Bold foxes can be scared away by loud noises, water hoses, water guns and thrown objects, says the Humane Society.
Human presence often is a deterrent to foxes. Foxes that travel into residential yards can be harassed or scared with loud noises, bright lights, or spraying water from a hose. Disturbing a den site physically or with unnatural odors during spring may prompt foxes to move to another den which may be farther away.
Human Voices and Loud Noises
They are scared easily and will quickly run away if they sense a threat. Start talking loudly, shouting, or screaming whenever you hear foxes on your property.
Coyotes are naturally the greatest enemy to foxes even though they belong to the same group. These two Canidae family members fight whenever they come in close range with each other.
Foxes are scared of humans as we are their biggest predators. Foxes would not bite a human unless cornered and attacked. An overly tame fox may have been previously kept as a pet or may be ill with toxoplasmosis which makes the fox lose their instinctual fear.
Try to stand well away so the fox can see that it can get away and you aren't a threat to it. What if a Fox Attacks Me? If you are attacked or bitten by a fox, try your best to stay calm. The fox might run away, but if it doesn't, try making a loud noise or even clapping to scare it away.
They can be easily scared, so a sudden light or burst of water can help to get rid of foxes in your garden. Be aware that they may get used to this method so you might like to try a variety of tactics, with motion sensors being one.
Motion-activated water sprayers, sonic devices and odour repellents are all effective methods of keeping foxes away. Be sure to use products that are approved for use in gardens, as some of the more unpleasant repellents can be harmful to animals.
Do Foxes Attack Dogs or Cats? Fox attacks on dogs are rare because these animals try to evade conflict. However, they will defend themselves against a dog if cornered. Adult cats are usually safe, but a fox may hunt and prey on kittens.
Foxes love the darkness. The last thing they will want is a bright light suddenly and unexpectedly switching on. You can install motion activated outdoor lights that are cheap and easy to install. They also have the great added bonus of deterring burglars.
White vinegar contains a lot of acetic acid which carries a particularly strong and potent smell. Foxes hate the smell because it messes with their sensitive olfactory glands. You can mix up a water and white vinegar solution and spay your bins and property with it although, this will need to be reapplied.
Although the red fox tends to kill smaller predators, including other fox species, it is vulnerable to attack from larger predators, such as wolves, coyotes, golden jackals, large predatory birds such as golden eagles and Eurasian eagle owls, and medium- and large-sized felids.
Add lights to your garden
'They will often get spooked and run away if any sudden lighting appears. ' You could invest in some good garden lighting ideas. But, there is an alternative option that is more likely to startle foxes – a motion-activated light.
Foxes favor strong-smelling or super sweet foods like fish (fresh or canned), chicken, meat, and sugar-coated vegetables.
Hunger may cause a fox to attack in ways they otherwise would not. Larger dogs and cats, and even children have been attacked by very desperate foxes. This is so rare, though, that it should not be a major concern. Acclimation to humans is another cause of aggression.
The largest threats to the red fox population include habitat loss and fragmentation, exploitation and hunting. In the early 1900s, red foxes were routinely hunted, as well as raised, for their fur. Red fox fur was one of the most in-demand furs on the market, second only to mink.
Foxes despise strong and sour vinegar smell because it disturbs their olfactory glands and reduces their smell capabilities. Make a water solution of white vinegar and spray buildings and equipment on your property. Remember that rain removes traces of this solution, so you should reapply it occasionally.
Dogs have the advantage of having more muscular bodies than foxes. While both are canines, dogs have superior bite strength. Stronger jaws, more muscle, and high endurance give dogs the advantage one-on-one. Dogs also have an acute and advanced sense of smell.
Foxes are far too small to prey on a dog, or even a cat. There are a few cases of foxes fighting with cats or dogs— occasionally leading to the death of one of the animals— but these cases occur exclusively when the fox gets cornered by the pet and lashes out in defense.
The strong scent from human male urine (and only male urine) masks a male fox's pungent scent, and can often force them out. But you can buy urea-based products that do the same job (and won't upset your cat). The best can be expensive, so ask at a garden centre, or seek advice from the National Fox Welfare Society.
Cats, Foxes, Rabbits
And it doesn't seem to deter foxes either. Has put off a few pet rabbits of my acquaintance though. Remember not to use coffee grounds too close to a seed bed or seedlings or germination and growth could be affected.
Scent-based Deterrents
Another scent-based deterrent is citrus peelings, such as orange or lemon peels. Foxes do not like the smell of citrus, so placing these peelings around your garden can effectively repel them.
Radio noise at night
They get spooked by the constant chatter and are more likely to stay away from your garden. Leave a water resistant radio on in your garden at night (at a low volume so as not to disturb the neighbours) will convince foxes there are humans around. This can effectively keep them away.
Foxes become aggressive when they feel threatened and will bite, scratch, and claw to protect their dens and young. Additionally, foxes are known carriers of rabies.
Tea bags have a strong smell that most cats and foxes dislike, making them an effective deterrent. Anna Hall suggested: “Scatter a few tea bags around your garden.