General description of the fox

Foxes, particularly the red fox, are small to medium-sized canids identifiable by their dense fur, erect triangular ears, and long, bushy tails called "brushes." Foxes are found in many types of environments around the world, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and even urban areas, where they adapt well to human-altered environments. The red fox, for example, is one of the most widespread species, with a range that spans the Northern Hemisphere, covering North America, Europe, and Asia.

Foxes are omnivorous and inquisitive, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, as well as fruits and plants. Their varied diet allows them to adapt easily to different regions, from rural areas to cities. With an excellent sense of hearing, they can detect moving prey, even under snow, and use a characteristic jumping technique to capture their prey by lunging with their front legs.

Socially, foxes are mostly solitary, forming temporary family groups only during the breeding season. Pups are cared for by the mother until they are able to fend for themselves, after about three to four months. Foxes also have a reputation for being cunning, making them iconic figures in various cultures and legends.

Fox

Whether you are a pet owner or simply concerned about protecting your garden and outdoor spaces, foxes can be a real danger. These cunning, nocturnal predators are well known for sneaking into properties in search of food, causing considerable inconvenience. Here is a guide to effectively protect your environment against fox incursions, as the best way to get rid of this animal is to prevent it.

How to Spot a Fox Intrusion

Foxes leave clear signs when they visit a property. Here are some telltale signs which you can find more information about in our Signs of Presence section :

• Digging Tunnels : Foxes are able to dig under fences or wire mesh to enter a garden or under a structure.
• Damage to Structures : If you notice that doors or fences have been forced or damaged, this could indicate an attempted break-in.
• Prints and Droppings : Foxes often leave distinct paw prints and characteristic, long, pointed droppings.
• Presence of Feathers or Hair : If you have animals, the presence of scattered feathers or hair with traces of blood is a clear sign of attack.

Are Foxes Active During Daylight?

Although foxes are primarily nocturnal, they are not limited to nighttime activities. If they are hungry or spot an easy opportunity, they will not hesitate to attack in broad daylight. That is why it is crucial to always secure your property, even during the day.

Securing Your Property Against Foxes

Strengthening Existing Structures

• Solid and Buried Fencing : To prevent foxes from digging under fences, make sure they are buried at least 30 cm deep. For added security, you can also install flagstones along the length of the fence.
• Avoid Easy Openings : Use strong latches on doors and gates, and avoid hook closures that can be easily manipulated.

Protecting Outdoor Spaces

• Electric Fences and Nets : Install electric fences or electrified nets around your property. These devices deter foxes by providing harmless electric shocks that are unpleasant enough to discourage them.
• Wire Mesh Enclosures : If you have a garden or outdoor animals, consider installing a full wire mesh enclosure. Foxes are excellent climbers, so a wire mesh roof is essential to prevent them from jumping over them.

1. Eliminate Food Sources

• Clean up Rubbish : Make sure your rubbish bins are tightly closed and put away any food scraps. Avoid leaving food sources accessible as these attract not only foxes but other pests as well.
• Use Secure Feeders : If you feed birds or other animals outdoors, use feeders that are inaccessible to foxes.

Deter Foxes From Your Property

Olfactory Repellents

• Use Natural Odors : Foxes avoid certain strong odors, such as peppermint, pepper, or garlic. Apply these substances around your property to create an odor barrier.
• Human Hair and Dog Hair : These odors, associated with human or animal presence, can deter foxes from approaching.

Sound Repellents

• Ultrasonic Devices : Install devices that emit ultrasounds, inaudible to humans but unpleasant to foxes. You can also leave a radio on at a low volume to simulate a human presence.

Exterior Lighting

• Motion Sensor Lights : Foxes prefer the dark. Install motion sensors connected to lights to surprise them when they approach your property.

1. A Watchdog

Dog Presence : A guard dog can be one of the most effective ways to deter foxes. Their mere presence, combined with a few barks, will often be enough to keep intruders away.

The dangers and damage caused by foxes

Although they are often fearful of humans, foxes can pose some risks, particularly to pets and livestock, due to their predatory behavior and inquisitive nature.

Risks to pets and livestock

Foxes are opportunistic hunters that typically prey on small animals such as rabbits, rodents and birds. However, they can also pose a risk to domestic animals, particularly small dogs, cats and young farm animals. Unprotected poultry houses are particularly vulnerable to fox attacks, which can result in significant losses for smallholder farmers. Foxes can also come into conflict with dogs, especially if they feel threatened or are protecting their young near a nesting area such as under a porch or shed.

Health risks

Foxes are potential carriers of zoonotic diseases, including rabies, leptospirosis, and tularemia, all of which can be transmitted to humans or pets through bites, scratches, or contact with their droppings. Rabies is particularly dangerous because it can make foxes more aggressive and unpredictable, although this is rare. Fox droppings, often left to mark their territory, can contain parasites or bacteria that pose health risks to humans and pets if they come into contact with these areas.

Material damage

In search of food or a place to hide, foxes can cause damage in gardens by digging up flowerbeds and lawns in search of insects or edible roots. In addition, they can build their dens under structures, damaging the foundations of garden sheds, decks and other outdoor buildings.

Therefore, proactive management and removal of foxes from your property is often necessary to protect your spaces while respectfully coexisting with the surrounding wildlife.

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