Last updated on May 12th, 2023
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The fox has long been known as an unwanted nuisance that causes a host of problems including killing chickens, cats and rabbits, as well as digging and fouling in gardens. Many often think the fox is only a pest to countryside homes, but the modern fox has started causing a nuisance in urban residential areas.
The solution? A fox deterrent/repeller. They come in different designs from ultrasonic to water jet repellents. However, finding the best fox deterrent requires some research and understanding of the types of deterrents available on the market. For instance, if you decide to go with a water jet fox repellent, you need to know the range it can protect, how it’s powered and how the device is activated. Even ultrasonic models vary in range as well as in other nifty features.
In this post, we have compiled some of the best fox repellents in the UK to help you pick a model that you deem good enough for your garden. Note that all the eight models we review below are humane and safe to the foxes.
7 most effective fox deterrents that I have reviewed are listed below:
- Pestbye Ultrasonic Fox Deterrent With Behaviour Specific Timing Designed Specifically To Scare Foxes
- Karlsten Anti Fouling Garden Protection Fox Repellent Spray
- STV International STV415 Fox Repeller
- Aspectek Predator Eye Pro Night and Day Solar Animal Repeller – THE BEST FOX DETERENT
- Dorgerove 4m Prickle Strip Dig Stopper
- Scoot 50g Fox Repellent Sachets – ANOTHER GREAT PICK
- Defenders Prickle Strip Dig Stopper
The 8 Best Fox Deterrents
1. Pestbye Battery Operated Fox Deterrent
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The Pestbye Ultra Sonic Battery Operated Fox Repeller is an ultrasonic device that produces a high-frequency noise that’s inaudible to humans but extremely shocking to foxes. It utilises what Pestbye calls a PIR motion sensor, which is integrated at just the right height to detect any passing fox. This means it can work during the day and night. With BehaviourSpecific Timing, which is what separates it from most other ultrasonic models, the device activates at random intervals so that foxes cannot get used to a specific routine and realise they are being fooled. It’s very effective for this fox scarer, thanks to HyperResonance Frequency that emits a high-pitched noise to send foxes scattering back to where they belong.
Installing the device is a breeze, simply stake it into the ground or even plant it into a flower pot. Point it in the direction you want and let it deter unwanted visitors. The device relies on 3 AA batteries, which you’ll have to buy separately. It has a coverage of up to 32ft away so it’s perfect for large open areas and benefits from a variety of frequencies and this eliminates the need for adjustment dials. The set we looked at came in a pair, allowing you to place each at a convenient location and you can buy as many pairs as necessary, depending on the size of your garden. The product requires little to no maintenance; just replace the batteries after every couple of months and it’s good.
Perhaps the only downside is that once you plant the device in the ground, it’s hard to pull them out without the bottom part remaining in the ground, just a little negative point there to be aware of. Nonetheless, you can always reattach it back easily.
Pros
- Easy to install – stake into the ground, insert batteries and that’s it.
- Features HyperResonance Frequency Fox Scarer – probably the best frequency for scaring foxes.
- BehaviourSpecific Timing – unlike most repellers, the sound activates at random timing intervals to have maximum effect on foxes and to prevent them from getting used to the sound of the repeller which is a common problem.
- Perfect for large open areas such as lawns.
- Safe and humane method of deterring foxes.
Overall, it’s not an overly expensive and easy-to-use solution to your fox problem because you won’t need to frequently scatter repellents or have hoses attached to sprayers.
2. Karlsten Anti Fouling Garden Protection Fox Repellent Spray
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dry conditions to achieve the best results. Overall, the Karlsten Anti Fouling Garden Protection Fox Repellent Spray is a reliable and effective solution to maintaining a fox-free garden.
