Fox Guide
Foxes are a common sight across the UK, from the countryside to urban areas. While they might seem like fascinating creatures, they can cause various problems for homeowners and businesses alike. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about foxes, why control is necessary, and how you can prevent or deal with them.
THE DANGERS
Why we control Foxes
Foxes are opportunistic feeders, and while they primarily feed on small animals, they won’t hesitate to rummage through bins or enter properties in search of food.
This behaviour can result in health risks and property damage. Foxes can also be carriers of disease, making them a potential danger to both humans and pets. Controlling fox populations in certain areas is essential for preventing such issues.
Pathogens and Disease
Foxes are known carriers of several diseases, including sarcoptic mange, which can be passed on to pets, and leptospirosis, which can be transmitted through their urine. They can also carry parasites like ticks and fleas, which can spread to pets and humans. In rare cases, foxes can be infected with rabies, although the UK is rabies-free.
Foxes around Homes and Businesses
Foxes are notorious for causing property damage. They dig holes in gardens, tear open bin bags, and sometimes even nest under sheds or decking. If they feel threatened, they may attack small pets or livestock. Their presence can also attract other pests, as the scent of food left behind may lure rodents.
Foxes are often drawn to areas where food waste is accessible, making restaurants, takeaways, and businesses with poorly managed waste prime targets. They can cause sanitation issues and damage to commercial properties, including digging, scavenging, and defecating around premises.
In residential areas, foxes pose a threat by scavenging through bins and gardens. They can disturb pets, create noise during mating season, and cause general mess and damage. Homes with easy access to food or shelter are more likely to attract foxes.
Did you know:
Foxes can leap up to 2 metres high and easily scale fences, making them agile intruders in both urban and rural settings.
Fox BIOLOGY
TYPES OF FOX IN THE UK
The UK is home to one primary species of fox: the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). It's adaptable and can thrive in both rural and urban environments.
The red fox is easily recognisable by its reddish coat, bushy tail, and white underbelly. There are regional colour variations, but the red fox remains the most common species.
WHEN ARE FOXES MOST ACTIVE
Fox activity peaks during mating season, which runs from December to February. During this time, foxes are more vocal and may travel further in search of mates. In spring and early summer, vixens (female foxes) may become more protective as they raise their cubs, leading to increased sightings near nesting sites.
SIGNS FOXES ARE AROUND
Foxes are often most active at night, making it difficult to spot them directly. However, tell-tale signs include:
- Strong, musky scent in the area
- Scattered bin contents
- Tracks or prints (narrow and oval)
- Holes dug in the garden
- Fox droppings (dark, twisted with bits of fur or bone visible)
Did you know:
Foxes are excellent diggers and may create dens (also known as earths) under sheds, in gardens, or even in the foundations of buildings.
MANAGING FOXES
PREVENTING FOXES
Preventing foxes from becoming a problem starts with making your home or business less attractive to them:
Secure bins and food waste: Use fox-proof bins or securely fasten lids to prevent access.
Seal entry points: Block off any gaps under sheds, decking, or other potential denning areas.
Remove food sources: Avoid feeding pets outside or leaving food scraps.
Install deterrents: Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can help deter foxes.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Managing waste is crucial in fox prevention. Ensure bins are always secured and never leave food waste in open bags or containers. Compost should also be stored securely to prevent it becoming an easy food source.
FOXES AND THE LAW
ARE FOXES PROTECTED?
Foxes are not a protected species in the UK, meaning it is legal to control them as long as it's done humanely. The use of inhumane methods such as poison or unapproved traps is illegal.
FOX CONTROL LEGISLATION
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 ensures that all animals, including foxes, must not be subjected to unnecessary suffering.
Methods like poisoning, illegal traps, or causing undue harm are prohibited. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Hunting Act 2004 also regulate control methods, banning inhumane practices such as hunting foxes with dogs, though shooting or trapping foxes is allowed if carried out responsibly.
Shooting is legal with the appropriate firearms licence, while live traps can be used, but foxes must be humanely dealt with afterward. Poisoning foxes is strictly illegal.
Local councils may have additional guidelines, so it's worth checking for any specific restrictions in urban areas. For difficult or persistent fox problems, contacting a professional pest control service is advised.
DIY FOX CONTROL
If you have a fox problem, there are several steps you can take. However, you should never use illegal methods such as poison. Humane traps, professional deterrents, or contacting pest control professionals are the best ways to deal with a persistent fox issue.
DIY solutions like installing fencing or using strong-smelling repellents (e.g., garlic, chilli powder, or commercial fox deterrents) can help deter foxes from gardens. However, these methods can be hit or miss, as foxes are clever and persistent animals.
PROFESSIONAL FOX CONTROL
For ongoing or severe problems, professional pest control services are the best option. Professionals can offer safe and humane solutions, including live trapping and deterrence, ensuring that your home or business remains fox-free.
