Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are one of the fiercest yet adorable animals you’ll meet in the wild or lurking around your area. They manifest a bold look with their intense eyes, bushy tails, and sharp features. But did you know that these same creatures can pose some serious problems?

You don’t have to sympathize with these animals’ cuteness. A lot of people know, and a lot have experienced it. These animals don’t save you from the damage and the health risks they hold.

Let’s discuss the problems that foxes create.

Problems Caused By Foxes

Foxes cause problems that put people, pets, and livestock in danger. They might be small, but they can do a lot of harm.

Here are some of the problems foxes create:

Marking Your House As Their Territory By Their Strong Scent

You might have encountered a weird, strong scent around your house or property and thought, “What is that?” Little did you know that it was probably a fox marking its territory. 

Like how dogs pee on things to mark their territories, foxes do the same— but with their anal glands. This gland contains a foul-smelling liquid that foxes use to mark their territories and their things. 

So, if a fox has decided that your house is its territory, you might have to put up with the pungent smell for a while.

Getting Droppings Everywhere

Smells aren’t the only thing they leave behind— foxes also tend to deposit their feces in random places to mark their territories. This leaves a strong smell and causes you to clean up after them, which is just plain unsanitary and gross.

What’s more, their droppings might contain harmful bacteria and parasites that could infect you and your family if you’re not careful. So, if you see any suspicious-looking droppings around your house, it’s best to stay away and call a professional to deal with it.

Raiding Compost Bins And Garbage

Foxes are opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll eat just about anything they can get their hands on, including your food. If you leave your garbage cans or compost bins open, a fox will rummage through them in search of a meal. Not only is this a nuisance, but it can also attract other pests like rats and cockroaches to your home.

So, if you want to keep foxes away from your property, keep your garbage cans and compost bins tightly sealed.

Can Destroy Your Garden Bedding

Foxes can also wreak havoc on garden beds and crops. If you have a garden, chances are you’ve had to deal with foxes at some point. These animals are known to dig up and eat vegetables, fruits, and even flowers. They can also damage plants by trampling them or urinating on them.

So, keep foxes out if you want to keep your garden in tip-top shape.

Foxes Build Dens Under Your House, Sheds, And Outbuildings

Another problem that foxes can cause is damage to your property. These animals are known to dig dens and burrows under houses, sheds, and outbuildings. Not only does this damage the foundation of your property, but it can also create a health hazard if the den is not properly maintained.

Can Eat Your Pets, And If You Have Livestock

Foxes are predators, so they love hunting small animals like rabbits, rodents or vermin, and birds. They may quarrel with your small pets and other domestic animals, ending up dead.

If you’re a farmer or own livestock, you know how much of a threat adult foxes can be. These animals are known to attack and kill chickens, ducks, geese, lambs, and other small animals for food. This can cause severe financial losses for farmers and other landowners.

What’s more, infected foxes can also transmit diseases to livestock and poultry, which can further impact their health and productivity.

If you have any animals on your property, it’s important to take steps to protect them from foxes. This includes keeping them in secure pens or coops and even sleeping outside with them if necessary.

Foxes Are Known To Be Screaming At Night

The screams of a fox can be unsettling, to say the least. These animals are known to make loud, high-pitched screams that can last for several seconds. The screams are typically heard at night, making them even more alarming.

How To Deal With The Problems Caused By Foxes?

If you’re dealing with any of the problems listed above, you can do a few things to mitigate the damage.

• The smell of decaying food waste attracts foxes. Make sure that your garbage cans and compost bins are sealed tight. This will prevent foxes from rummaging through them and attracting other pests to your home.
• If you have any animals on your property, ensure they’re in a secure pen or coop. This will protect them from being attacked by foxes.
• If you hear a fox screaming at night, try to stay calm and don’t engage with the animal. These screams are typically used to communicate with other foxes and are not a sign of aggression.
• If you have a garden, keep an eye out for foxes and take steps to protect your plants. This may include fencing in your garden bed or using netting to keep foxes out.
• In general, avoid contact with foxes if possible. These animals can be dangerous and are known to carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. If you must interact with a fox, wear gloves and wash your hands afterward.

