Foxes

Foxes

Worried about foxes?

The recent media coverage of an alleged fox attack on young children has concentrated the public’s awareness on the issues surrounding foxes and their status as pests.

Foxes are now a common sight in London. While some residents welcome them as an interesting addition to the capital's wildlife, others view them as pests who cause a multitude of problems.

Most complaints about foxes relate to their presence in gardens. Residents can do a lot themselves to deter foxes.

· House domestic pets and poultry in fox-proof accommodation.
· Don't feed household pets in the garden.
· Don't put meat and household waste on compost heaps.
· Store refuse in containers or dustbins. Do not leave just outside in plastic bags. Preferably do not put refuse out until the day of collection.
· Do not leave food out for foxes as this will only increase the number of foxes the area will sustain.

The council has no statutory powers or legal right to eradicate foxes on private or other land.  As with any pest, responsibility for dealing with foxes lies with the landowner and householders are strongly advised to contact a pest control company that specialises in this area if they have a problem.

How can I deal with my fox problem?

Problems like fox noise, are seasonal and last for just a couple of weeks.

Fox attacks on humans are extremely rare. If you are concerned about leaving young children or babies sleeping or playing inside a room because foxes have been seen in your area or the street, there are a few precautions you might take: 

·        Do not leave ground-floor windows or those immediately above a flat roof wide open. Leaving the windows open just 2 -3 inches will ensure a fox is not able to gain access.
·        Do not leave French windows or external ground-floor doors open, especially after dark
·        Do not make your home or garden attractive to foxes. Store household refuse in metal bins, with secure tops.
·        Do not leave pet-food out in the garden or on a balcony
·        Never leave household refuse out on the street or in a side-way overnight. Only put your refuse out on the right collection day.
·        Never be tempted to use rags soaked in creosote or petrol. Such methods are potentially dangerous and are illegal.
·        Clear overgrown gardens which could provide resting areas, and make sure there is no food available on compost heaps
·        Don’t use fertilisers containing blood, fish and bone meal as they will attract foxes.
·        If you have foxes living in your garden you can use an animal repellent (Scoot, Stay Off, Get off My Garden, Wash Off and Get Off).
·        Always read and follow the manufacturers’ instructions for animal repellents.  

Success with repellents requires persistence. Foxes will not vacate their territory easily. Problems with scent marking and faeces may get worse before they improve. Foxes will increase their scent marking if their territory is threatened. Successfully deterring foxes will require constant re-application of the repellent, often for weeks, before the foxes give up and move on.

If you have a den in your garden or on your land you can block the entrance, but you should only ever use soft soil whilst there are cubs around. You must be sure the den is completely vacated before blocking it with rubble or cement.

You should not trap foxes inside their den. It is illegal to do so. Nor should you be tempted to lay poison or put poisoned food for foxes. To do so puts other people and wildlife at risk. Moreover, the penalties for doing so are considerable and include fines of around £20,000 and or a possible jail sentence.

If you require further advice, please contact us on 0208 753 1081 or for further advice: http://www.thefoxwebsite.org/