Autumn is peak time for fox activity and if they establish territory now it can be hard to evict them
Homeowners are being urged to use a simple technique to keep foxes away from their gardens this autumn. The warning comes at a crucial time of year, as late summer and early autumn see fox activity peak.
Cubs born in spring are now fully grown and roaming further in search of food in gardens, bins and outdoor spaces. And if foxes establish a habit of visiting a garden at this stage, they are likely to keep returning throughout the colder months.
Adding garden lighting can be a safe and harmless way to deter these foxes and keep them from damaging the garden and ruining plants and crops. Experts suggest using motion sensor lights and solar powered path lights to deter the animals.
Jon Saeed, managing director of LightingLegends.com said: “Late August and September is usually when cubs born in the spring turn into adult foxes and set out looking for their own territory. You may notice more foxes in the garden at this time of year and it’s because they’re out and about, testing new boundaries and searching for food.
“If you’re still trying to enjoy the late summer evenings or you’ve got a beloved bed of flowers, then you may not want foxes roaming around in your garden.”
Jon continued: “Motion sensor lights are the best lights to help deter foxes. The sudden brightness can gently startle them and put them off going further into your garden. It’s best to place these at entry points such as fences, hedges and near compost bins.
“Remember to position the light low enough so that foxes will trigger the sensor. Placing them too high will just be a complete waste.”
How to use lighting to deter foxes:
Motion sensor lights
Foxes prefer to move in the darkness where they are less likely to be seen, so the sudden brightness from motion sensor lights can make your garden feel unsafe, deterring foxes from trying to enter.
Solar powered stakes or path lighting
Solar powered stakes or path lights are much easier to install and are more energy efficient. Their continuous low-level light keeps the garden lit, making the space less attractive for foxes.
Position lights low
Make sure you position lights low to the ground where foxes can see them. If you’re installing motion sensor lights, you’ll want them low enough so that roaming foxes set off the sensor.
Move the light occasionally
If you’ve got lights that are easy to move such as solar powered stakes, reposition them occasionally so that foxes don’t get used to where they are in the garden.
Incorporate reflective surfaces
Adding reflective surfaces where your lights shine can amplify the effect and create glimmers which can make the area feel busy and lively, encouraging foxes to move on to a different area.
