Dear Neighbours,
There seems to be a considerable increase in foxes taking residence in our back gardens and the neighbourhood in general. Foxes leave droppings containing harmful bacteria which is unsafe for children. Furthermore they make considerable unpleasant barking noise, keeping my family and probably yours awake. Please take a few minutes to look at ways you can help to deter foxes from taking up residence in our community. Thanks!
1. Use bird feeders or a high bird table rather than putting bird food on the ground, and
clear up any fallen scraps. Do not leave pet food outside either.
2. Cover compost heaps or use bins, as compost is a good source of insects and
other food.
3. Store rubbish securely before putting it out for collection, and use bins with secure lids
rather than plastic bags.
4. Stop using bonemeal or similar fertilisers as the smell often attracts foxes.
5. Clear overgrown areas and accumulations of rubbish or rubble during the winter as
these provide cover for foxes and may encourage them to remain in your garden.
6. Block access under sheds. This can be done with weld mesh secured to the bottom
of the shed and dug into the soil to a depth of 1 foot. Do not do this between
February and July.
7. Ensure that air bricks leading under your house are in good repair.
8. Secure fencing and block any gaps.
9. If foxes are visiting your vegetable patch, fruit canes or bushes, fence these off with
netting. Chicken wire buried just under the soil can be used to protect bulbs.
10. Keep pets in secure hutches made from weld mesh rather than chicken wire, with
locks that cannot be knocked open, and a solid floor so that foxes cannot dig
underneath.
11. Bring toys, shoes, etc. inside at night as cubs like to chew these items and may take
them away to play with.
12. If foxes are digging or making an earth in your garden, discourage them at the first
signs of activity. First it is important to make absolutely sure no foxes are below
ground before permanently blocking any holes. Do this by discouraging the fox with
repellents soaked onto pieces of wood or rags placed in the holes and/or soaked
onto ‘sharp’ (builders’) sand around the entrance. After a few days lightly block the
entrance with soil which can easily be pushed out if the earth is occupied. When you
are certain that the holes are not occupied, fill with bricks or heavy materials that will
be difficult to dig out.
If you think you may have an established earth in your garden, or you suspect that the
foxes may be suffering from disease, it may be advisable to seek advice from a private
pest control company.
13. Research has shown that non-toxic chemical repellents are sometimes effective in
reducing nuisance from foxes when they are used correctly. Scent neutralisers can
discourage foxes from fouling specific areas. All repellents must be renewed regularly,
especially in hot weather and after heavy rain.
‘Scoot’ can be used to deter foxes from digging and fouling on lawns. It should be
diluted and sprayed onto the lawn where the problem is occurring.
‘Get Off My Garden’ is a solid repellent and can be used to deter repeated digging or
fouling in specific areas. It should be placed in the holes which foxes are digging, or in
other areas to which foxes pay particular attention.
‘Wash Off’ is a scent neutraliser and can be used to discourage repeated fouling and
urinating on hard surfaces by removing the fox’s scent so that it cannot mark the area
successfully.
All repellents must be used according to the manufacturers’ safety instructions. The
repellents listed above are generally available in garden centres and hardware stores.
The inclusion of these products is for information only and is not intended as an
endorsement or recommendation of them by Wandsworth Council.