Karlsten makes quite a few different fox repellent products, and I’ve had the most success with this. I would say it’s as effective as silent roar which has been one of my favourites for years. However, this it needs to be applied more often, especially after rain. I’ve been testing this Karlsten Anti Fouling Garden Protection Fox Repellent Spray for an entire season at my mum and dad’s small holding as they have had problems with foxes in the past, and they do keep chickens. They have also occasionally had issues with foxes digging and fowling in the garden. They do have a lot of local foxes, I’ve even recorded them as part of my review in garden trail cameras here.
This repellent spray comes pre-mixed in a handy 500ml bottle, making it super easy to apply around your garden such as along paths, on the lawn, and along fences. Unlike some similar fox repellers that have a not-so-nice smell, this Karlsten spray has a pleasant and effective citronella scent, this deterrent not only seems to be effective at keeping foxes away but also repels mosquitoes as a bonus!
From personal experience, I noticed that this repellent works best when applied regularly, particularly during wet weather. Rainy weather dilutes the concentration of the spray, maybe even washing it away. With this in mind, it’s important to keep refreshing the fences and garden areas when necessary.
In my case, I had just laid some new turf in my parent’s garden for them. The foxes for some reason, were flipping the turf. I’ve seen them digging in the turf before, especially in customer’s gardens but I’d never really seen them flipping newly laid turf. Thankfully, the Karlsten Anti Fouling Garden Protection Fox Repellent Spray seemed to put an end to that nuisance, keeping my lawn intact.
Pros
- Uses natural citronella scent to deter foxes and mosquitoes
- Safe for application in gardens and other outdoor areas
- Comes pre-mixed in a 500ml spray bottle with both white and black triggers included
- Easy to use, especially for those occasional unwanted visitors
Remember to apply the spray regularly and during wet conditions to achieve the best results. Overall, the Karlsten Anti Fouling Garden Protection Fox Repellent Spray seems to be a reliable and effective way to combat foxes and help deter them. At least I think its worth a try, maybe even combined with other fox repellers.
3. Aspectek Predator Eye Pro Night and Day Solar Fox Repeller
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The Aspectek Predator Eye Pro Animal Repeller is designed to protect your property from nighttime pests including foxes and even cats. The device is solar-powered, it charges during the day and starts working automatically at night to deter those cunning invaders. It works by flashing a red light that mimics a home security system, giving pests the perception that they are under surveillance. The fear of being watched will cause animals to avoid the area in theory and it works amazingly well.
Featuring all-weather construction, the Predator Eye can be left out and withstand the elements throughout the seasons. The product comes in a pack of two for increased coverage and effectiveness. To start using the device simply mount it at the eye level of the animal and make sure it’s facing the entryway to the area you want to guard. Mount it higher if you are facing a valley or lower if you are facing a hill. A single device has a range of up to 500 yards and this is very much achievable if the area is flat. You may want to employ extra devices to protect additional sides of your area.
Though this model charges during the day, it can actually last up to 30 days on one full charge. That means a worry-free operation during the peak winter days. Aspectek offers a 30 day moneyback guarantee plus a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Gives the impression that the fox is being watched, which helps deter them from the area.
- Very easy to set up and can be screwed to a wall, fence or stake and just sat upright on a surface.
- Suitable for all weather conditions due to its waterproof design.
- Powered by a solar-charged battery with a runtime of up to 30 days on a single charge.
- Supplied as two devices for maximum coverage.
- Long-range detection up to 500 yards.
- 1-year warranty and 30 day moneyback guarantee for full peace of mind, this means it’s practically risk-free to try.
One downside of this device is that it only works at night. So if you’re having trouble with daytime visitors, you will have to seek elsewhere for solutions. Otherwise, the Predator Eye is all you need to deal with nocturnal animals like foxes and has proven very effective.
4. Dorgerove 4m Prickle Strip Dig Stopper
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This Dorgerove 4m Prickle Strip Dig Stopper is similar to the Defenders Prickle Strip Dig Stopper, which I had tried a few times with a couple of customers I had who had issues with foxes digging in large pots. I’ve had some good success at stopping foxes and other animals from digging in the garden and large pots. This version by Dorgerove is slightly better made and, I think, more effective.
