Pest Control Fact Sheets

Foxes

Humane fox deterrents

Scent Repellents

Important: Renardine is no longer available and should not be used.

Scoot

Scoot is an entirely non-toxic spray and carries only a mild ammonium smell. Its effects are similar to those of Renardine but they are achieved differently. The product reacts when an animal scent marks by urinating or fouling onto it.

The chemical reaction causes the 'wrong' scent to arise and any territorial animal will suppose another animal is threatening the territory by over scenting its own scent. It can be applied directly onto vegetation and is particularly suitable for lawns as it can be applied inexpensively over a wide area.

Works well against fouling, urinating and scent marking.

Stay Off

Stay Off is similar to Scoot and is used in the same way.

Get Off My Garden

Get Off My Garden are entirely non-toxic jelly granules that carry only a mild citronella smell. Its effects are similar to those of Renardine, but it is shorter lived, particularly in bright sunlight or in wet conditions.

A good alternative to Renardine as it may be used close to human accommodation.

Wash Off and Get Off

Wash Off and Get Off is a non-toxic citronella scented spray that neutralises scent marking and urine smells. It is particularly useful against persistent fouling and, unlike most other repellents, may be used on hard surfaces.

Treatment procedures

Shallow foraging scrapes

Shallow scrapes dug into lawns and flowerbeds as foxes forage for food, such as worms, grubs and beetles, are particularly common in late summer.

To avoid staining grass Get Off My Garden granules can be used by squirting liberally into each scrape. The scrapes can then be filled in. Do not fill in holes if you cannot see the bottom.

Plant damage

Plant damage is usually caused by foxes trying to reach grubs around plant roots or by playful cubs chewing and tugging out plants. Recently dug soil is especially attractive as it is easier to dig and the use of bone meal or other animal based fertiliser's causes foxes to think that carrion is buried underneath.

Some problems can be resolved simply by changing the fertiliser used, alternatively use Get Off My Garden around the plants.

Fouling

Foxes use their droppings as a signal to other foxes. For this reason they do not bury them and often place them in prominent positions such as on high ground, footpaths and on objects left in the garden.

Fouling is relatively easy to prevent and a squirt of Get off My Garden placed on or next to each dropping will usually break the habit. For fouling on lawns use Scoot as per manufacturer's recommendations. On paths, patios and other hard surfaces use Wash Off and Get Off.

Fox earths

If the 'earth' is very close to human habitation use Get Off My Garden or Scoot in and around the access points. Under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 it is illegal to block a fox inside its earth by filling in the entrance. It is therefore essential that the earth is empty before filling in the holes.

Placing twigs across each entrance hole in such a way that they would be disturbed if the hole was used can easily check this. Check the sticks daily and when 3 nights have passed without disturbance you may assume it is safe to fill in the holes.

From February to April checks must be made daily for 10 days as a vixen could stay below ground for that length of time if nursing newborn cubs. After treating a territory with scent repellents a temporary increase in fouling or scent marking is sometimes experienced.

This is because a 'scent marking war' has been started. A fox will take the alien smells to be those of a rival animal and try to defend or regain the territory by aggressive scenting. If this occurs, it is usually only for a short period.

Although repellents sometimes have an immediate effect on foxes it is more usual for them to have a cumulative psychological effect. In order to prevent a fox reclaiming its territory it is advisable to remove any faeces on a daily basis.

Other repellents

Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic devices (electrical devices that give off a high pitched sound inaudible to humans) were found to be largely ineffective against foxes.

Water scarecrow

The Water scarecrow is a gadget that reacts to movement in the garden and shoots water in the direction of that movement. It can be turned on and off as necessary and is also effective against cats.

It frightens the animals away without harming them. This gadget was very effective against foxes when used to protect entire gardens.

Availability

Recommended repellents are widely available from garden centres and hardware stores, or on the internet. These products include 'Scoot', 'Stay Off', 'Get off my Garden (crystals)', 'Wash Off and Get Off' and 'Scarecrow'.