The fox is known as one of the most cunning pests. Usually sighted in towns and cities, it’s our UK gardens that take the hit. It’s important to keep in mind that wild animals can be dangerous, but foxes are generally docile. That doesn’t mean we want them ruining our gardens, the same as other common garden pests. So here we are going to tell you how to stop foxes digging in your garden.
The normal signs of foxes in the garden are digging, a pungent smell and disturbed bins. In most cases a fox will run away from people and pets alike. Garden pets like rabbits and guinea pigs should be kept safe from foxes if their hutch is built well. Foxes are intelligent, so they will give up if the effort outweighs the reward.
Why Are There Foxes In Your Garden?
If you want to know how to stop foxes digging in your garden, you may want to find out why they’re there in the first place. Our gardens are a wonderful place that foxes find interesting because of the tasty things that can be found there. Here are some of the main attractants that may be causing you issues with foxes.
• There’s a water source. Ponds, fountains and swimming pools are all great thirst quenchers for overnight visitors. Foxes will be drawn to a safe source of water and will continue to return to it.• You feed local wildlife. Leaving food out for other wildlife probably means a fox will join in on the feast. Feeding the wildlife is commendable but if you don’t want foxes in your garden, it’s probably best to change the way you feed other animals.
• You feed your pets outside. Cat and dog food has a potent smell that foxes love.
• Your garden is overgrown and messy. Foxes like to be able to run and hide due to their skittish nature. If your garden is overgrown, there’s lots of hidey holes a fox can use if it gets scared.
• You keep other pets in the garden. Foxes don’t kill as many animals as you think they do. But that doesn’t mean they don’t take an interest. If you keep chickens, rabbits or any other small pets in your garden, the last thing you want is for them to be eaten. Make sure that their cages and hutches are all very secure.
Some Surprising Attractions For Foxes
• You have flowerbeds or freshly turned soil. The reason why foxes dig up our gardens may be surprising to you. They’re actually looking for worms and grubs as a nutritious snack. One the other hand, the young fox cubs like to dig for practice.
• You use a natural fertiliser. Foxes don’t need a great reason to dig up your garden. Using natural fertilisers like fish or bonemeal is a guaranteed green light for foxes to enter your garden.
• You leave things in your garden overnight. Shoes, toys or even gardening tools can be a big attractor for younger foxes. They see these as chew toys. The worst part is a fox will defecate on these items to mark their territory. The last thing you want is to go and put your wellies on, only to find them full of fox poo!
How To Stop Foxes Digging In Your Garden
Now on to the important part. How to stop foxes digging in your garden. Read on to find out how to stop foxes digging in your garden with our top tips.
• Block the entrances to your garden. Inspect around the edges to find out where the foxes are gaining entry to the garden. Seal up any place that they may be using.
• Cover up sources of water.
• Remove or cover up any leftover pet food.
• Make sure your bins are tightly sealed with good fitting lids. This is a great tip for how to stop foxes digging in your garden, as they will often be attracted to the smell of food first.
Other Tricks You Can Try
• Block off entrances to the spaces underneath your home so a fox can’t make a home there.
• Remove sources of food. Make sure that your rubbish bags are tied up. If you enjoy feeding wildlife in your garden, consider getting a specialised feeder so that any animals you don’t want in the garden can’t get in.
• Use plant based fertilisers rather than ones containing bone meal or fish.
• Properly bury pets and place a paving stone on top. Foxes will dig up an old pet‘s remains if they are not buried deeply.
• Leave a radio on in the shed to deter foxes.
• Use commercial pest control fox repellents that aren’t harmful to the foxes or to your garden either.
So now you know how to stop foxes digging in your garden, you can try these out for yourself. If you are still struggling with fox control problems in London, make sure to contact Empire Pest Control today for professional fox prevention.