It’s essential to have enough pins to secure the edges properly, as it doesn’t come with enough if you want to do a tidy job. With this in mind, I ordered an extra 100 pins with my purchase, which was a great decision.
The Dorgerove Prickle Strip Dig Stopper consists of a flexible plastic grid mat with rubber spikes pointing upwards. These are designed to irritate the pads of animals’ paws without causing any harm.
Quite a few companies have copied this simple design, and when applied flat and pin down securely.
One roll of the Dorgerove Dig Stopper is 4m long and 30cm wide, making it easy to cut into the shapes and sizes you need. It’s probably a little expensive if you need a few rolls, but being practical, it’s worth the cost. You can then link the pieces together using the small hooks and anchor the mat grid to the ground with the heavy-duty garden pegs provided (remember you might need more). Finally, lightly cover the mat with soil.
Pros
- Physical solution for deterring foxes and other digging animals
- Flexible mat with rubber spikes can be easily cut to size
- Mats can be linked together using metal hooks (included)
- Weather-resistant and durable materials
- Safe for animals, children, and pets
- Package includes a roll of flexible prickle mat, 32 small hooks, and 20 garden pegs
This Dorgerove Prickle Strip Dig Stopper is ideal if you’re struggling with foxes. I even used it to help prevent cats from digging up planters or flower beds.
5. STV International STV415 Fox Repeller
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The STV International STV415 Fox Repeller not only acts as a fox scarer but also deters other nuisance animals such as squirrels, rabbits, deer, cats and herons. This product is painless to install because all you need is a standard hose connection and 2 x AA batteries. You also get straightforward instructions to guide you through the set up which is handy, however, it is so simple that you probably won’t need them.
The STV415 is motion-activated and once its integrated sensor detects animal movement, i.e the fox, the device shoots a powerful jet of water to deter pests, which is obviously going to be very effective.
A good attribute of this fox repellent is that its coverage area is adjustable from 1-10 metres in a 120-degree arc, creating a protected zone of up to 100m², so it’s great for large lawns. That’s also enough coverage for flowerbeds, ponds, hen runs and small lawns because you can lower the reach.
With all-weather enclosed electronics, this fox repellent can be left out in any weather, ensuring year-round protection against foxes.
Pros
- Motion-activated fox repellent spray that sprays water when it detects a fox.
- Covers an area of up to 10m2 – perfect for flowerbeds, ponds and lawns.
- Deters a range of nuisance animals including foxes, cats, rabbits, squirrel and herons.
- IP44 weather tested, designed to withstand heavy downpours and snow.
- Easy to set up following simple instructions.
- 2-year warranty for full peace of mind.
The STV415 is a humane and eco-friendly repellent for foxes and the 2-year warranty for any manufacturing defects does give extra peace of mind.
6. Scoot 50g Fox Repellent Sachets
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Manufactured by London’s fox control specialists Foxolutions, the Scoot 50g Fox Repellent Sachets specifically target foxes and protect against foxes scent marking, digging, fouling and urinating. This product is based on the scent-marking behaviour of animals in that it creates an artificial scent around a given territory, thus preventing foxes from invading the area in order to avoid a potential conflict with other foxes.
The product is supplied in two 50g sachets to be diluted and then sprayed over the desired area. One 50g sachet should be dissolved in a minimum of 2.5 litres or a maximum of 9 litres of water. It’s very effective and can cover up to 32 square metres. You may go with the higher concentration for particular hotspots where foxes are usually active. For blanket coverage across your entire garden, it’s better to spray using the maximum dilution. You will need a garden sprayer to dispense the fox repellent but using a watering can is also suitable, however, we find it can be a little wasteful compared to using a garden sprayer.
For maximum effectiveness, you will need to spray the repellent in dry conditions because applying it in wet weather is another factor that can reduce its effectiveness. Even so, the product can withstand light showers and last for about 30 days before you need to spray again. Applying 2-3 times a week in the early stages can overcome an enemy’s attempt at scent marking before advancing to once a week. Over time, the fox will start to see your garden as a danger zone and eventually disappear for good.
