Foxes are known to have a strong sense of smell so experts have shared a simple hack to deter them from your garden for good – without causing them any harm at all
Foxes – a familiar sight across UK cities – can be both a delight and a nuisance in our gardens.
For those with green fingers, foxes might spell trouble, but fear not, as experts have revealed a nifty and wallet-friendly trick to keep these cunning creatures at bay without causing them harm. The solution won’t break the bank, costing a mere 14p, and it leverages the fox’s keen sense of smell.
Sam Jenkinson, a garden building expert from Tiger, said: “Foxes are known to dislike the smell of chilli and garlic, so one way to keep them away is to create a natural fox repellent by infusing them in boiling water and spraying the solution around the garden. Foxes are also known to strongly dislike the scent of coffee or citrus fruits, so leaving leftover coffee grounds or citrus peel around the garden is another good trick.”
With lemons priced at 55p for a pack at Aldi, this method of deterring foxes works out at just 14p per lemon, leaving you with spare change and perhaps some lemons for your next culinary adventure.
To keep foxes at bay, experts advise removing all potential food sources – which is the top lure for these animals into our gardens. This means securing bins tightly, as unsecured rubbish bags left outside are likely to be ripped apart and strewn over the walkways come dawn.
The specialist added: “Bird feeders must also be elevated at least five feet off the ground, and away from shrubs or trees so they are out of reach for foxes. If you grow your fruit and vegetables, make sure crops are well protected with fruit cages and promptly clear away any fallen fruit or seed spillages and if you have pets, feed them indoors and regularly clean up any mess left behind by them.”
During mating season, vigilance against fox dens near homes is even more crucial, as porches and decks can offer prime refuge for foxes raising kits, the Paving Shoppers point out. They emphasise: “Remember, the goal is to deter and not harm, maintaining a balance between protecting your property and respecting wildlife.”
