Fox sightings across the UK have turned our urban landscapes into their playgrounds - and while a swift glimpse of one in your garden brings excitement - they can be a right pain for those with a passion for gardening. But fear not gardeners, experts have revealed a handy little trick to send these animals packing without wrecking your garden or your wallet. The super cheap hack won't bleed you dry, costing just a mere 14p.
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.