Pros
- Deters a fox’s mark artificially by marking the area, so foxes think that another fox is around and because they don’t like conflict they avoid the treated areas.
- Treats an area up to 34 square metres.
- Causes no harm to pets and the environment.
- Easy to apply with a watering can or garden sprayer.
- A very affordable deterrent.
The Scoot Fox Repellent is pet-friendly and won’t have the same deterring effects on your cats and dogs. It’s additionally safe to use on edible plants and there are no ill effects to children, although it is vital that the undiluted powder is kept away from children to avoid inhaling or ingesting.
Perhaps the only issue is that the product must be applied more frequently and that means high maintenance costs. It also gets washed away in heavy rain and can take a few attempts before you know if it’s been effective or not. Remember foxes will enter the areas before smelling the scent so don’t be surprised if you see a fox the first few nights because this is normal.
7. Defenders Prickle Strip Dig Stopper
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The Defenders Prickle Strip Dig Stopper is a deterrent designed to prevent foxes, dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels and other animals from digging up plant beds, flowerbeds, seedbeds, lawns and vegetable gardens. The product is basically a mesh rubber strip construction measuring 28cm x 200cm, and it can be trimmed to size to fit pots and containers, or used in multiple connections to cover vast garden areas. These rubber strips can be placed just beneath the soil so they are not unsightly while still allowing plant growth.
The prickly points irritate the paws or feet of any animal that starts scratch or dig on top of them and the discomfort forces them out of the area. No pain or harm is caused to the animal, so this is a humane way of chasing away any unwanted foxes that like to dig. Another thing, the plastic strips are weather-resistant so they can stay out there in any weather.
They are actually cheap when compared to prickle strips from many other brands. If you are looking for a humane way of keeping foxes out of important areas of your garden, consider the Defenders Prickle Strip Dig Stopper.
Fox Repeller Buyer’s Guide
If you keep chickens, don’t forget to check out our recommended chicken coops here and our recommended automatic chicken coop door openers to help keep your chickens safe from foxes.
The types of Fox Repellents currently available
The common fox repellents include ultrasonic, water jets and repelling scents. Below we go over the different types and discover the pros and cons of each.
Ultrasonic
These pest repellers emit high-frequency sounds that are disruptive to foxes and that force the animals to avoid an area that has the devices installed. The theory behind ultrasound is that confused animals eventually flee when the noise prevents them from gathering food, communicating and building nests. Ultrasonic repellers are appealing to most people because they are silent to human ears, easy to use and eliminate the need for dangerous traps and poison, which are thought to be inhumane methods of pest control.
Patience is absolutely vital when using ultrasonic models. In the first few weeks, foxes may see the device as an enemy that needs to be challenged until they realise they cannot win then leave the area for good. The best models designed for foxes need to be a little more advanced than the standard models used on cats, this includes BehaviourSpecific Timing which is designed especially for foxes because they are smarter than most other animals, hence their reputation for being very cunning.
Repelling scents
This can be in the form of a powder that needs to be diluted in a given amount of water then sprayed over the affected area or it can be supplied as granules to be spread across a particular area. Scent repellents usually contain ammonium or citronella which let off a strong smell. This smell gives the incoming fox the impression that another animal has already marked the area as their territory. The thing is, foxes will avoid trespassing into the enemy zone and instead go elsewhere, which is what we are trying to mimic.
Be sure to check whether the scent repellent has got any harmful effects on humans and plants. The scent repellent that we’ve reviewed in this post, Scoot 50g Fox Repellent Sachet, is totally safe with children, pets and edible plants. Also bear in mind that you will need to continue reapplying the scent repellent, therefore, consider whether cost versus effectiveness makes sense in the long run. Again, the Scoot 50g wins because it’s pretty much affordable and can have long-lasting effects of up to a month before a reapplication is required. It’s a little hit and miss with some people finding it very effective while other people didn’t find it as effective. However, it’s well worth a try and is pretty affordable to try.
