Living with urban foxes

Published 19 July 2010

Southwark Council offers practical advice on how to avoid contact with foxes and how you can deter them.

However, the council does not offer a pest control service in regard to foxes, as they are not categorised as pests and are offered protection by the law.

What practical steps can I take to deter foxes from entering my property?

Remove potential food sources.
Keep rubbish in bins - closed wheelie bins are fox-proof.
Don't leave bagged rubbish outside.
Remove piles of garden clippings.
Fill gaps under garden sheds (a fox can squeeze under a 10cm or 4 inch gap and like to shelter under sheds).
Only leave bird food in bird food dispensers.
Protect small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs in sturdy hutches (chicken wire isn't strong enough to keep foxes out, use strong welded mesh instead).
Tidy up an overgrown garden
Repair any damaged air bricks (don't block them up - houses need ventilation).