If you’re dealing with foxes on your property, it’s essential to take steps to mitigate the damage they can cause. Following the tips above, you can help keep your home and family safe from these pests.

Why Do Foxes Get Into Your Garden?

Foxes are attracted to gardens for the same reason that we are – the food! These animals are known to eat fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They can also dig up and eat bulbs, roots, and seeds.

In addition to food, foxes are also attracted to gardens for shelter. These animals typically build dens under houses, sheds, and outbuildings. This can cause damage to your property and create a health hazard if the den is not properly maintained.

Preventing Foxes From Getting Into Your Garden

You may need to realize that your house can be a more attractive den site for foxes in the wild. Even if you’re assured you’re keeping healthy foxes, their issues don’t only revolve around those concerns. They may continuously cause damage to your property. 

You can do a few things to deter foxes from your garden. Here’s how:

• One thing is to remove any food sources that may be attracting foxes. This includes fruits, vegetables, and garbage.
• Keep your garden well-lit at night. This will discourage foxes from using it as a refuge.
• Install a fence around your garden bed. This will help keep foxes out and protect your plants.
• Use netting to cover your garden beds. This will prevent foxes from digging up and eating your plants.
• If you have pet birds, keep them in a secure coop. This will protect them from being attacked by foxes. Make sure to have a covered bird table to avoid food spillage.

Solution On Getting Rid Of Foxes In Your Garden

If a fox has entered your property, the first step is to remove any attractants. This includes food, garbage, and pet food. Next, you can create loud sounds to scare the fox away. And if everything isn’t working out, you can call a professional to remove the animal if necessary.

If you have a fox problem on your property, it’s essential to take steps to mitigate the damage they can cause. Following the tips above, you can help keep your home and family safe from these pests.

Protection and safety are always important. There is a lot of effective management in handling fox behavior out there. But remember that shooting foxes is cruel and illegal in most states. So, don’t attempt to use brutal methods against them.

Need Help With Foxes On Your Property?

The underlying damage that foxes and other unwelcome guests can cause to your property is costly, not to mention the health hazards they pose. If you find yourself with a fox problem, call AAAC Wildlife Removal. Our professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to properly remove foxes from your property and prevent them from returning.

Final Thoughts?

As you can see, foxes can cause many problems, even if they are cute. These mammals can be a nuisance, from raiding your garbage to attacking your livestock. They can also transmit contagious diseases. They may harm you, your children, and the entire family. It’s essential to keep them away from your property and prevent them from causing damage.

You have many options to keep in your hands. You can try to scare them away, use fencing or netting, or call a professional for help. No matter what you choose to do, foxes are best left in the wild. To learn more about foxes and their abilities, click here: fox problems.

If you’re facing fox-related issues on your property, don’t hesitate to contact AAAC Wildlife Removal. Our team of experts can provide effective solutions to address the situation and ensure the safety of your property.

FAQs

What is the most common species of fox that I’ll probably encounter?

The most common species of fox is the red fox. They are the largest true foxes in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Red foxes like to live in open areas like fields and forests. Along with them in the species of true foxes are the kit fox, arctic fox, and fennec fox.

Is the arctic fox extinct?

The arctic fox is not extinct. It is a small fox living in the Northern Hemisphere’s Arctic regions. They are well-adapted to living in cold environments and have a thick coat of fur that helps keep them warm.

Can foxes climb?

There are only one species of fox that can climb, and that is the gray fox. They can climb trees and fences due to their small size and sharp claws. Gray foxes are found in North and South America.

What disease can foxes spread?

Foxes can transmit several diseases, including rabies, mange, and distemper. They can also carry infection and parasites like fleas and ticks. These diseases can be passed on to humans and other animals through bites, scratches, or saliva. So, taking precautions is essential if you come in contact with a fox.

Are foxes carnivores?

Foxes are considered omnivores. They eat a variety of food, including fruit, vegetables, insects, and bugs. They play a massive part in the game of predation. They prey on small animals like rodents and vermin and fight domestic animals like cats and dogs. As they survive in the wild, they rely on this diet for nutrition.