For many city dwellers, the sight of a fox with its bright eyes and bushy tail can seem like a charming brush with the wild. However, this perception quickly sours when the animals start digging up flowerbeds, overturning bins, or posing a threat to beloved pets. Experts are warning that these opportunistic creatures are being drawn into our gardens in search of easy food and shelter, leading to a surge in complaints, particularly in the capital.
The Rise of the Brazen Urban Fox
Recent reports from London indicate that urban foxes are exhibiting increasingly fearless behaviour, with some even darting into people's homes. Pest control professionals believe this boldness stems from a fundamental loss of fear towards humans. Compounding the issue is a worrying health trend: cases of foxes suffering from sarcoptic mange, a severe skin condition caused by mites, have skyrocketed. As the breeding season gets underway, the potential for conflict and nuisance only grows.
John Stewart from Pest-Stop has provided a clear, practical guide to prevent foxes from becoming permanent, problematic residents in your outdoor space. His advice centres on making your garden less attractive and accessible to these determined visitors.
Six Key Strategies to Deter Foxes
1. Remove All Food Sources
"Foxes will return time and again if there's food available," Mr Stewart emphasised. Their diet is remarkably varied, encompassing uneaten pet food, waste from insecure bins, small animals like chickens and rabbits, and even insects in the soil. His advice is to clean pet bowls immediately after feeding and to store all food waste in sturdy, lidded bins—preferably metal or robust plastic—rather than in bags that can be easily torn open.
2. Secure Small Pets and Poultry
If you keep chickens, rabbits, or other small animals, their safety must be a priority. Hutches and cages should be well-constructed and placed flat on the ground to prevent foxes from digging underneath the corners. "Weak or raised structures are an open invitation for a hungry fox," Stewart warned.
3. Block Potential Den Sites Early
Foxes often build their dens beneath sheds, decking, or at the bottom of gardens, especially during breeding season. "If you spot a fox starting to dig, act immediately," Stewart advised. Fill any holes and cut back dense vegetation near potential entrance points. However, he cautions that if cubs are already present, the parents will persistently return. In such cases, preventative action must wait until the young have grown and left the den.
4. Install Proper Fencing
Physical barriers remain one of the most effective long-term solutions. A perimeter fence should be at least two metres high to be effective. Adding anti-climb spikes along the top can prevent scaling, and a hard border along pathways can discourage digging. Crucially, any new fencing should be installed only after fox cubs have vacated an area, to avoid trapping young inside or provoking desperate parents.
5. Use Ultrasonic Deterrent Technology
Modern pest control offers humane, high-tech solutions. Ultrasonic deterrents emit frequencies that are unpleasant to animals like foxes but inaudible to humans, making them ideal for residential gardens. They provide continuous protection without chemicals and can be strategically placed where foxes typically enter or dig.
6. Employ Scent-Based Deterrents
Finally, scent repellents can help keep foxes at bay. While commercial products are available, a natural deterrent can be made by mixing chilli powder and garlic in boiling water and spraying it around the garden. "This won't harm the foxes but will discourage them from entering," Stewart explained.
A Growing Urban Phenomenon
The fox issue has become a notable feature of city life, even sparking high-profile disputes. Millionaire businessman David Walsh recently angered neighbours by erecting an electric fence around his £44.5 million Notting Hill mansion, claiming his wife was "scared" of the animals. Meanwhile, former Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman revealed she contracted scabies from a fox that wandered into her home and settled on her sofa.
The creatures have also found unlikely fame on social media, with viral TikTok clips showing them fighting in busy streets, sleeping in central London bushes, and startling tourists. As they continue to adapt to urban living, following expert advice to manage access to food and shelter remains the most effective way to maintain a peaceful coexistence and protect your garden from these clever, but often troublesome, neighbours.