Water jet repellents
These are designed to spray a burst of water once an integrated sensor detects a fox. A water jet repeller is good for installing on your lawn and preventing foxes from entering the area or in the worst-case scenario, pooping on your finely cut lawn or digging holes into it. The major benefit of water jet repellents is that they water your lawn at the same time, though you may have to check how much water is sprayed in one burst. They are also a great alternative to chemical products and very effective, no fox will like being sprayed with a burst of water.
These repellers are a bit demanding to install due to the hosepipe attachment. In addition, they can spray you or your pets if you pass by them. Water jet repellents often have a range of 1 to 3 metres but this also depends on your hosepipe water pressure. Standout models such as the Home Defence Scarecrow Fox Repeller have a range of up to 10 metres and the spray direction can be adjusted up to 120 degrees, allowing wider coverage.
Who are you dealing with anyway?
Let’s accept it, foxes are incredibly cunning and will become accustomed to your deterrents in a short period of time. In fact, you may need to employ more than one strategy to keep foxes out of your garden completely.
These animals are smart and their genetic makeup is designed for survival. They do have bad eyesight, however, and will do everything to avoid dangerous situations. Foxes will keep off fearful and confronting situations and that’s something you can use to your advantage. They are evaders, runners and scavengers, but not brawling fighters.
Foxes love darkness, shaded secluded zones, consistency, security, peace and quietness. They hate the unexpected, surprises, loud noises, sudden movements and flashing lights.
So if you want to keep foxes out of your area, you must make the environment less appealing to them. The animal should feel very insecure the moment it enters your garden and choose to go elsewhere.
Fox repellent manufacturers understand a fox’s natural survival skill and nervousness and that’s why you see noise, scent and behaviour targeting repellents.
To overcome the fox’s natural instincts, we recommend that you start using a deterrent as soon as you detect the animal in your garden. Once the animal comes across the deterrent, it will find the environment unfavourable and move out. Interchanging scaring tactics from time to time can ensure that foxes won’t get used to the “repellers” in your garden.
You may also need to use deterrents affecting the different senses of the animal. For instance, appeal to visual and hearing perception simultaneously to confuse the fox and make it more cautious.
What kind of danger do foxes pose?
In the natural wild, foxes are predators that feed on rodents, insects and surprisingly, worms. If they discover your property, however, you will be in serious trouble. They’re not really dangerous to humans and in fact, they try to avoid contact as much as possible. It is what is in your home that will suffer; cats, chickens, ducks, geese and small livestock. Foxes are capable of killing these birds and animals and causing serious losses. They can also damage lawns and flowerbeds too.
Foxes will also forage for any food scraps in your garden waste bin. If there’s a field nearby, they can eat berries, seeds and fruits, and mark their territory by producing a nasty smell. Bear in mind that these cunning foxes take the easiest route to get food, so if a pet bowl is easily accessible, they won’t bother themselves with hunting.
Another damage that’s associated with foxes is the establishment of dens. They will settle in basements, crawl spaces and other similar places if they get the chance, this is common in more built-up urban areas than you would think.
Final Conclusion
In truth, many people have found success with the affordable solutions we’ve provided above, so don’t feel that you need to invest heavily to keep foxes away. One thing you need to appreciate is that foxes don’t like to take risks and they will avoid areas that scare them.
Bear in mind that not even a product marketed as the best fox repellent will be 100% effective on its own. You can expect certain products to take some time before you start seeing results and you may need to interchange or reposition the repellent every few days. Whether you choose a jet sprayer, a scent repellent or an ultrasonic model, or maybe a combination solution, you will be on your way to a fox free home.
I have also reviewed the best cat scarers if you’re having problems keeping your cats from flowerbeds, the kitchen worktop, on the lawn and other areas.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
