Foxes are adaptable, opportunistic omnivores that thrive in suburban and urban environments due to readily available food and shelter. While fascinating, they can quickly become a nuisance by digging up yards, disturbing pets, and creating dens under structures. Securing a property against these intelligent animals requires a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy focused on long-term prevention. The most successful approach involves removing attractants, installing physical barriers, and using humane sensory deterrents to persuade the fox to seek resources elsewhere.
Eliminating Food and Shelter Sources
The foundation of any successful exclusion plan is removing the primary attractants that draw foxes into residential areas. Unsecured food sources act as an open invitation. Garbage cans should be secured with heavy-duty locking mechanisms, such as clip-on lid locks or bungee cords, to prevent foxes from accessing discarded food. Compost bins are another major draw and should be fully enclosed or contained in tumblers, particularly if they contain meat scraps or dairy products.
Leaving pet food outside overnight provides a consistent, easy meal, encouraging foxes to visit the property. All pet food should be brought indoors before dusk to eliminate this predictable food source. Bird feeders can also create attractants, not from the seeds, but from the fallen debris and hulls that draw in rodents, which foxes then hunt. Regularly cleaning up spilled seed removes this secondary food source and makes the yard less appealing.
A yard may inadvertently offer appealing den sites, which provide safety and a place to raise young. Foxes readily use sheltered, dark, and quiet spaces under porches, decks, or garden sheds. To eliminate these potential havens, all openings beneath structures should be sealed with heavy-gauge wire mesh. The mesh should be buried slightly into the ground and angled outward to prevent digging under the new barrier.
Physical Barriers and Exclusion Techniques
Physical exclusion is the most reliable long-term method for preventing foxes from entering a yard, provided the barriers are installed correctly. Foxes are skilled jumpers and determined diggers, so any effective fence must account for both vertical and subterranean access. A fence height of at least six feet is recommended, as a fox can easily clear shorter barriers, especially when motivated by hunting.
The material should be sturdy, such as welded wire mesh or chain link, with openings small enough to prevent squeezing through. The most frequent point of failure is at the base, where foxes persistently dig to tunnel underneath. To counter this, the fence fabric should be extended horizontally or angled outward in an “L” shape along the ground for 12 to 18 inches. This buried apron or L-footer prevents the fox from digging next to the fence line.
For sealing off access to existing structural voids, like the space beneath a deck or shed, use a similar heavy-gauge wire mesh. The mesh must be securely fastened to the structure and buried into the ground, creating a continuous, impenetrable barrier. This technique is important during the spring denning season when a female fox seeks a safe, concealed spot to birth her kits. Properly implemented physical barriers create a clear obstacle that encourages the fox to bypass the property.
Using Sensory Deterrents
While physical barriers prevent entry, sensory deterrents create an unpleasant experience that conditions foxes to avoid the area. Motion-activated sprinklers are highly effective humane deterrents, using a sudden burst of water and movement to startle a visiting fox without causing harm. These devices are battery-powered and connected to a garden hose, covering a wide area with an infrared sensor that detects the animal’s body heat and movement. Strategic placement near known entry points or vulnerable areas maximizes their impact.
Other sensory tools rely on sound or scent to discourage foxes. High-frequency ultrasonic devices emit sounds irritating to the fox’s sensitive hearing but are generally inaudible to humans. However, their effectiveness can be inconsistent, as sound waves are easily blocked by obstacles and foxes may habituate to the noise. Similarly, scent deterrents, such as predator urine or commercial repellents, introduce a foreign smell that mimics the presence of a rival.
These scent-based products often need frequent reapplication, especially after rain or heavy dew, which dilutes their concentration. Using a combination of deterrents, such as motion-activated lights or sprinklers paired with a scent repellent, creates a stronger negative association. The goal is to make the fox feel unsafe or uncomfortable when it attempts to enter the yard.
Addressing Active Presence and Legal Requirements
If a fox is already denning on the property, the situation must be handled with care to ensure the animal’s safety and legal compliance. The most humane approach is “hazing,” which involves using non-lethal methods to encourage the fox to relocate. This technique is most successful during the day when the den is typically empty of adult foxes, or once the kits are old enough to travel. Hazing methods include placing strong-smelling substances near the den entrance, such as rags soaked in apple cider vinegar or commercial repellents, or making loud noises.
It is important to avoid hazing a den when young kits are present and immobile, as this could lead to the kits being abandoned and dying inside the structure. Once the fox has left, the den entrance must be immediately sealed with heavy-gauge wire mesh to prevent re-entry. Trapping and relocating a fox is often prohibited for private citizens and can be a complex legal issue depending on the location.
State and local wildlife regulations vary regarding the handling of nuisance wildlife, including foxes. Many jurisdictions prohibit the relocation of wild animals due to the risk of spreading disease, such as rabies, or the low survival rates of relocated animals. Before attempting any form of trapping or lethal control, property owners must check the specific wildlife codes and statutes in their county or state. Professional nuisance wildlife control operators are often the only individuals permitted to legally handle fox removal.