How To Get Rid of Foxes

Foxes are stealthy, opportunistic hunters who can be the bane of farmers and suburban homeowners. Getting rid of foxes is easier when a homeowner limits their access to food sources, so keeping rodent infestations down and chicken coops in good condition are necessary. Homeowners can deter foxes from building a nest or returning to pilfer chickens by scaring them away with a variety of repellents or having a professional trap and remove them from the area. Below is a list of the top ways for how to get rid of foxes for good.

Time required: 1 day to 3 weeks
Difficulty: Intermediate
Estimated cost: $20 to $400

Before You Begin…

There are a number of options homeowners can try for how to get rid of foxes, ranging from hiring one of the best fencing companies to fence in their property to scaring the fox off. Properly securing the property is the first step to prevent foxes from putting a house on a regular food rotation. Foxes don’t present a danger to humans, but they are stealthy and smart so trapping them can be challenging and is best left to a professional.

Tips for How to Get Rid of Foxes

• Repair any holes or broken doors that lead to food or small animals.
• Store garbage in locked, air-tight containers and wash them out frequently.
• Keep compost in bins rather than exposed on the ground.
• Install fencing and bury chicken wire in the ground at least 1 foot down.

Safety Considerations

• Wear safety gear when working with tools.
• Avoid cornering a fox in a shed.

STEP 1: Identify any damage or dens.

Missing poultry or eggs, pilfered garbage, eaten fruit, and trampled gardens are common signs of foxes, though they could also be confused for a raccoon depending on the region (homeowners can learn how to get rid of raccoons if they think a raccoon is the cause of the mayhem in their yard). A major difference is that foxes leave behind a foul ammonia smell to mark their territory. Foxes usually create dens to birth their kits in March or April, and they prefer well-hidden areas they can dig out and create multiple access points. Heavy vegetation near a home’s foundation is appealing for den-making.

STEP 2: Remove food and shelters from the property.

Human food, animal food, and garbage are all enticing to a fox if it has easy access to them. Homeowners will want to ensure they store food in enclosed containers so foxes can’t get in. Small animals, including rabbits and chickens, are appealing snacks to foxes if they can access their cages. Homeowners will need to be sure to keep the doors locked at night, and repair any holes or gaps as they appear. Foxes will hide in brush piles or woodpiles for cover, so it’s advisable for homeowners to clean up any excess vegetation, and fence in any areas that could attract or hide a fox.

STEP 3: Control any rodents, if they’re present.

Limiting an infestation of any mice, voles, snakes, or frogs can help prevent opportunistic foxes from thinking a homeowner’s property provides bountiful food. If the prey isn’t around, the predator won’t be around, either. If mice are a problem for those who live in rural areas, they can employ a rodent control company to help reduce the mice or vole population if using a rodent spray hasn’t proven to be effective. Homeowners can learn how to get rid of voles or mice themselves or reach out to one of the best pest control companies, such as Orkin or Terminix, to help eliminate their rodent problem.

STEP 4: Disturb foxes with mild, inexpensive methods.

Shiny Mylar balloons or iridescent tape (usually used to keep large birds away) can be placed near any possible access points that foxes use. Placing them near a freshly made den can keep foxes from returning. Using a fox repellent spray can be effective to keep foxes from investigating a food source. If repellent sprays are used frequently or improperly, however, a fox could become used to the smell, so it’s best to use more than one method or resort to professional application.

STEP 5: Use automated electronic repellents.

If a home has multiple areas that a fox is attracted to, an electronic repellent might be the best choice. It’s a motion-activated sensor that will trigger the sprinkler system, emit a sharp sound, or turn on a light to startle the fox. Homeowners can place a few of these electronic repellents near a garden, shed, coop, or den.

STEP 6: Fence in a garden.

If fencing the entire property is not an option, installing a small fence around a garden could be just as effective at keeping foxes from eating accessible food. Chicken wire or strong netting can create a fence at least a few feet high. The openings in the netting should be less than 3 inches. Since foxes are adept at digging, the homeowner will need to bury the fence at least 1 foot down. Adding a netting roof that doesn’t impact sunlight on the garden is also an option to prevent foxes from jumping into the garden; however, installing a single electric fence wire on the top of the fence should also be sufficient to deter a fox. Fence installation cost can depend on the type of fence being built, but it can be quite affordable and worth the expense if it helps keep foxes away.

STEP 7: Contact a professional.

Trapping a fox is another option for humanely removing a fox and its family from a property. Foxes are clever and are not easily fooled by a trap, even when it’s disguised. In some states, it’s illegal to trap a fox, too. The best wildlife removal services will be able to answer a homeowner’s questions about how to get rid of foxes. They’ll also be able to determine the best location to set a trap, monitor it, and safely relocate any foxes. Wildlife removal costs less than $400 and can be well worth the cost for homeowners who want to ensure they’re getting rid of foxes safely and humanely.

Foxes can be damaging to a yard and dangerous to small pets. If a homeowner suspects foxes on their property, they’ll want to take steps to prevent them from returning and potentially nesting. They’ll also want to keep access to any food or small animals secure and free from damage or holes. If a homeowner is unable to deter foxes using fox repellent spray, electronic repellents, or other simple devices, they can call a qualified professional to remove a rodent infestation or a den of foxes to help resolve a fox infestation quickly.