How to Get Rid of Foxes in the Backyard

Foxes often prey on rodents, poultry and pets.

Keeping foxes out of your backyard can be tricky. Repellents are ineffective and may be illegal in your state. Frightening devices, such as noisemakers, may work temporarily, but foxes quickly adapt to them. Some homeowners may choose to shoot the foxes, but your state government may restrict this. If you would rather get rid of foxes more humanely, consider fencing your property or trapping them.

Things You'll Need

• Fence
• Shovel
• Trapping license
• Animal removal permit
• Traps
• Fox scent

Instructions

Environment Modification

1. Eliminate possible food sources for foxes. Keep your garbage can lids secured and do not leave any food outside. Food will not only encourage foxes, it will also encourage mice and other pests, which foxes eat.

2. Pick up any fruit or nuts from trees lying on your ground.

3. Secure chicken coops or other outdoor structures for animals. Foxes can climb, so your chicken coop should have a wire roof. Latch the doors securely at night.

Fencing

1. Fence in your garden and other areas that might be desirable to a fox. If you have a small property, consider fencing in your entire yard. Since foxes climb, consider investing in an electric wire fence.

2. Dig a trench around the area you are fencing. The trench should be 1 to 2 feet deep and 1 foot wide.

3. Place a wire mesh fence into the trench. Arrange it so that an "apron" of mesh extends 1 foot out from the bottom. The fence should have openings no larger than 3 inches.

4. Bury the bottom of the fence.

Trapping

1. Contact your state government to see if you need a trapping license or an animal removal permit to trap foxes. Some types of foxes are protected, such as red foxes. Ask your state government which types of traps are permissible in your area.

2. Set humane cage traps along fox trails or near areas where foxes might go, such as near your garden.

3. Bait the traps with a fox scent, available commercially.

4. Call your local wildlife control officer to safely remove trapped foxes from your property. Do not attempt to remove them yourself; foxes may be infected with rabies and may bite you when you release them.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your pets inside at night if you have foxes in your area.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Red Fox
• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management; Foxes; Robert L. Phillips, et al.; 2005
• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management; Fox Control and Management Information; 2005

Resources

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Red Fox