As much of the UK experiences another spell of hot and dry weather, foxes may become more frequent visitors to our gardens in search of food, water and shelter.
Love them or loathe them, few gardeners will welcome the sight of one halfway through digging up the borders.
So, how can you steer foxes away from your flower beds without causing them harm or making the whole garden hostile to wildlife? Read on for expert advice. You may need to try a combination of methods before you find what works.
Secure bird feeders
While we love to feed the wildlife, bird food spillages can also attract foxes into the garden.
The RSPCA website advises using bird feeders that prevent food from falling onto the ground, where foxes can reach it. If you leave food out for other wildlife, such as hedgehogs, it also recommends using a feeding station that foxes cannot access.
Keep foxes away from parked cars
During hot weather, foxes may seek out shaded or sheltered places to rest. Unfortunately, settling beneath a vehicle or on a driveway can put them at risk of serious injury.
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Daniel Steward, managing director at Shield Pest Control, tells Country Living: “Foxes dislike strong smells. Placing humane scent repellents, such as citronella, garlic, chilli flakes, or wildlife-safe deterrent sprays, around the driveway can discourage them from coming close to your vehicle.”
Minimise food waste in the garden
Accessible food scraps can encourage foxes to return to the garden. A covered compost area is fine, but bins and compost heaps should be kept secure. Lawn care specialist Chrissie Handley tells Country Living: “Foxes are looking for gardens that they deem a food source, so if you have a compost pile or any open and unsecured bins, they will keep coming back as they know they can get food.”
Secure bin lids, avoid leaving rubbish outside overnight and use a closed compost bin where possible. Even if a fox can smell the contents, being unable to reach them may discourage repeat visits.
Protect vulnerable areas of the garden
Rather than trying to seal off the entire garden, focus on the beds, borders and other areas most likely to be disturbed.
Chrissie says: “High wooden fences with no gaps are good for deterring foxes. If they try to dig their way in, you can prevent this by installing chicken wire on or under the ground so they can’t physically access the area. Usually, if they struggle to get through, this will be enough to deter them, and they will move on to another garden.”
Use motion-activated deterrents
Motion-activated lights or humane ultrasonic repellents may discourage foxes by making certain areas feel less inviting.
Ultrasonic devices are generally not audible to humans, but they may also affect hedgehogs, mice and other wildlife. Position them carefully and avoid using them across the whole garden.
With a little planning, you can discourage foxes from the areas you want to protect while still leaving room for other wildlife to visit.
Help other wildlife through the heat
While you may be keen to stop foxes digging up the borders it's worth remembering that many of them are on the hunt for food and shelter. Dry summer weather can be tough on foxes, birds, hedgehogs and insects visiting your garden. If you do want to help them in the heat, below are a few simple steps can help:
- Leave out shallow bowls of fresh water.
- Add pebbles to water dishes so insects can drink safely.
- Refill bird baths each day.
- Water plants early in the morning or later in the evening, when less moisture will evaporate.
- Leave a few shaded corners undisturbed for birds, hedgehogs and insects.
These small gestures can make a real difference during long spells of hot, dry weather. They'll help wildlife stay hydrated without turning your flower beds into the garden's busiest watering hole.
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Becky is a freelance journalist based in Somerset, UK, specialising in all things home, gardens, lifestyle, and entertainment. With a love of classic rom-coms and a penchant for romanticising her own everyday life, she enjoys embracing cosy, slow living with her family and their crazy Welsh collie, Cookie. Becky has been published in publications such as Cosmopolitan, The Independent, The Evening Standard, The Telegraph, Collider, Happiful Magazine, OK! And many more.
