February marks the start of mating season for foxes in the UK, and these clever creatures can become particularly problematic.
While not typically aggressive, foxes can start marking their territory, rummaging through bins, and causing general mayhem as they search for food.
But there’s a simple, cost-effective solution that could keep your garden fox-free this month.
Adeel Ul-haq, owner of ComfyBeds, warned: “Foxes may look cute but can make a mess in your garden, which can attract other rodents such as mice and rats.
“Foxes can also carry diseases that can affect humans, so you don’t want them anywhere near you or your family.”
Foxes have a keen sense of smell and will often venture into gardens where food is readily available.
They are notorious for raiding bins and digging through compost heaps, and once they find a reliable food source, they may return again and again.
To keep them at bay, ensure your bins are sealed tightly, and if needed, secure the lids with a bungee cord. For extra protection, you can double-wrap your food waste in sealed bags to mask the smell.
However, naturally-occurring food sources in your garden might be the reason foxes appear in the first place.
“If you have fallen fruits, nuts or even vegetables or bulbs growing in your garden they will eat them,” explained Adeel.
Apples, pears, and plums can become a feast for foxes, so be sure to collect fallen produce regularly. So, the real game-changer is a natural, low-cost solution that costs just £1 from retailers like Tesco and Asda.
Adele pointed out: “You don’t want to harm them, so using a natural deterrent is a great way to keep them away. This helps prevent the spread of disease and stops them disrupting your sleep with their howling at night.”
Cayenne pepper, which contains capsaicin – the active ingredient that gives it its spice – is an effective, budget-friendly fox repellent.
The capsaicin irritates the foxes’ eyes, nasal passages, and mucous membranes, causing discomfort without harming them.
Simply mix the pepper with water and spray it around your garden, focusing on the entry points.
“When foxes sniff or come into contact with cayenne pepper, it irritates their trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensing pain and irritation,” explained Adeel.
This burning sensation is enough to send them running without causing any long-term harm.