The Top 10 Fox Deterrents – USA & Canada
Red foxes are so prevalent across most of the continent of North America that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature has categorized them as ‘not being a focus of species conversation.‘ (translation: there’s loads of them and they’re doing just fine without our help!)
With numbers so high, it’s inevitable that foxes will cross paths with humans and display some of the behaviour that we find frustrating. This generally includes digging holes, fouling, urinating, killing livestock and various other types of damage and destruction.
In this article, we’ll look at the ten best deterrents you can use to successfully deter them and minimise the negative impact they have on your property.
Before we get into the list, it’s important to understand that foxes are territorial animals, which means they have a ‘home range’ that they use to den and raise their young. If they are regularly visiting your property, then it’s clearly a place in which they feel comfortable and probably offers them some sort of resource (e.g. food, water, shelter) that helps them to survive.
The purpose of a fox deterrent is to disrupt a fox’s normal behaviour and make it start to feel uncomfortable or inconvenienced by entering your garden. The products in the list below do this in various different ways and force the fox to change its attitude towards your yard (or area you wish to protect) and cause it to move on for an easier life elsewhere.
The 3-step fox deterrent strategy
When you make a decision to buy some fox deterrent or repellent products, it’s important to have a methodology to how you use them, rather than just haphazardly throwing mud against a wall and seeing what sticks.
Deterring foxes from your yard is not an exact science, but following the simple 3- step strategy below will increase your chances of successfully reducing their visits and lessening the damage they cause.
Step 1: Find the entry point
Locating where a fox comes into your yard is one of the biggest victories you can have in your mission to keep it away. The reason is because this is where the fox makes the conscious decision whether or not it’s safe to enter your garden.
Fortunately, foxes like to stick to routines, which makes it pretty easy to identify the one or two spots where they make their entrance.
Do nothing and the fox will continue to come in as it has no reason to think otherwise. No strange sounds or smells, no obstructions, no reason not to enter.
However, by using some sort of deterrent at the entry point, you’ll activate a fox’s sensory alarms the moment it tries to enter your garden. Over time, you’ll effectively teach the fox to associate your garden with unease, irritation and inconvenience.
This will lead it to seek a less stressful place elsewhere and you’ll see a reduction in fouling, digging and garden damage as a result.
Step 2: Use multiple fox deterrents
To maximise the effectiveness of fox deterrents, it’s recommended that you use at least two different types of deterrents or repellents. For example, an ultrasonic device, which targets a fox’s sense of hearing and a scent-based deterrent, which targets the sense of smell.
The reason this is so effective is because foxes rely heavily on their senses to alert them to danger. If at least two senses are instinctively telling a fox there’s risk, potential confrontation or inconvenience ahead, you have a much greater chance of it learning to stay away from your garden and going somewhere less threatening.
The fox deterrents and repellents in the list below can be used in combination with one another to increase your chances of success.
Step 3: Be persistent and consistent
It’s important to be aware that foxes will not instantly disappear just because you’ve decided you’ve had enough and started using a deterrent. Many people fall at this hurdle and wrongly think their fox deterrents are ineffective because the fox has not instantly disappeared, when in fact they just need to exercise a bit of patience before seeing the results they want.
Your yard likely forms part of the fox’s territory and foxes don’t let go of their territories easily. By using a couple of deterrents in your garden, you will be introducing new, strange smells or sounds into the fox’s territory.
Far from instantly running way, an intelligent fox will want to know what is happening and will be back to investigate the situation. It will want to establish if these new inconveniences are temporary or permanent and whether it can overpower them.
Repeated use of fox deterrents shows the fox this inconvenience is not going anywhere. It’s through this repeated message to the fox that it learns to associate your garden with something negative and will learn to stay away. You just need to patent enough to allow this process of behavioural change to take place.
Therefore, the best way to judge the effectiveness of your fox deterrence efforts is by noticing if you are seeing the fox less and less frequently, rather than expecting a sudden and complete disappearance.
The top 10 fox deterrents – North America
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1. Broox Ultrasonic Animal Repeller
Ultrasonic deterrents are a great way of automating the process of protecting your yard from foxes. These units contain an infrared motion sensor that let out high-pitched bursts of noise every time a fox enters the detection zone.
Over time, the fox learns to associate your garden with these irritating noises and gradually reduces the frequency and duration of its visits, deciding to move on somewhere else.
As discussed earlier, it takes time to teach a fox to change its behaviour and learn to stay away. Ultrasonic devices do all the hard work for you without you having to constantly monitor your yard as you might with a traditional scented repellent.
