Foxes have long had a reputation for being cunning, but now gardeners can play them at their own game.
As beautiful as these mysterious creatures undoubtedly are, they can wreak absolute havoc in the garden, whether that be ripping up otherwise pristine lawns in a hunt for tasty bugs or trampling all over your prized flowerbeds. This, of course, is the last thing you want when trying to make the absolute most of your back garden haven this summer, whether or not sunshine is on the cards.
Luckily, there is a crafty hack to banish any furry red intruders from your little slice of paradise this bank holiday weekend, and it won’t exactly cost you the earth. In fact, you’ll only need to shell out a mere 14p. Now, there’s something to twiddle your whiskers about.
This fox-fighting strategy plays on their keen noses, as Sam Jenkinson, Tiger’s gardening expert, explains: “Foxes are known to dislike the smell of chilli and garlic, so one way to keep them away is to create a natural fox repellent by infusing them in boiling water and spraying the solution around the garden.
“Foxes are also known to strongly dislike the scent of coffee or citrus fruits, so leaving leftover coffee grounds or citrus peel around the garden is another good trick.”
If you nip down to Aldi, you can grab a pack of lemons for just 55p, which breaks down to 14p per lemon – and think about it, you’ll have a few left over to zest up your cooking too.
Another tip for keeping foxes away is to eliminate any potential food sources, as these are often the magnets that draw them into your garden. Bins of all sorts can attract the crafty creatures, and it’s advised to never leave refuse sacks out in the open unless you fancy finding your rubbish strewn across the footpath come sunrise.
The expert added: “Bird feeders must also be elevated at least five feet off the ground, and away from shrubs or trees so they are out of reach for foxes. If you grow your fruit and vegetables, make sure crops are well protected with fruit cages and promptly clear away any fallen fruit or seed spillages and if you have pets, feed them indoors and regularly clean up any mess left behind by them.”
The specialists at Paving Shoppers also highlighted the importance of heightened vigilance during fox mating season, advising property owners to check for signs of fox dens around their home, including under porches and decks, which offer perfect shelters for fox families.
They noted: “Remember, the goal is to deter and not harm, maintaining a balance between protecting your property and respecting wildlife.”
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com
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