News Beat
People urged to use washing powder in gardens to deter foxes
One pesky animal that can be a nuisance to gardeners is foxes, whether it is digging and causing damage to greenery and outdoor items or marking their territory and leaving a stench.
With that in mind, there is one trick that can help keep them away from your garden.
Experts have revealed that sprinkling washing powder in your garden may just be the thing to help.
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Are foxes bad for the garden?
As the RHS explains, in many cases, foxes will go unnoticed or are “welcome wildlife in gardens”, causing no damage.
However, they can become a nuisance, in some cases trampling plants, eating ripening fruits, digging holes or leaving droppings and food debris.
Foxes can also sometimes chew through plastic hosepipes and polythene tunnels.
As well as this, dog foxes use their excrement and pungent urine as territorial markers.
People urged to use washing powder in gardens to deter foxes
Sam Wentworth, of luxury garden furniture specialists Eterna Home, explained how washing powder can help keep foxes at bay.
Sam said: “Foxes can be a source of great frustration for some homeowners, from digging and causing damage to greenery and outdoor items to marking their territory and leaving a stench.
“It’s always a good idea to avoid using harsh chemicals in your garden that can harm the environment and pose a risk to wildlife, so more natural alternatives should be considered.
“Some local councils recommend using a biological washing powder and hot water combination to combat the lingering odours and act as a humane deterrent.
“This has certainly been effective for many householders and is a cost-effective and easy method to try.”
How to keep foxes away from gardens
As well as washing powder, there are other methods that can come in handy too.
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Expert Sam added: “It is also said that foxes are repelled by certain natural scents, such as citrus peelings, garlic powder and coffee grounds.
“There are other ways you can try to keep foxes at bay, including depriving them of food sources such as leftovers in the bin and filling in any holes dug as quickly as possible to avoid a den being established.
“Foxes can be a nuisance for some householders and it is understandable to want to keep them away, but it’s important to do it in a humane and environmentally friendly way.”
The RSPCA also notes some other ways to deter foxes.
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Methods shared include:
- Using bird feeders that stop the food from spilling onto the ground, where foxes can eat it
- Protecting fruit or vegetable crops using fences or solid welded-mesh
- Promptly clearing away fallen fruit from trees.
- Ensuring dustbins and/or composters are securely sealed
The RSPCA recommends trying a combination of methods as no single solution works all the time.
It also reminds gardeners that it is illegal to poison foxes.
