles, overgrown shrubs, and wood stacks offer ideal cover and should be cleared or tidied up to eliminate hiding spots.
Physical Exclusion and Yard Proofing
Once the primary attractants are removed, the next step involves creating physical barriers that prevent foxes from entering the yard. Fencing is the most reliable long-term solution, but a standard fence is easily defeated by these animals, who are adept at both climbing and digging. A fence meant to exclude foxes should stand at least six feet tall, as they can jump or climb over lower structures.
Because foxes are excellent diggers, the base of the fence must also be proofed against burrowing underneath. This is best accomplished by burying galvanized wire mesh, with openings no larger than three inches, at least 12 inches deep into the ground. A more effective approach is to create an L-shaped footer by bending the bottom 12 inches of the wire mesh outward and away from the yard, then burying it just below the surface. This apron discourages digging because the fox encounters the buried mesh before it can tunnel under the main barrier.
Beyond perimeter fencing, vulnerable areas like the spaces beneath decks, porches, and sheds must be sealed off, as these are prime den locations. Use heavy-gauge wire mesh or hardware cloth to block all openings. Ensure the material is sunk into the ground to prevent the fox from digging a new entry point. Sealing these access points is necessary to prevent a family of foxes from taking up permanent residence.
Non-Harmful Deterrent Tactics
For areas that cannot be fully fenced or to supplement physical barriers, using sensory deterrents can make your yard an uncomfortable place for a fox. These methods often involve targeting the fox’s keen senses of smell and hearing to encourage them to move along. Scent-based repellents are effective because foxes rely heavily on scent for navigation and communication.
Commercial repellents that contain strong odors unpleasant to foxes can be applied to areas where they frequently dig or leave droppings. Applying a strong scent like white vinegar or a mixture of chili powder and garlic around the perimeter can also serve as a temporary olfactory barrier. Predator urine is often marketed as a deterrent, though its effectiveness is variable and requires frequent reapplication.
Startle tactics using light and sound exploit the fox’s natural timidity and nocturnal habits. Motion-activated devices trigger a sudden, unpredictable response that scares the animal away.
Startle Devices
- Water sprinklers
- Strobe lights
- Ultrasonic devices that emit a high-pitched frequency irritating to a fox’s sensitive hearing but inaudible to most humans.
To prevent the animals from becoming accustomed to these deterrents, it is important to periodically move the devices or vary the type of repellent used.
Knowing When to Call a Professional
There are situations where do-it-yourself exclusion and deterrence methods are insufficient, necessitating the involvement of specialized help. The most immediate reason to seek professional intervention is if a fox is displaying concerning behavior, such as aggression, excessive drooling, or disorientation. These can be signs of rabies or distemper. A fox with a severe case of mange, indicated by significant hair loss and crusty skin, also requires humane intervention from wildlife control.
Homeowners must understand that local and state wildlife regulations often govern the handling of animals like foxes. In many jurisdictions, it is illegal for an untrained individual to trap, handle, or relocate wildlife, regardless of the perceived nuisance. A professional wildlife control operator or animal control officer is equipped with the necessary knowledge and permits to manage a situation while adhering to all legal requirements.
Professionals are also the best resource for removing an established den, particularly if kits are present beneath a structure. They can use humane techniques to encourage the mother to move her young and then implement permanent exclusion methods to prevent re-entry. Calling an expert ensures the removal is safe, legal, and focused on long-term, humane resolution of the conflict.