There is a natural yet really effective method to keep cats and foxes away from your garden so they stop digging or peeing all over your flowerbeds.
Both animals are used to humans so common detterents like loud noises will not work on them(Image: Getty)
Cats and foxes rule the streets after dark, and while it can be charming watching them slink about, it’s considerably less delightful when they begin frequenting your garden. Many gardeners have a soft spot for both creatures, but these animals can prove a real headache during spring, as they’re prone to digging up freshly turned soil, uprooting bulbs and wreaking havoc on flowerbeds.
Both creatures are fiercely territorial and frequently use gardens as their personal lavatories to mark their patch, which is not only pungent but also contaminates crops such as tomatoes, rendering them unsafe for consumption. Alessandro Vitale, organic gardener and founder of Spicy Moustache, has been battling cats and foxes on London’s streets for years, experimenting with numerous remedies to protect his plants. He’s found that the “most effective” method to repel both foxes and cats is by concocting a homemade herbal solution that sends them running in the opposite direction.
Cats and foxes will stop peeing in gardens if sprayed with an everyday item in spring(Image: Getty)
Alessandro said: “After the even years or so that I’ve been dealing with foxes, I [have] learned a few tips to avoid issues in my garden. I found that plants with a strong smell are ideal to keep foxes away from your garden.”
How can herbs deter cats and foxes from your garden?
Deterring cats and foxes presents a considerable challenge, as their familiarity with humans means loud noises rarely frighten them.
Consequently, most commercially available animal repellent devices simply won’t do the job.
Cats and foxes, however, are naturally programmed to use their keen sense of smell to detect danger, making them far more likely to be deterred by unfamiliar scents, as these signal potential threats in the area, reports the Express.
These creatures also possess extraordinarily sensitive noses, meaning the compounds found in herbs or pungent vegetables such as garlic can frequently overwhelm their senses.
Herbs will genuinely aggravate their nostrils, cause their eyes to water and leave them disorientated. Their natural instinct will be to steer clear of the smell rather than investigate further.
Foxes and cats are more likely to be scared off by strange smells from strong smelling herbs(Image: Getty)
Applying a herbal spray around your garden also conceals the scents that attract foxes and cats in the first place, making it far more likely they’ll swiftly move on in search of more appealing aromas.
Preparing a herbal solution is remarkably straightforward, requires minimal effort, and offers a humane method of protecting your plants from troublesome foxes and cats.
How to make a herb remedy that deters cats and foxes
You will need:
Method:
Begin by placing the water in a saucepan over a low-to-medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
Finely chop the basil, geranium and sage leaves before adding them to the water. Fresh herb leaves from a living plant are essential, as they’ll be considerably more potent than dried alternatives.
Next, chop four garlic cloves and add them to the water. An onion can also be diced and added to the mixture, though it will work perfectly well without one.
Once all ingredients are combined in the pan, reduce to a low heat, cover with a lid and allow everything to infuse for approximately 30 minutes.
Once the time has elapsed, switch off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down entirely. Afterwards, strain the liquid to remove the solids from the water.
Transfer the liquid into an empty spray bottle and use it to treat areas of the garden you want to safeguard.
Scatter the solid remnants on top of fences, around gates, or anywhere you believe cats and foxes are gaining access to your property.
Spray the solution around your garden and your plants should stay safe from foxes and cats(Image: Getty)
Reapply the solution weekly or following rainfall, and foxes and cats should cease entering your garden.
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