Can foxes be classified as pests? It really depends on your point of view (and your experiences with these animals). For example, if foxes are ripping your garden apart, then you’ll probably view them as pests. But what can you realistically do about this? Is there a way to stop foxes from digging in your garden, or is this something you just have to live with?
How can you stop foxes causing damage outside?
The first thing to consider is whether you can prevent foxes from getting into your garden in the first place. There are several ways to do this. Foxes enter the garden in one of two ways. Firstly, they jump over your fence. To stop them doing this, you can install steel spikes along the top of the fence. While this isn’t a fool-proof method, it will put the foxes off.
Another way they get in is to burrow under it. To prevent this, an effective fox control solution is installing wire mesh beneath your fence. Dig about 1-2 feet below the fence or wall and place chicken wire. Make sure this is attached to the wall and then fill up the hole. This should stop foxes from digging under the perimeter.
Along with implementing these methods, also make sure there are no other access points into your garden. Look for gaps of any kind that foxes can squeeze through. These should be boarded up or covered in chicken wire.
Make sure you don’t attract foxes into your garden
To deter foxes, and thereby reducing the chance of them digging in your garden, you need to remove any sources of food. Start by covering your compost heap. Next, remove all fallen fruit and berries from trees and bushes. Take in pet food bowls as well, and make sure to clean up after your pet if it has eaten outside. If your dog or cat has left pieces of kibble in the garden, these must be picked up. Foxes can smell the slightest morsel of food and it attracts them. And obviously avoid the pitfalls of feeding foxes in your garden.
If you have a vegetable patch it should be enclosed in wire. Most importantly, dustbins must be covered with a fastening lid. It also helps to place a few bricks on top of your dustbins for good measure. This will also stop foxes from knocking it over. Something else you should do is move your bird feeder. You don’t have to get rid of it entirely, just make sure that it’s well off the ground and has a tray to catch loose food.
Along with the above, there are several other ways to deter foxes. Motion sensing lights and sprinklers are extremely effective. Fox repellent sprays are also good. What you can also experiment with are fox and dog statues. Foxes believe these are real and will be more wary of entering your garden. Ultimately, London foxes are considered pests for a variety of reasons. It is better to take action where you can to stop foxes digging up your garden.