Gardeners can help keep their gardens fox-free using one low-cost tip, experts say. Foxes are impressive and resourceful creatures, but as gardeners will be all too aware of, they aren’t always respectful of your growing plans.
The omnivorous mammals are known for their nocturnal excursions in search of food, but often leave an almighty mess in their wake, knocking over bins and screeching in the small hours. But if you’ve had enough of newly dug holes blighting your lawn and torn up shrubbery, a cheap and easy method can help keep them away. Foxes have a sense of smell comparable to that of dogs, that is to say, far superior to ours. It means they’re extra sensitive to particular scents they don’t like including one type of fruit rind.
However, they lose their pungency after a few days, so you should replace them every now and again if it’s proving effective.
Combat Pest Control offers various tips on its website for keeping the pesky critters at bay, including the use of citrus peelings, from fruits like orange or lemons.
“Foxes do not like the smell of citrus, so placing these peelings around your garden can effectively repel them,” the company explained.
But it’s just one of various approaches homeowners can use to keep them at bay. Experts at artificial grass company Grass247, also recommended the citrus fruit peel trick, as well as other tips that can be effective.
They recommended making sure that any food or bins that may attract cats and foxes are as secure as possible.
“Use compost or food waste bins, ensuring food is tightly enclosed in compostable bags,” they said, adding: “A bin lock or weighted lid can also add protection.”
According to the firm, regularly cleaning bins with soapy water and “spraying them with vinegar or peppermint tea can also help mask lingering food smells” that draw night-time raiders out.
Additionally, simply keeping your garden clean and tidy, and ensuring it isn’t overgrown can help as cats and foxes like using overgrown areas to hide.
A further consideration is getting higher fences, though it’s important to ensure there aren’t gaps in them that animals can easily slip through.
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