Review: Using a radio as a fox deterrent

A novel idea that has emerged recently as a excellent fox repellent is the use of a radio. Although this method has only gained widespread media attention in the last couple of years, this is a fox deterrent method that has been employed by many cunning farmers for years.

By cleverly placing radios around their fields at points of entry where foxes gain access, the radios are then tuned to a ‘talkie’ radio station such as Radio 4, Radio 5 Live or talkSPORT. This gives the impression to the wily fox that there are humans about and they will therefore give the area a wide berth to avoid danger and confrontation. A recent success story of this fox repellent in action was found at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset. They had tried many fox deterrent products and techniques, but continued to have problems with foxes. Following the advice of a local farmer, the Swannery installed a few radios, switched them on and it very quickly solved the problem!

Using a radio to deter foxes need not be simply a method for farmers out in the country however. If you live in a city or urban area and have a problem with foxes in your garden, you too can use radios to great effect and keep foxes away. If possible, locate where the fox enters your garden and place a radio somewhere nearby. As foxes have very sensitive hearing, the radio doesn’t have to be at a loud volume, therefore negating the issue of bothering neighbours. Also if you have pet cats or dogs, then they are very used to humans and would not be bothered by the radio, an issue many people worry over when selecting a traditional fox repellent.

Draper Waterproof Radio: Perfect to repel foxes

So you’ve decided that using a radio to keep foxes away from your garden is the fox deterrent method for you, but what radio should buy that will be suitable to plonk in your garden? Well it’s going to need to stand up to the weather (which inevitably includes heavy wind and rain!), so you are best to purchase a waterproof radio which are usually marketed as being suitable for having on in the shower. Although radios are not particularly heavy on batteries, for convenience and environmental sake you may wish to buy a wind up radio. I can recommend the Draper Wind Up Waterproof AM/FM Radio. Draper is a respected brand, and this is a hard-wearing radio (perfect for sticking outdoors), has a stand, a mains option, small so won’t cause an eyesore in your garden and is very affordable at £16. Otherwise go on Amazon and search for “radios” and find something suitable you like. Amazon has a great choice and often has free delivery directly to you.

One final tip is for you to use a radio in conjunction with a scent based deterrent like Scoot Fox Repellent for maximum protection. Scoot is not harmful to the environment and gives off a scent that makes the fox think there is a predator nearby. The combination of a strange smell accompanied by the sound of humans talking works really well in scaring and deterring foxes. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Below is a clip from Radio 4 that was broadcast last year. You can hear a staff member from Abbotsbury Swannery talk about how successful using a radio has been in keeping foxes from killing the swans. It makes for very interesting listening!

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