Fox control
Deterring foxes yourself
Motion-activated sprinklers are described as the most effective DIY option, alongside mesh, secure bins and scent repellents that need reapplying every one to two weeks.
- Remove what attracts them
- Block the ways in
- Deterrents
- Dens under sheds and decking
- What not to do
- When to call a professional
Remove what attracts them
Foxes come for food and shelter. Start by taking both away.
- Secure bins with lids and keep bags inside.
- Clear food waste, fallen fruit and spilt bird feed.
- Do not feed foxes, and feed pets indoors.
- Clear overgrown cover near sheds and under decking.
Many problems stop here, and it costs nothing.
Remember your neighbours. A garden that is tidy while next door leaves food out may still see foxes pass through, so a quiet word can help more than any device.
Block the ways in
Fit welded mesh across gaps in fences and under gates. Dig it into the ground at the base so foxes cannot dig under it. Close gaps under sheds and decking, but only when you are sure no animal or cubs are inside.
Check the mesh every few weeks, since foxes test weak spots.
If foxes keep returning to one spot, look for what is drawing them there, such as a bird table or a compost heap with food scraps.
Deterrents
Motion-activated sprinklers are described as the most effective DIY option. They startle a fox without harming it. Scent repellents work for a short time, and need reapplying every one to two weeks. Treat them as a short-term aid.
If you buy a product, follow the maker's instructions. We have not checked product prices, so compare before you buy. Sonic devices vary and we found no source that proves they work, so do not rely on them alone.
Dens under sheds and decking
Cubs are born in spring and emerge in March and April. If you find a den in use, wait. Do not block it, flood it or disturb it. Once the family has moved on, close the gap with mesh.
If the den is directly under a house, call a professional. A firm can fit a one-way door, but only once the cubs have gone.
What not to do
- Do not use poison.
- Do not use snares or self-locking snares. They are prohibited under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 section 11.
- Do not set traps. Trapping is lawful only in limited circumstances.
- Do not move a fox. It is not recommended, and some sources cite the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960, which we have not verified.
Foxes are not protected, but cruelty is an offence under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996. Fox hunting is illegal under the Hunting Act 2004.
When to call a professional
Call a firm if a den is directly under a house, a fox enters a house, livestock are attacked repeatedly, or your own deterrents have failed after about four weeks. See how fox control works and what it costs. Not sure it is a fox? Read how to identify foxes.
Will the council do it?
Councils rarely treat foxes. Use a private firm, and ask the questions below before you book. See what your council treats
Questions people ask
How do I keep foxes out of my garden?
Secure bins, clear food, mesh any gaps and fit a motion-activated sprinkler or scent repellent.
Do fox repellents work?
Scent repellents work for a short time and need reapplying every one to two weeks. Sprinklers are described as the most effective DIY option.
Can I move a fox?
Moving a fox is not recommended. Some sources cite the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960, which we have not verified.
Are snares legal for foxes?
Self-locking snares are prohibited under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 section 11, and trapping is lawful only in limited circumstances.
What should I do about a den under my shed?
Wait until the cubs have gone, then close the gap with mesh. Call a professional if the den is under a house.
How long should I try before calling a firm?
About four weeks, or sooner if a fox enters the house or a den is under the house.