Foxes are becoming an increasing nuisance for British gardeners, with research showing the red fox was the most sighted wild animal in the UK last year, alongside rabbits. Over the past 25 years, foxes have moved into 91% of urban areas previously predicted to support few or none. The adult spring population stands at around 240,000, boosted each April and May by approximately 425,000 cubs.
Experts note that foxes are growing bolder in urban settings as they become more accustomed to humans. To deter them without harm, simple kitchen ingredients can be effective. Eric Michels, head of products for bird feeder experts Vivara and CJ Wildlife, suggests using spices that foxes dislike due to their strong sense of smell.
Speaking to Woman & Home, Michels advised: "If you're still seeing evidence of unwanted visitors at night, then you can humanely deter foxes by sprinkling certain spices around the perimeter of your outdoor living space. Spices such as cayenne pepper, peppermint and garlic, as the smell will put them off. You can also infuse the spices in boiling water, and then spritz around the garden as an additional repellent."
Oliver Hill, founder of plant tracker app GardenList, agrees that foxes dislike spicy smells. He recommends: "Spraying a mixture of garlic, chilli pepper and water around the perimeter of the garden can deter foxes." The capsaicin compound in chilli is particularly off-putting to foxes.
Other methods include clearing food sources, covering vegetable plots, securing rubbish, and maintaining the garden. Using natural deterrents avoids harming birds and insects, aligning with the rewilding trend.
