Urban foxes might look charming in the garden, but their scavenging habits can quickly turn your outdoor spaces into a chaotic mess. Home expert Alastair Mayne, CEO of garage door specialist Garolla, warns that summer marks peak season for unwanted animal visits.
Fortunately, he has some ideas for how to keep your bins fox-free. He said: "Fox activity can happen year round, but problems tend to peak between June and September, when warmer weather and increased outdoor waste make food sources easier to access." He cautions that failing to secure your outdoor areas can lead to repeated problems.
Simple habits
The expert said: "While they do not usually enter homes, they can cause repeated disruption by tearing open bin bags, scattering rubbish and creating mess around garages, driveways and entry points, as well as damaging plants, digging up garden areas and knocking over outdoor items in the search for food."
To keep wildlife at bay, Mayne suggests adopting seven quick outdoor habits:
- Keep garage doors shut when not in use
- Check seals, thresholds, and small gaps around garage doors and vents
- Keep bins closed, clean, and stored away from entrances where possible
- Remove pet food, bird seed, and sweet drinks from garages and outdoor spaces
- Fix leaks, damp patches, and standing water immediately
- Store items off the floor to eliminate cluttered hiding spots and reduce cardboard
- Clear away food waste, spills, and fallen fruit before scents build up
'Most effective'
Using strong aromas can also act as an extra layer of defence. Mr Mayne explains: "Foxes are sensitive to smell, so strong scents such as citrus, vinegar or specialist deterrent sprays can help discourage repeat visits."
Yet he says basic maintenance should be the priority as "the most effective step is removing access to food by securing bins and avoiding leaving waste outside overnight". You could go for more expensive options, such as motion-controlled lights or hiring pest control, but this can set you back between £100 and £300.
Ultimately, keeping unwanted animals away comes down to controlling the environment. "While different pests are drawn in by different things, the common thread is usually the same: easy access to food, moisture and shelter", Mayne says.
He told home owners: "In summer, even small oversights such as an overflowing bin, standing water or a gap around the garage can be enough to make a property far more appealing. Most pest problems start with simple things people overlook, like a door left open, clutter building up, or a space that is not being kept clean, dry and sealed properly."
