With fox season fast approaching, it’s time for many to start considering how they will keep these creatures out of their gardens. Foxes can cause disruption and chaos in any garden, but there are ways to prevent them from making your green spaces their new home.
Martin Dooley at MD Carpentry Workshop says the answer could be sitting in the kitchen every morning. Used coffee grounds, often thrown straight in the bin, can act as a natural deterrent that helps protect sheds, fences and garden crops from unwanted fox activity. Scattering coffee grounds in key areas can help deter nighttime visitors from the garden.
Martin said: “Most people make a coffee in the morning and throw the grounds away without a second thought.
“Instead, let them dry out and then sprinkle them around the garden; they can do a great job at putting foxes off. There’s no big effort involved, and you’re making use of something you already have.”
He recommends topping up the grounds regularly to keep the scent noticeable, especially after it has rained.
He added: “It’s a small habit that can save people money in the long run. If a handful of used coffee grounds helps avoid repairing a shed panel or replanting part of a veg bed, it’s well worth doing. It’s simple, natural and doesn’t cost anyone a penny.”
Other fox deterrents
For those who don’t drink coffee, there are a number of other kitchen items that can help deter foxes. The first of which is citrus peels.
Martin said: “Foxes tend to dislike the strong scent of citrus. Scattering leftover lemon, orange or lime peels around sheds, borders and veg beds can make these areas less attractive to them.”
Vinegar spray
A simple mix of white vinegar and water, lightly sprayed around fence lines and common entry points, can create a smell foxes avoid. This cheap method is another that uses items you likely already have in the home.
Garlic or chilli flakes
Martin’s final piece of advice is to use garlic or chilli flakes. He says: “Sprinkling dried garlic granules or chilli flakes in problem areas can help discourage foxes, as the smell is strong enough to put them off without harming plants or wildlife.”
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