The Broox Ultrasonic Repeller [aff] is marketed as a multiple animal deterrent. However, the most important feature is that it allows you to adjust the frequency of the high-pitched noises up to 45.5 kHz. Foxes are most irritated by noises in the range of 40 – 45 kHz, so turn the frequency dial almost up the maximum and you’ve got yourself a great fox-specific deterrent.
An added bonus is that the device contains a flashing LED light that illuminates at the same time as the sound is emitted, providing the double whammy of aural and visual deterrence.
2. 100% Coyote Urine
Coyotes are bigger, stronger and generally more aggressive than foxes. They also tend to hunt in packs of two or more, whereas the red fox is often a solitary hunter. So if a fox is unlucky enough to get into a dispute with a coyote, there’s only going to be one winner. For this reason foxes tend to stay away from areas where they think coyotes are close by.
You can give the impression that your yard is populated by coyotes by spraying 100% coyote pee [aff] at the entry point and in other prominent places around your property.
For the squeamish, having to spray coyote urine in the garden will be a step too far, however for those of you not put off by the very strong smell, this can be a very effective fox deterrent.
Keep in mind that the urine will need to be sprayed on a regular basis in order to maintain the deterrent effect. Time and heavy rain will weaken the potency of the smell considerably, so this is a method you need to keep on top of.
3. FoxLights Flashing Night Light
Flashing lights are a great way of deterring foxes from yards or fields and protecting poultry such as chickens or ducks.
The Foxlights Deterrent [aff] is a light that contains a darkness detector so that it automatically comes on at dusk and goes off again at dawn. It contains a set of LEDs that flash randomly and unpredictably, which contains a real element of surprise at night.
Foxes can easily get used to lights that simply flash on and off but with this Foxlights unit, the lights are deliberately random so it gives the impression of a human with a flashlight.
It’s easy to mount on a post, wall or fence and the lights are visible from 360 degrees, so there are no blind spots. As it’s waterproof, it’s perfectly suited to sit outside in a garden, or even to protect larger areas like fields, crops and sheep or cattle.
4. Dig and Poop Stopper Prickle Strips
Many keen gardeners are plagued by foxes digging holes, destroying plants and fouling, so being able to restrict access to the ground in a way that still allows your plant life to thrive, is an incredibly effective way of preventing these problems and protecting your lawn and flowerbeds from damage.
You can do this by using prickle strips, which are also known as ‘scat mats’ or ‘dig stoppers’, depending on which problem you’re suffering from.
These rolls of plastic spikes [aff] are easy to lay flat in flowerbeds, raised borders or plant pots to protect the ground beneath them. The strips can also easily be cut with scissors, if you need them to fit a custom shape.
To secure them in place, it’s worth getting get some metal U-shaped garden staples to do the job properly. The plastic securing pegs usually supplied with prickle strips are rarely sufficient to stop prying foxes digging them up, so save yourself the disappointment!
The spikes are not so sharp that they will cause injury to foxes (or other wildlife), but are enough to make walking on them uncomfortable for a fox’s paws. This makes the prickle strips very good at protecting small, problem areas of your garden from digging and fouling by nuisance foxes.
5. Sangean Ultra Rugged Radio
Using a radio to deter foxes may initially seem like an idea straight out of leftfield. However, it was a surprisingly successful solution pioneered by a swan sanctuary in the United Kingdom who had had enough of foxes stealing eggs and killing cygnets.
Acting on a tip from a local farmer, the swannery decided to install a series of radios near the swans’ nesting sites. They quickly discovered that tuning the radio to music stations made absolutely no difference to foxes. The game changer was when they switched to conversational stations. It gave foxes the impression there were humans nearby which caused them to completely steer clear of the area. The swan eggs and newly-hatched cygnets were much safer and happier as a result of this simple solution.
The best type of radio to use is the kind designed to be used on construction sites [aff]. They’re normally tough and weather resistant, which is what is needed for something that will spend most of its time outside.
6. Plastic Wall and Fence Spikes
Foxes are creatures of habit and tend to enter gardens using the exact same route every time. If you have an enclosed garden, then they will often jump over the same part of fence or walk along the same stretch of wall before they enter.
A simple way to make it more difficult for them is to install spikes along any ledges they they use to access your yard. If it becomes inconvenient for them to actually get into your garden then they are far more likely to give up and go somewhere else where access is much easier.
These simple rows of plastic spikes [aff] are easy to install along the tops of walls or fences with screws or weatherproof adhesive adhesive. If the ledge particularly narrow or wide, the rows of spikes are easy to cut to make fit.
