Fox!

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by Fat Controller, Nov 26, 2017.

  1. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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    We generally encourage wildlife in our garden, and we have many varieties of birds that visit regularly, as well as a couple of squirrels that bounce around our garden, hiding stuff all over the place - all are welcome.

    However, we again have a fox coming as a regular visitor, and this results in our dog going out into the garden and coming back in absolutely stinking - there is an area of the garden that is also stinking, so I think the two of them are quite literally in a p*ssing competition with each other.

    There is NO food out there (apart from bird seed and nuts in the bird feeder), so I can only assume that the fox is either using the garden as shelter, or as a pass-through, but either way I want rid.

    Other than a gun or a trap, is there any way of deterring a fox from entering our garden?
     
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    • wiseowl

      wiseowl FRIENDLY ADMIN Staff Member

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      Good afternoon @Fat Controller my friend do you know the foxes point of entry in to your garden knowing foxes as I do nine times out of ten they will use the same entry spot,they don't like being confused or human chatter,the only advice I can give and it does work ,is to place a small radio Wind up or rechargeable where it enters your garden(it doesn't have to be on loud so it won't annoy your neighbours or yourself, and have it tuned to a talk show channel ,trust me Foxes are Woos friends;)
      3154-1391454847-992f65b895125aaa9817f594a1c57f1f.jpg
       
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      • Irmemac

        Irmemac Total Gardener

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        @Fat Controller are you talking about your garden, or mine?! I have the exact same issues except I don't have a dog! Like you, no food out except bird food. The smell is awful, isn't it? We also get little deposits from them all over the back garden, and patio too :thud:. I once stepped in some and trekked it into the house. The clean up was huge!

        I don't know what to do either, but remember watching a programme a while ago about cats. People were complaining about local cats using their gardens as toilets, and the advice was to put out a bit of food for them, as they will then poop further away from where they are fed. No idea if it will work with foxes, but am thinking of trying it. Can't be worse than it is currently!

        My in-laws have a little electronic deterrent to keep deer out as they like to feast on the shrubbery. Might work for foxes if you have a single accessible entryway. Good luck, and f you find something that works can you let me know?
         
      • Fat Controller

        Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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        Hi @wiseowl - I have no idea where it is getting in; my garden is enclosed on all sides by other gardens, so he is clearly jumping over the fence somewhere. I smelt his presence before I saw him, which only started three or four weeks ago at most; I watched him wander over the patio, quite close to the house the other night - and even when I banged on the door, he only retreated as far as the lawn and even went to venture back when he thought I had gone.

        I like the idea of a radio, but I am not sure how I would keep it dry?

        @Irmemac - I will keep you posted here; likewise if you find something? The smell is bloomin' awful, and I don't know if the dog is rolling in it or what, but it stinks.
         
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        • Jiffy

          Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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          Your dog is trying to rub out the fox's sent by rolling in it

          A fox will eat and poo in the same place

          Fox's are good at climbing over sheds, fences with no problem
           
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          • Fat Controller

            Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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            Is there any way for me to obliterate the fox's scent in the garden (without killing the shrubs that seem to be harbouring the smell), to deter him?
             
          • Jiffy

            Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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            You could try Glarlic water.

            Bicarbonate of soda this will neutralise most smells

            Get some glarlic and break/cut up finely and put into water leave for as long as poss, then put liquid into old spray bottle and spary everywhere
             
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            • Fat Controller

              Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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              I'll give that a shot - thank you @Jiffy
               
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              • Mark56

                Mark56 Super Gardener

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                No joke but I've heard human male urine works. Worth a try right? :dunno: It's generally going to be the same fox as they occupy territories. December is mating season so prepare for more activity and loud screeching
                 
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                • Fat Controller

                  Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                  I have been told that in the past, but I am reluctant, and not just because it is cold outside :snorky: - I don't really want to add to the problem, if you know what I mean? I will do it if that is all that is going to work though.
                   
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                  • pete

                    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                    I get some foxes, and the stink can be strong, I'm guessing it is probably a male fox marking out his territory, agree with @Mark56, try and do your first pee in the morning at the place where the smell is strongest.
                    Wandering around up the garden can be chilly, first thing, this time of the year I know, so put your overcoat on.
                    For those of us that have an outside bog, it's kind of second nature but it does have an effect, on the foxes, ..........and the neighbours.
                     
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                    • Fat Controller

                      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                      I think bottling it, and then taking it outside is more appropriate - there are numerous houses overlooking our garden, and I don't fancy getting arrested for flashing.
                       
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                      • pete

                        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                        And if it works?????
                        what next??????
                        Selling it?:biggrin:
                         
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                        • wiseowl

                          wiseowl FRIENDLY ADMIN Staff Member

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                          I thought that was lead on the roof:heehee:
                           
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                          • Sandy Ground

                            Sandy Ground Total Gardener

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                            From what I know of foxes, I would agree with @wiseowl They would normally enter a garden at ground level, even if that means digging under the fence. If they are coming in over the fence, then that means the way must be easy for them. That is to say, they dont need to jump or climb.

                            So, if you can find out exactly where they are entering, make it difficult for them. That is, put up a barrier that forces them to jump or climb. They should stop entering. By all means use male urine at that point as well.
                             
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