Foxes can be a nuisance if they get at your bins, tipping them over and tearing into bin bags in search of food. A home expert has shared how you can best secure your outdoor refuse store from local foxes.
Peak bin raid season
Alastair Mayne, CEO at electric garage door shop Garolla, said it's worth thinking about now as we are in peak bin raid season. 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 warned that things can get quite messy if you don't keep on top of it. Mr Mayne 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."
Seven good habits
The expert urged people to do some "quick checks" to make your home and outdoor spaces "less inviting" over the summer period. Mr Mayne pointed to seven simple habits that can make all the difference:
- Keep garage doors shut when not in use
- Check seals, thresholds and small gaps around garage doors and vents
- Keep bins closed, clean and away from entrances where possible
- Do not leave pet food, bird seed or sweet drinks in garages or outdoor spaces
- Fix leaks, damp patches and standing water quickly
- Store items off the floor and reduce cardboard or cluttered hiding spots
- Clear food waste, spillages and fallen fruit before smells build up
Deterrent scents and other measures
Another tip for deterring foxes is to deploy certain items that they will turn their nose up at. Mr Mayne explained: "Foxes are sensitive to smell, so strong scents such as citrus, vinegar or specialist deterrent sprays can help discourage repeat visits."
But he reminded home owners of what should be their first priority: "However, the most effective step is removing access to food by securing bins and avoiding leaving waste outside overnight." Some more expensive options if you think it's worth the investment include installing motion-activated lights, or even getting professional pest control help if problems persist. But these measures could cost you between £100 and £300, so prevention may be better than cure.
Mr Mayne explained the key things to bear in mind to keep away pests, be they foxes or other unwanted creatures. The expert said: "While different pests are drawn in by different things, the common thread is usually the same: easy access to food, moisture and shelter. 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."