The spikes won’t cause animals injury, but are enough to make walking on them awkward, uncomfortable and inconvenient.
7. Orbit Motion-Activated Water Sprinkler
A simple but effective animal repellent that is perfect for deterring foxes. The motion sensor on the unit detects the movement of the fox from up to 40 ft away and sprays out an arc of water, sending the fox running off frightened.
This type of sprinkler [aff] also lets out a clicking sound when it arcs around spraying the jet of water, which provides an additional audible deterrent to the fox. A double whammy effect.
It’s easy to set up and is powered by four AA batteries. Just stick it into the ground and attach it to your garden hosepipe. If possible, find out where the fox gets onto your property and install the sprinkler facing that point. That way, the fox will trigger the spray as soon as tries to enter your yard, and will quickly learn to associate your garden with getting wet.
While motion-activated sprinklers are very effective in deterring foxes, keep in mind that cats, dogs, skunks, racoons and other visitors to your yard will also set it off, so make sure you’re prepared for that before purchasing.
8. Predator Eye Flashing Red Lights
Many nocturnal species have a reflective surface in the back of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which helps them to see better in low light. (If you’ve ever seen the eyes of a cat ‘glowing’ when caught in your car’s headlights, you’ve seen this in action.)
This reflective surface in the eye is also a way animals identify each other at night, allowing them to take evasive action before confrontation becomes necessary. It’s an important survival method.
The Predator Eye unit [aff] contains two flashing red LEDs which seek to replicate the eyes of a nocturnal predator. The units contains a solar panel which allows them to charge during the day, then they flash all night to put off foxes and other similarly-sized mammals.
Foxes don’t like the feeling of being watched at night, particularly when they are doing something that leaves them vulnerable to attack, like feeding or mating. So wall or fence-mounting these weather-proof units about 10 inches off the ground are a low maintenance way of protecting specific areas of your yard.
Please note, the Predator Eye units are only effective at night, so you’ll need something else for deterring visits during the day.
9. Yard Odor Eliminator Spray
If you have a fox regularly visiting your yard, then you’ll be familiar with the terrible smell of their poop and urine. Foxes like to scent mark in prominent places around their territories to let neighboring foxes know that your garden is occupied.
Lawns, artificial grass, decking, patios and furniture are all common places where foxes like to do their business and leave a horrible smell.
Having an easy-to-use outdoor deodoriser is a great way of getting rid of the bad smells and keeping your garden smelling fresh.
This odor eliminator [aff] connects up to your garden hose and enables you to spray an even coverage around your yard in the areas that need it most. It’s designed to be garden and animal-friendly and so can also be used if you own dogs or are plagued by skunks.
Consider this a helpful solution to a common fox-related problem rather than a method that will stop them visiting in the first place.
10. Large Fox Statue / Figurine
This lifelike, 14″ high sculpture [aff] is for those of you who like the romantic notion of red foxes, but not the reality of smelly poo and holes in your lawn.
This statue wont be enough on its own to act as a serious deterrent for long, but if used in conjunction with a more permanent deterrent, then it may be realistic enough to help convince a fox not to bother coming into your yard.
The statue is beautifully crafted from a weather-resistant resin and hand-painted, making it a great edition to any wildlife-lovers garden, minus the frustrating problems associated with real foxes.
Last on the list to give a positive and upbeat end to this article, but if you’re offended by the very existence of foxes, then feel free to skip over this particular suggestion!
5 useful tools for cleaning up fox poop
Foxes use their poop to scent-mark their territories as a way of letting other foxes know the area is occupied. This means the poop is very smelly and tends to get deposited in the most prominent places in our yards.
While this is irritating, perhaps of more concern is the fact that young children like to touch and taste things they haven’t encountered before. Dogs also have the peculiar habit of rolling in or eating poop, so it’s important to get rid of the nasty germs as quickly and as safely as possible.
Here’s a handy list of essential items you have on hand to make the unpleasant task of cleaning up smelly fox feces a bit more bearable. It’s certainly not a glamorous job, but it needs to be done!
1. Arm and Hammer Pooper Scooper
You could opt to bend down with a shovel and attempt to scoop up the fox poop into a bag (or discreetly flick it off into the undergrowth). However, for those of us who understandably prefer to keep a distance from such unpleasant tasks, dealing with fox poop up close is hardly enjoyable.
Consider the Arm & Hammer Pooper Scooper [aff] – a highly practical device that allows you to maintain an upright position while effortlessly cleaning up the mess.
