Does anyone know of a HUMANE way to deter foxes? We have a fox that has started visiting the neighbourhood every evening, and a number of people with rabbits and other small pets are worried. We don't want to catch it in a humane trap and relocate it, as it may have cubs relying on it. Nor do we want to use one of those high frequency noise deterrents, as this would also deter the squirrels which visit - and probably drive all that cats and dogs away from their homes as well!
None of us want to harm the fox, so is there something that foxes detest so much that it would cause them to stay away? Apart from ensuring that there is no food left out to encourage it to visit, we cannot think of anything else.
[This message was edited by Karrow on 04-30-03 at 05:43 AM.]
Karrow, I had the same problem for the last couple of years and I, like you, would rather have them around than try anything inhumane!!! Unfortunately I feed a number of stray cats in the area as well as put out peanuts for the squirrels, so that only adds to the attraction for the Foxes!!! The only thing I was able to find that kept them away was the use of mothballs... It did smell a abit in the yard for a while, but it kept them at bay. You do have to reapply after several days, especially if it rains... I hope that others have some suggestions, because I'd love to hear other options.
Strong smells (cayenne pepper, mothballs, ammonia) usually work to deter animals. Fence in any gardens. Mirrors (or hanging strips of tin foil or pie pans), scarecrows, and windchimes can scare them off.
Methos, my neighbours haven't tried any of the deterrents you mention as they think that they would also deter the visiting squirrels - not to mention their own cats perhaps leaving home because of them! That is what is making it so difficult. They have checked the fences for any holes etc., but we think the fox just walks in via the front gates. No "tradesman's entrance" for our fox!
Lydia, did your cats and the squirrels ignore the mothballs? The two gardens that the fox visits most frequently are very big. How many mothballs are needed to what area?
Karrow - I would give the visual deterrents (and maybe the windchimes), a try. Squirrels and cats don't seem to be very frightened of such things compared to foxes.
Karrow, what I did was to put the mothballs around the area that they tend to be in the most or the area they come in...if you think they're coming in through a front gate, then I would put them where the entrance is and see if that works. I used the crystals and ended up using 2 boxes (they come in standard sized - probably a 1 lb box)...and sprinkled them around. The squirrels and the cats still came to eat.
The only caveat in terms of mothballs go - don't store them in a closet where animals or small children could potentially be closed in...the fumes from mothballs confined in a small space can prove deadly...(I don't even bring them into the house - ever!)
