Have you recently discovered that your neighbor is feeding the fox next door? Feeding them isn’t actually illegal, but problems can arise when it encourages them to show up more often, try to get into the bin, dig in the garden and upset your pet – and don’t forget the noise during mating season!
Foxes are now a common sight in both urban and rural areas, and they will frequent our gardens and parks even at night without us knowing. They are scavengers, and if you see them in your garden or in the neighborhood it is because they have found a food source, or are being fed.
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1. Talk to your neighbor in a friendly manner
(Image credit: Getty Images/Paul Williams)
If you have a good relationship with your neighbors, it will help. It’s always best to approach situations like this in a lighthearted way, even if you’re a little annoyed by the situation.
Martin Edwards, director HCB Widows Masons Agrees, ‘It’s best to start by having a friendly conversation with your neighbour, explain any concerns such as noise, disturbance or foxes coming onto your property and ask if they would be willing to stop or reduce feeding them. In many cases, neighbors may not understand the impact their actions are having.’
If they are out, then drop a polite note or write a letter outlining your concerns and invite them to discuss the issue. ‘Even after the conversation, it can be helpful to keep a written record of any communication in case the situation escalates,’ adds Martin.
2. Remove food
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Even if you don’t feed the foxes, they will still come to scavenge your garden. There are several things you can do to eliminate them, and that is advice that can be given to your neighbor.
‘You can humanely discourage foxes by removing food sources from your own property. If foxes are frequent visitors, it’s a good idea to talk to your neighbors to make sure they are aware of potential problems and are taking similar measures,’ advises Rebecca Machin, Wildlife expert of RSPCA.
If you are growing fruit and vegetablesProtect them with a chicken wire frame, and if you have fruit trees, make sure you pick up the fallen fruit every day. Foxes also love to dig up bulbsSo use a cloche to keep them at bay. Keep bins and composters tightly closed; If the lid can be easily reversed by a clever fox, then choose a design with a secure top. We love Amazon’s Crystals 65L Garden Compost Rolling Bin, £28.97It is completely fake-proof.
If you keep rabbits or chickens, keep them in a secure enclosure with a solid roof and floor. Foxes are diggers, so they can easily get under fences. Ensure that the base of any fencing is at least 30cm. Another major temptation, according to the RSPCA, is using garden fertilizers that contain animal products; Stick to plant-based solutions instead, and It is illegal to use pesticides to keep foxes at bay.
3. Remove shelter
(Image credit: Future plc/David Giles)
Foxes will naturally look for somewhere warm and dry to make a ‘den’, especially when they are young on the way. A shed can be that place and is used as a breeding ground. They don’t like drafts, however, if there are signs that they were there, remove anything that could be considered ‘comfortable’ and feel more exposed.
Greenhouses, garages and other outbuildings can also be attractions; Check out flooring If they are managing to come down and block as best as possible. Ask your neighbor to check these places too.
4. Add inhibitor
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Another useful step is to add some deterrent – this could be planting thorny plants where you think they’re getting in.
Consider the choices of holly, rose bushes, barberry and hawthorn, we also like gorse as it is fragrant and produces bright yellow flowers all year round, Amazon have Five gorse hedging bushes for £18.99 Which is a great value purchase.
Animal repellents are a good option if you don’t have pets – you don’t want yours to get out! is a natural approach Amazon’s Crystal Opus Fox Repellent, £9.99It’s a mixture of citronella, chilli and garlic, you just need to dilute it with tap water and spray where you think foxes are coming in.
You can ‘level’ your barriers by adding ultrasonic repellants that emit frequencies uncomfortable for foxes. B&Q’s Pastebuy Twin Pack Battery Powered Faux Ultrasonic Repellent, £29.99 There is a frequency dial that works well with constant use.
5. Report the problem
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If you’ve removed lures and added deterrents to your garden and your neighbor isn’t forthcoming, then it might be time to move on a little.
‘Feeding foxes is not illegal in the UK, but it can become a nuisance if it leads to increased activity or disturbance,’ says Martin. ‘If the behavior is causing a significant and ongoing problem – such as excessive noise, property damage or health concerns, it can potentially be considered a statutory nuisance.’
The next steps include contacting your local council who will come round and investigate.
‘As a last resort, if the problem cannot be resolved informally, you may need to seek legal advice to explore your options,’ advises Martin.
Shop the essentials to help prevent foxes
GG
6 Pack Prickle Strips Animal Repellent
Perfect for cats and foxes, these durable plastic black mats have 2.7cm high spikes to prevent them from climbing over fences and buildings.
PestBye®
Jet Sprayer Battery Operated Motion Activated Cat Scarer and Repellent
This clever repeller emits a five-second burst of water to scare off animals like foxes and cats. You can attach it to your own hose and spray only when triggered. It can cover at least 100 sq m so it is good for gardens of all sizes.
common
Solar Animal Repeller Outdoor with Red LED Light, 4 Pack
Ideal for nocturnal animals, this repeller has two large strobe lights that will scare off many animals, including foxes. You can install it anywhere – be it a fence, wall or under a shed.
FAQs
Can you stop the neighbors from feeding the fox?
Although it is not illegal to feed foxes, they can bring mange pests, attract rodents and make a mess to dig and pick up. You can report problems to Environmental Health if your neighbor is leaving food for them. However the council will not trap them as they are not considered pests DEFRA.
Are foxes classified as vermin?
Foxes are not considered pests in the UK and are protected by legislation such as the Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996. They are also protected from inhumane treatment such as trapping, gassing and poisoning.
‘Foxes are wonderful animals, so it’s no surprise that many animal lovers enjoy seeing them or want to encourage visits to their gardens,’ says Rebecca, but still, if they’re causing problems, it’s best to have a chat with your neighbour.
While having a neighbor who feeds foxes can be problematic and attract them to your own garden, you can simply follow our guide on how to keep them out of your property.
