HOW TO GET RID OF FOXES

Foxes are a lot smaller than other members of their family such as wolves, jackals, and domestic dogs. In fact, most foxes are about the size of a cat, and as a result, are the smallest members of the dog family. They have slender, slightly flattened skulls, pointed muzzles, powerful legs, large ears, and long, bushy tails.

Damage and Damage Identification

Foxes may cause serious problems for poultry producers. Turkeys raised in large range pens are subject to damage by foxes. Losses may be heavy in small farm flocks of chickens, ducks, and geese. Young pigs, lambs, and small pets are also killed by foxes. Damage can be difficult to detect because the prey is usually carried from the kill site to a den site, or uneaten parts are buried.

Pheasants, waterfowl, other game birds, and small game mammals are also preyed upon by foxes. At times, fox predation may be a significant mortality factor for upland and wetland birds, including some endangered species.

Legal Status

Foxes in the United States are listed as furbearers or given some status as game animals by most state governments. Most states allow for the taking of foxes to protect private property. Check with your state wildlife agency for regulations before undertaking fox control measures.

Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion
Net wire fences. Electric fences.

Cultural Methods
Protect livestock and poultry during most vulnerable periods (for example, shed     lambing, farrowing pigs in protective enclosures).

Frightening
Flashing lights and exploders may provide temporary protection. Well-trained     livestock guarding dogs may be effective in some situations.

Repellents
None are registered for livestock protection.

Fumigants
Gas cartridges for den fumigation, where registered.

Toxicants
M-44® sodium cyanide mechanical ejection device, in states where registered.

Trapping
Steel leghold traps. Cage or box traps. Snares.

Shooting
Predator calling techniques. Aerial hunting.

Other Methods
Den hunting. Remove young foxes from dens to reduce predation by adults.

 

For help getting rid of foxes, contact your local Critter Control office.  To find a Critter Control office near you, check out our Office Finder.