Deterring foxes without causing them harm is not easy. Foxes are territorial animals and it will often be the same fox returning to your garden night after night. Removing one wouldn’t solve the problem for long, as it would just free up territory for another fox.
We are in the breeding season and foxes are more obvious and more vocal than at any other time of the year. Indeed, their barks and howls at the dead of night can be eerie.
There is no foolproof way of keeping foxes away. The best solution is to observe why foxes are coming into your garden and to remove that attraction. If the fox is raiding dustbins, make sure lids are tightly shut and, if necessary, weighted down. Do not put food out for animals overnight. Gardeners should avoid fish, bone and blood fertilisers.
Foxes are unlikely to attack cats, but smaller pets such as rabbits and chickens may be at risk, especially in early summer.
Foxes are excellent climbers and can squeeze through 10cm gaps, so even the best fences are unlikely to deter them. Small areas can be protected by proprietary electric fences, which you can buy from agricultural suppliers.
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Chemical repellents such as Renardine are available from garden centres and agricultural supply merchants. One litre costs £12 to £15. Always follow the instructions.
Anecdotes abound that the dung of large predators will deter foxes. Obviously this is not readily available from garden centres — you could contact your local zoo and see if lion dung works.
For further information, contact the National Fox Welfare Society (01933 411 996) or the Fox Project (01892 545 468, www.foxproject.org.uk).
Richard Strand is executive director of the British Pest Control Association