How to Stop Foxes from Digging

stop foxes from digging

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While some pests are notorious for coming after human properties, others only tend to exhibit some annoying characteristics that humans do not find very acceptable. One of such animal is the fox, known to be both clever and annoying.

Foxes are adorable animals, and although they have not been domesticated, they often seek human companionship at times. There have been many cases where people adopt foxes as pets, while others tend to allow them close to homes. However, despite their endearing nature, they have one very annoying character; they like to dig.

Have you ever noticed strange holes dug in and around your yard? Not all of them are rodent attacks. In fact, you may have a fox around, and they often end up digging more of these holes.

Knowing how to stop foxes from digging is a rare skill few people possess. But it is one you may need to learn if you have these animals damaging your yard while scavenging. This article will explain the type of animals foxes are, why they dig, and how to stop them from digging in your yard.

What is a Fox?

Foxes are medium-sized animals from the Canidae family and are unique for their long bushy tails. These animals are omnivorous, meaning they can feed on plants and flesh without gully depending on either for survival. Although they share many similarities with cats, they are canines, meaning they are more related to dogs than cats.

There are about 40 different fox species across all the continents except Antarctica. Twelve of these species belong to the genus Vulpes, commonly referred to as “true fox,” while others are either extinct or belong to other subgroups. The red fox is the most common species, the largest and most widely distributed of the true foxes.

They are also the most likely to attend to human habitats. They are often mistaken for other animals, but they have specific unique physical features that include;

  • Size: The red fox is often between 45 – 90cm long and can reach heights of 35 – 50cm. Adults can also grow to weigh up to 14kg in their relatively short lifespan, usually between 3 – 4 years.
  • Color: Foxes can carry many different colors depending on their species. But the typical red fox has light orange to dark reddish brown colors. Other species have colors like white, brown, black, etc.
  • Facial Features: Foxes have a distinct triangular face characterized by two pointy ears, eyes, and a black nose at the top of their often whitish snout.
  • Body Features: A fox’s body is mainly covered with a pelage of soft hairs. It has long legs designed for fast running, with retractable claws at the end of each leg. Foxes have whiskers on their legs which they use to navigate their environment and find their way through tall grasses.
  • Tail: A fox’s tail is one of its most distinct features. Its long bushy tail is used to gain balance while running, cover its bare belly during cold seasons, and communicate with other foxes.
stop foxes from digging

Pestilent Behaviors of Fox

Foxes are not traditional pests. In fact, many people like to keep them around as they often prey on regular pests like rodents that cause more havoc. However, these seemingly delightful animals can often be a handful around your property. Foxes have a few pestilent behaviors that humans may find appalling, including their disturbing raspy barks and the unwanted holes they dig in gardens.

Foxes are known to dig the ground while scavenging for earthworms, grubs, and other underground animals they find delicious. They are also brilliant and can often dig holes to hide food from other scavengers. But they often tend to destroy plants or leave unwanted holes in yards while carrying out these activities, promoting a need for human intervention.

stop foxes from digging

How to Stop Foxes from Digging

While foxes are not natural domestic pests, they can often cause unspeakable damage in gardens. Garden owners have raised concerns following the rise in the population of urban foxes. However, it is only ideal that you learn how to keep these wise critters away from your beloved garden. Here are some of the best ways to stop foxes from digging.

  • Motion Lights: One of the best ways to keep foxes out of your garden is by installing motion lights. These lights often come on when motion is detected under its range, scaring nocturnal animals like foxes away from the perimeter.
  • Motion Activated Sprinklers: Foxes are not fond of getting wet and will often hide from the rain. Hence, water sprinklers are excellent deterrents. A motion-activated sprinkler is triggered by motion within its perimeter, forcing it to release a rush of water that chase animals away.
  • Sound Traps: Animals like foxes have a heightened sense of hearing that can pick up sounds humans can’t hear. An electric deterrent is an electronic device that emits high-pitched noises repulsive to animals but cannot be heard by humans. These sounds irritate their earbuds and often keep them away from the perimeter.
  • Smell Traps: You can attack the problem fox’s sense of smell by filling your garden with ingredients that have offensive odors. A typical fox smell trap is a blend of chili and garlic. Apply this mixture around your garden, and the smell keeps intruding animals away.
stop foxes from digging

Do Foxes Attack Humans?

Foxes are not naturally aggressive, which means they will not confront humans. However, they may become more violent when threatened or rabid, which can only occur in the rarest conditions.

Foxes are more scared of humans on a regular day and would rather flee than risk a confrontation. If you encounter a fox that won’t go away, you can scare it off by making a clap sound or gesturing any object towards it.

stop foxes from digging

Conclusion

Foxes are not your everyday urban companion, but they can often make their way into human communities in search of food or shelter. In such cases, you may witness them digging holes in your gardens and damaging flowers as they scavenge for earthworms and grubs.

Getting rid of these critters may be tricky, but this article has explained how to stop foxes from digging.

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