The 6 smells foxes hate that will stop them coming into your garden – including the effective 10p repellent spray
EXPERTS have shared how to keep foxes out of your garden for good with six cupboard essentials found in your kitchen.
Fox mating season is now in full swing, meaning it won’t be much longer until these animals start visiting our gardens without an invitation.
While they’re not dangerous to humans – unless rabid (a rare occurrence) – they can cause a great deal of havoc for outdoor spaces and your property.
From digging up flower beds and vegetable patches whilst on the hunt for the perfect meal to making a lot of noise as you’re trying to sleep, foxes can indeed be a nightmare to deal with.
But although there are a number of ways to tackle the issue, such as making your garden appear less appealing, experts from Mesh Direct have revealed how you can keep the animals out of your property with natural remedies.
Chatting exclusively with Fabulous, the gurus said that there are a number of scents that act as repellents – and most of these are already sitting in the cupboard.
”Foxes have a very strong sense of smell, and you can use this to your advantage.
”The creatures find certain scents unpleasant, so applying pungent natural repellents can discourage them from entering your garden.”’
Some of the most effective natural deterrents include garlic, cayenne pepper, as well as peppermint oil.
If you don’t have these on hand, it’s also worth trying out zesty citrus peel, citronella and spicy chilli powder.
”The above ingredients smell off-putting to foxes, but won’t cause them any harm.”
The pros noted: ”They also have the added benefit of deterring any neighbourhood cats in a humane way, too. ”
To create a custom anti-fox treatment, the experts have also share an easy recipe for the DIY repellent.
Mix several drops of essential citronella and peppermint oils with water in a spray bottle and shake to combine.
The mixture should have a noticeably strong scent — if not, add more oil, they advised.
Once ready, spritz the treatment around fences and in any areas where foxes may find food, such as bins stores or compost heaps.
For best results, you’re advised to follow this up with a generous sprinkle of cayenne, chilli, and garlic powder.
As the scent will fade over time and won’t be as effective, it’s also best to reapply the treatment every few days during mating season, and especially after rainfall.
Why do foxes come into gardens?
Foxes are active in urban areas all year round, but they can be particularly disruptive during mating season as this is when they are most vocal.
If you’ve noticed an increase in fox activity or heard their calls in your garden, then the animals have probably discovered a reliable food source there.
Common attractions for hungry foxes include compost heaps, crops, fruit-bearing trees, dustbins, and bird feeders.
At this time of year, foxes are also on the lookout for a safe spot to breed and nurture their young.
Spaces like greenhouses, outbuildings, sheds, and dense shrubbery offer the perfect refuge for them to establish a den and care for their offspring.
There are several other ways you can deter foxes from coming into your garden alongside using natural repellents.
Dan Hancock, Managing Director at Mesh Direct, said: “With foxes ramping up their activity in mating season, it’s crucial to employ proactive measures to protect your garden and maintain a harmonious coexistence with wildlife.”
Secure fencing
Foxes are expert burrowers and very agile climbers and will seek out any gaps in fencing or walls.
You can keep them out by improving your fencing and patching up any weak spots.
Motion-activated devices
For a more hi-tech solution, think about adopting motion-sensor technologies like sprinklers or lights that will startle foxes when they enter your garden.
Or position these devices in key entry and exit points, effectively making the area less inviting for them.
If you already own a security camera, you can also use this to see how and when foxes are getting into your garden, and then secure any weak spots accordingly.
Secure food sources and remove temptations
One of the main reasons foxes enter our gardens is to find food sources, like bins, compost heaps, or crops.
To diminish this attraction, take steps to secure food sources wherever you can.
Crops can be protected using netting, mesh, or another secure cover to stop foxes from reaching them.
Foxes can overturn bins to get inside, so consider placing your bin inside a garage, shed, or construct a secure bin storage area.
It’s also advisable to refrain from leaving pet food, bird seed, or any other enticing food items within easy reach.
Dan concluded: ”These simple hacks are humane and won’t harm foxes, but can make a significant difference in keeping them at a respectful distance.
“Foxes are clever creatures, which can make repelling them quite tricky.
”Using a combination of deterrents together with the physical barrier of a sturdy wire mesh fence will offer the best long-term protection against foxes, with the added bonus of increasing your overall garden security.”