With adjustable handles on both the rake and swivel bin, you can easily adjust them to your preferred height. This not only keeps the foul smell at bay but also proves invaluable for individuals who may struggle with bending down due to age or back problems.
Once you’ve raked the poop into the bin, you can lift the handle and the bin will move into an upright position. This means there’s no danger of the poop falling back out.
Designed to tackle various surfaces including hard surfaces, gravel, grass, or soil – the typical areas where fox poop tends to accumulate – this innovative tool effectively transforms an unpleasant chore into a far more manageable task. If you’ve also got dogs or cats, this is equally suitable for cleaning up after them.
2. Earth Rated Poop Bags
If you’re using a pooper scooper to pick up fox poop, then it’s extra helpful to stretch a poop bag over the container section to scrape the mess into. This allows you to remove the bag from the container and tie it up without having to clean the scooper before you store it away. It also avoids the risk of poop-to-skin contact.
These lavender-scented poop bags [aff] from Canadian company Earth Rated, are very durable and leak-proof, which is important when you handle the bag and when disposing of it in your garbage can.
Unbagged poop can quickly stink out a garbage can so, depending on your garbage collection schedule, the poop could be sat in your dumpster for a considerable period of time. Fox poop smells really bad so taking measures to disguise the smell should be an important consideration.
Making sure it’s well sealed in a scented bag adds a kind of protective layer, and will ensure you don’t have an unpleasant experience every time you lift the lid to add more garbage.
These particular poop bags come in packs of 300 and are manufactured from 65% recycled material which is biodegradable. They’re convenient to pop in your pocket so are also useful if you own a dog.
3. Rescue Pet Cleaner, Disinfectant & Deodorizer
No doubt you’re familiar with the unpleasant odor of fox feces and urine. However, as well as eliminating the offensive smells, it’s vital to ensure that harmful germs and bacteria are effectively eradicated.
Foxes can harbor various diseases, and while the likelihood of transmission is low, it’s sensible to minimize the risk to children, pets, and ourselves by thoroughly cleaning the affected area.
Rescue Cleaner & Disinfectant [aff] is a popular solution widely used in kennels and catteries for its ability to eliminate bacteria, disinfect, and deodorize. Notably, it’s formulated to be entirely safe for animals.
This makes it an ideal choice for cleaning up fox feces and urine in common areas like driveways, paved surfaces, decking, and artificial turf, without any concerns about potential harm to your pets.
4. Chapin 2-Gallon Pressure Sprayer
Owning a reliable pressure sprayer is an invaluable addition to any gardener’s toolkit, serving a multitude of purposes including spraying weedkiller, mold remover, lawn paint, plant food or simply for watering plants.
In terms of fox poop, a garden sprayer is an easy way of spreading a cleaner/disinfectant product around your affected areas.
This solid Chapin pump action pressure sprayer [aff] is manufactured in the US, making it a popular choice for yards around the country. The long hose and 12″ wand means you can be really accurate when spraying – useful if you want even coverage or have particular areas you need to avoid.
This is the 2 gallon version of the sprayer, but there are also 1 gallon and 3 gallon options, depending on your individual size and strength.
5. Latex-free disposable gloves
Though you can use poop bags turned inside out, you may also feel more confident about picking up after the fox if you’re wearing gloves.
These black Comfy Package gloves [aff] are latex-free, powder-free and are fairly thick, so your hands will be well protected.
Obviously, it’s not easy to get excited over disposable gloves, but these can also be used for a wide-range of jobs like working on your car, gardening or BBQing – making them a useful thing to have lying around.
RESOURCES
Some of the resources below may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We appreciate your use of these links as it helps to keep this website running!
- 1. Broox Ultrasonic Animal Repeller [aff]
- 2. 100% Coyote Urine [aff]
- 3. Foxlights Flashing Night Light [aff]
- 4. Dig Stopper Prickle Strips / Scat Mats [aff]
- 5. Sangean Ultra Rugged Radio [aff]
- 6. Plastic Wall and Fence Spikes [aff]
- 7. Orbit Motion-Activated Water Sprinkler [aff]
- 8. Aspectek Predator Eye Flashing Red LEDs [aff]
- 9. Yard Odor Eliminator Spray [aff]
- 10. Large Fox Statue / Figurine [aff]
Further reading:
- The Top 10 Cat Deterrents For Your Yard – USA
- The Top 5 Fox Deterrents – UK
- 10 reasons foxes come into your garden (and what to do about it)
