How to Get Rid of Foxes Humanely (2025 Expert Guide)

If you’ve discovered foxes visiting your garden, you’re not alone. Across the UK, urban foxes have become a common sight — rummaging through bins, digging up lawns, or leaving unwanted mess behind. While they’re fascinating animals, foxes can cause real frustration for homeowners.

The good news? You don’t need traps, poisons, or anything harmful to stop them. At The Fox Shop, we specialise in humane fox control solutions — proven, pet-safe methods to deter foxes naturally and effectively.

In this expert guide, we’ll show you how to get rid of foxes safely, protect your property, and maintain a wildlife-friendly balance in your garden.

Why Foxes Visit Your Garden

Before you act, it helps to understand why foxes are showing up.Foxes are opportunists — intelligent, adaptable, and always on the lookout for food, shelter, or a quiet place to rest.

1. Food Sources

Leftover pet food, compost bins, uncovered rubbish, and fallen fruit can all attract foxes. Once they find an easy meal, they’ll return regularly.

2. Shelter

Overgrown shrubs, sheds, or gaps under decking offer warm, dry spaces — ideal for a den, especially during breeding season (January–March).

3. Territory

Foxes mark territory with scent. Once your garden smells like “fox zone,” others may visit or challenge that territory, keeping the problem ongoing.

Understanding their motivation is the first step to deterring them effectively — and humanely.

What Not to Do

It’s illegal and unethical to harm or trap foxes in the UK.Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, foxes are protected from cruel treatment. That means no poisons, snares, or methods causing suffering.

Instead, the goal is deterrence, not destruction — making your garden less appealing so the foxes simply move on.

Proven Humane Ways to Deter Foxes

You can stop foxes visiting without hurting them — just by combining a few simple changes and the right humane repellents.

Step 1: Remove Attractants

• Secure bins with tight-fitting lids.

• Avoid feeding pets outdoors.

• Clean up fallen fruit, compost, and bird food.

• Cover or block gaps under sheds and decking.

A tidy garden is your first line of defence.

Step 2: Use Scent-Based Fox Repellents

Foxes rely heavily on their sense of smell. Certain scents signal “danger” or “no-go zones.”

Try Scoot Fox Repellent — a proven, biodegradable scent deterrent that mimics the territorial scent of dominant foxes. When applied to lawns and paths, it sends a clear “keep away” message.

• Safe for pets, children, and plants

• Ideal for gardens, paths, bins, or flowerbeds

• Works by disrupting scent markings, making your garden unattractive to visiting foxes

Reapply every few weeks or after heavy rain for best results.

Step 3: Install Ultrasonic Deterrents

For long-term protection, pair scent repellents with motion-activated ultrasonic devices.

The FoxWatch Ultrasonic Deterrent is the UK’s leading humane fox deterrent. When a fox enters the detection zone, the device emits a high-frequency sound inaudible to humans but uncomfortable for foxes — training them to avoid the area.

• Safe for pets and children

• Weatherproof and maintenance-free

• Covers up to 100m²

• Proven effective in independent tests

Install it near entry points like garden gates or along fences for maximum coverage.

Step 4: Block Access Points

Foxes are agile diggers and jumpers. To keep them out:

• Check for gaps under fences and gates.

• Bury wire mesh 20–30cm underground.

• Keep hedges trimmed and remove debris piles.

Physical prevention supports repellents for a long-term fix.

Step 5: Natural Repellent Smells

If you prefer DIY options, foxes dislike:

• Predator scent granules

However, these fade quickly — for reliable results, use professionally formulated repellents like Scoot or ultrasonic solutions like FoxWatch.

The Top 5 Humane Fox Deterrents That Actually Work

Here are the most effective solutions tested and recommended by our customers at The Fox Shop:

1. FoxWatch Ultrasonic Deterrent – Motion-activated, weatherproof, and scientifically proven.

2. Scoot Fox Repellent – Biodegradable, scent-based deterrent safe for pets and gardens.

3. Predator Scent Granules – Mimic natural fox predators to deter visits.

4. Motion Jet Spray Repeller – Quick-action deterrent using harmless bursts of water.

5. Fox Proofing – With prickle strips for long-term humane fox control.

Each of these products helps protect your space without harming wildlife — and they work even better together.

Explore our full range of humane fox deterrents → Shop Now at The Fox Shop

Frequently Asked Questions

Do fox repellents really work?

Yes — when used correctly and consistently. The best results come from combining scent deterrents (like Scoot) with ultrasonic devices (like FoxWatch).

Is it legal to get rid of foxes in the UK?

Yes, as long as you use humane, non-lethal methods. It’s illegal to poison, trap, or harm foxes.

Will foxes hurt my pets?

Generally no. Foxes avoid confrontation. Humane deterrents also help ensure foxes and pets don’t share the same space.

What smell do foxes hate the most?

Strong scents like chilli, garlic, and citrus are unpleasant to foxes. Scoot uses scent-based signals foxes instinctively avoid.

How long before foxes go away?

With consistent deterrent use, foxes usually move on within 2–4 weeks once the area feels unsafe or unfamiliar.

Long-Term Fox Prevention Tips

• Keep gardens tidy and food-free.

• Regularly refresh repellents.

• Install motion lights or ultrasonic devices.

• Remove easy shelters under sheds and decks.

• Maintain a balance — deter, don’t destroy.

At The Fox Shop, we believe in coexistence, not conflict — helping people and wildlife share space safely and respectfully.

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of foxes doesn’t have to be cruel.With the right humane deterrents and a little persistence, you can keep your garden clean, calm, and fox-free — without harming any wildlife.

Discover proven, pet-safe, humane fox control solutions — only at The Fox Shop.