How can I keep foxes out of my garden

john82khrxes has a problem with foxes visiting his garden and wants to know how to discourage them.

Q. What are urban foxes

A. They’re just the same as country foxes, but they’ve taken advantage of the safe hiding places and edible rubbish that urban centres generate.

Q. Are urban foxes dangerous to human health

A. Foxes suffer from most of the diseases that affect dogs, none of which are known to be transferable to humans.

Q. Will they attack household pets

A. Cats and dogs are unlikely to be attacked by foxes, they tend to ignore each other. But for smaller pets like guinea pigs and rabbits, which would provide a handy snack for a fox, it’s better to keep them in secure hutches at night.

Q. Why do foxes keep digging up the garden

A. They’re looking for worms and insect larvae to eat. They may also be temporarily burying food to be collected later.

Q. How can I discourage them from my garden

A. Make your garden less attractive to them by removing anything edible, including tasty scraps in compost heaps and on bird tables. Obviously all dustbins need to be emptied regularly and kept well sealed.

Make sure snug holes under sheds and in basements are covered up. If you think they may have already set up home in one you can deter them from returning by placing chemical repellents sold in garden centres for cats and dogs at the entrance. You can also use these repellents in the garden generally, they’re probably the most effective deterrent.

Q. How can I stop foxes fouling my garden

A. If it’s any consolation the fox is probably doing this because your garden is an important part of its territory that it’s keen to mark. You can deter the fox by employing the advice in the above section.

Q. Should I try to capture the fox and return it to the countryside

A. No, this would be releasing it into unknown territory where it has no support from pack members and no food resources.

Q. Do urban foxes do any good

A. Yes, they’re effective at keeping down the rat population, which forms part of their diet.

If you have any further questions contact your local wildlife trust.

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by Lisa Cardy