Foxes have been living in urban areas long before humans ever built cities. In many cases, they can adapt quite well to the hustle and bustle of city life. Foxes are often considered to be pests as they rummage through bins, dig up gardens, and even attack small pets. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to deter foxes from your property.
What Foxes Eat
Well, as it turns out, foxes are omnivores, which means they enjoy a diverse diet of both meat and plants. As well as catching rabbits and rodents, foxes also like to eat on berries and fruit. However, their hunting skills shouldn’t be underestimated – they are also experts at catching birds, frogs, and earthworms.
Believe it or not, most of their diet comes from hunting, not scavenging from humans. An estimated 18% of their diet is from bin raids. However, foxes are lazy and will take advantage of a ‘friendly’ homeowner who provides food.
Breeding Habits of Foxes
Since foxes are relatively solitary animals, they usually spend most of their time alone or in small family groups. Foxes typically only breed once a year, usually in January or early February. In the spring, foxes will often retreat to their dens to give birth. These dens are more substantial than their lairs, and often have several entrances for safety.
How To Deter Foxes
- 1Keep your property free of debris and overgrown vegetation - Not only does this help to keep your yard looking neat and tidy, but it also helps to prevent foxes from taking up residence on your property.
- 2Invest in a metal bin with a secure lid - The foxes will still be able to smell the food, but they won't be able to get to it.
- 3Proof the base of your shed - By filling in any gaps or holes, you'll make it much harder for a fox to squeeze under the shed.
- 4Create or buy a repellent - You can find these online, and they require regular treatment to be effective. In essence, you become the dominant fox by recreating their territory.
- 5Don’t feed the foxes! They can look after themselves.