Fox Management & Control
Humane solutions for fox conflicts in urban and suburban areas
About Foxes
Foxes are highly adaptable members of the canid family that have successfully established themselves in urban and suburban environments. In our service areas, the two most common species are the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), each with distinct characteristics and behaviors.
Size & Appearance
Medium-sized canids weighing 8-15 pounds with bushy tails. Red foxes have reddish-orange fur with white undersides and black leg "stockings," while gray foxes have a salt-and-pepper gray coat with reddish sides and a black-tipped tail.
Behavior
Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), though may be seen during daylight. Gray foxes have the unique ability among canids to climb trees. Both species create dens for raising young.
Diet
Omnivorous diet consisting of small rodents, rabbits, birds, insects, fruits, berries, and occasionally human food waste. Urban foxes may scavenge pet food left outdoors.
Reproduction
Foxes breed during winter with 4-5 kits born in spring. Kits emerge from the den at 4-5 weeks of age and disperse in autumn. Fox families use multiple den sites within their territory.
Common Fox Conflicts
Denning Issues
- Den creation under decks, porches, sheds, and outbuildings
- Protective behavior when raising young near homes
- Noise and odor issues from active den sites
- Digging and debris around den entrances
Pet & Livestock Concerns
- Predation risk to small pets like cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs
- Attacks on poultry and small livestock
- Attraction to areas with pet food left outdoors
- Territorial interactions with dogs, especially during breeding season
Property & Health Issues
- Damage to gardens, lawns, and landscaping while hunting for prey
- Scattered garbage from raiding trash containers
- Potential carriers of diseases and parasites, including mange
- Bold behavior from habituated foxes in residential areas
Our Fox Management Approach
We use effective, humane methods to resolve fox conflicts and prevent future problems.
Assessment & Planning
We conduct a thorough evaluation of fox activity and develop a customized management plan:
- Property inspection for fox activity, den sites, and entry points
- Identification of attractants and risk assessment
- Development of a comprehensive management strategy
Humane Removal
When necessary, we safely and humanely remove foxes from your property:
- Humane trapping using species-appropriate methods
- Safe relocation in accordance with state regulations
- Careful consideration of seasonal factors and presence of young
Exclusion & Prevention
We implement measures to prevent future fox problems:
- Installation of fox-proof barriers around vulnerable areas
- Removal of attractants through habitat modification
- Education on long-term prevention strategies
Important: During spring (April-June), we take special precautions to check for the presence of fox kits in dens. If kits are present, we typically recommend temporary hazing and exclusion approaches until the kits are mobile enough to relocate with their parents, usually by mid-summer.
Fox Prevention Strategies
Our specialists will help you implement these effective preventative measures:
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Den Exclusion
Installing heavy-duty L-shaped barriers around decks, sheds, and crawlspaces to prevent fox access. These barriers extend at least 12 inches below ground and 12 inches outward to prevent digging underneath.
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Food Management
Securing potential food sources including garbage, compost, pet food, fallen fruit, and bird seed. All outdoor feeding should be limited and properly contained to avoid attracting foxes.
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Habitat Modification
Reducing cover and denning opportunities by trimming vegetation, removing brush piles, and securing access to spaces under structures. Open areas are less attractive to foxes seeking shelter.
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Pet & Livestock Protection
Constructing secure enclosures for small animals, implementing coop protection measures for poultry, and supervising pets during outdoor time, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Fox Management FAQs
Foxes are naturally shy and typically avoid human contact. Attacks on humans are extremely rare. However, foxes that become habituated to humans may display bold behavior, particularly if they've been fed directly or indirectly. Sick or injured foxes may also behave unpredictably. Keep a respectful distance from all wild animals and never attempt to feed or touch foxes.
First, determine if there are kits present by observing from a distance during dawn or dusk. If kits are present (typically April-June), we recommend waiting until they're old enough to leave with their parents before implementing exclusion measures. In the meantime, use mild deterrents to encourage natural relocation. If no young are present, or outside of breeding season, we can safely exclude and/or remove the foxes and install preventative barriers.
Keep cats indoors or in secure outdoor enclosures. Small dogs should be supervised during outdoor time, especially at dawn and dusk. For rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small outdoor pets, provide secure, predator-proof housing with solid floors and walls, plus a roof. For poultry, use sturdy fencing that extends underground, along with secure coops that can be closed at night. Never leave pet food outside, as this attracts foxes.
Commercial fox repellents and home remedies typically provide limited and temporary results at best. For effective, long-term fox management, we recommend addressing the factors that attract foxes to your property through habitat modification, exclusion techniques, and behavior management. Physical barriers and removal of attractants are much more reliable than chemical deterrents.
Having Fox Problems?
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