Practical Pest Control Tips That Really Work

Like many wild creatures, foxes are drawn to suburban gardens as the human population spreads and begins to encroach on what was previously wildlife habitat.  Many people regard the fox as a nuisance pest, particularly if they keep chickens or small pets that may be viewed by the foxes as an easy meal.  Foxes can also cause a nuisance by digging, upsetting refuse bins, and leaving foul-smelling faeces and urine around your garden.  They can also carry roundworms, parasitic mange and even rabies, all of which can be dangerous to pets.

Red foxes are not native to Australia and, as such, are not a protected species.  Therefore, if you have a problem with a fox family living in your garden, your local pest control services company will be legally able to remove them for you.  In the meantime, here are some top tips on how to deter foxes from your garden. 

How to deter foxes

1. Foxes are opportunistic scavengers and are not fussy when it comes to a free snack.  They are most active at night, so always remove pet food and water bowls from your garden at the end of the day.   
2. If you put food out for wild birds, never place it on the ground, and always sweep up leftovers before dusk.  Spilled seed attracts rodents, which could also prove a magnet for foxes.  
3. When disposing of your domestic waste, choose rubbish bins that have animal-proof lids, and don't put them close to your kitchen windows; foxes are not shy of entering your home in search of food too.   
4. Foxes are bold creatures and won't be deterred by your presence or by that of your pets.  At night, lock pet doors to prevent foxes from sneaking into your house.  
5. If you keep chickens, ornamental fowl, pet rabbits or guinea pigs, always make sure that cages are securely locked at night.  Foxes are extremely resourceful and athletic, so your fencing must be secure.  Use strong, welded mesh wire and set it into the ground to a depth of at least a metre to prevent foxes digging underneath.  Your fencing will also need to be at least a couple of metres high so that they can't jump over it.  
6. There are a number of extremely effective fox-specific chemical repellents available from good DIY stores and large garden centres.  A liberal dosing of repellent spray around the perimeter of your garden should be sufficient to send house-hunting foxes packing.  
7. Foxes commonly build dens beneath garden sheds or in sheltered banks beneath trees and bushes.  Fox cubs are born in the spring and remain with the vixen until the late summer when the den will be abandoned.  Once all activity has ceased at the end of the season, block up the entrance to the den.  If the den has been constructed underneath an outbuilding, you may be able to fit a one-way locking pet door to prevent the foxes returning in the spring.

In conclusion

Foxes can be a real pain if they decide to take up residence in your garden, or if they visit your property on regular scavenging trips.  Try the suggestions above to deter foxes, and have a chat with a local pest control services company like Statewide Pest Control for more help and information.