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Reasons for control.
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Generally the complaints against foxes are about nuisance rather than serious damage
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Before starting to control it is important to access whether serious damage is being caused or whether the foxes are just a nuisance.
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Foxes may kill livestock and some small domestic pets
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Foxes may leave faeces in gardens or disturb flowerbeds.
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Foxes can carry a roundworm Toxocara canis that is usually found in dogs. The organism can cause blindness in children; however there is no know case of children contracting this from foxes.
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Nocturnal screams and barking may cause disturbance.
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Foxes can overturn dustbins and spill the contents.
Biology.
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Foxes mate in late January and February this time of year is the most likely time to hear barking and screaming noises.
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Litters are born in late March and early April.
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They may dig dens or use rabbit holes, or a badger sett.
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Average litter size is 5.
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They remain with the vixen (female) for 3 to 4 months.
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They feed on a variety of food including birds, rabbits, insects and earthworms as well as fruit. They will also scavenge from the carcasses of mammals, compost heaps and dustbins.
Prevention & Control.
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Avoid leaving out excessive amounts of food
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Control the disposal of waste food on compost heaps. Do not put meat or cereal product on compost heaps.
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Make sure dustbin lids are fitted properly and that household waste is properly disposed of.
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At night make sure pets are securely fastened in hutch or cage which is well above ground.
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Fence in areas that deter foxes.
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Certain repellents have been approved to use against foxes. Do not use wood preservatives or disinfectants as repellents as this is illegal.
Guildford Borough Council does not destroy foxes.
Please see the useful links for further advice.
It is illegal to lay poison baits for foxes.
Please click here to see useful contacts for pest control matters.
For specific information on The Fox Project, please go to the following website:
www.innotts.co.uk/robmel/foxproject
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