Foxes
Foxes are wild animals and are not classed as vermin. The Council does not provide a service to remove or control foxes on private or public land.
There are legal restrictions on the control of foxes. It is an offence to use certain methods to kill or capture wild animals, or to intentionally cause unnecessary suffering.
Removing foxes is generally not an effective long-term solution, as another fox may quickly move into the area. The best approach is to remove anything that attracts foxes and make gardens less welcoming.
How to deter foxes
You can help discourage foxes by:
- keeping bins securely closed and only putting rubbish out on collection day
- not leaving food or food waste outside
- clearing fallen fruit and food left after barbecues or picnics
- keeping gardens tidy and cutting back overgrown areas
- blocking gaps beneath sheds and other potential shelters
- making sure fences and gates are secure
- keeping small pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens, in secure enclosures
- using an approved, non-toxic animal deterrent in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Do not poison foxes or use products that are not approved for this purpose.
Feeding foxes
We recommend that residents do not feed foxes. Regular feeding can encourage foxes to return and become less wary of people. Food left outside can also attract rats, mice and pigeons.
Are foxes dangerous?
Foxes will normally avoid people and attacks are very rare. If a fox enters your home, remain calm, keep your distance and provide it with a clear route outside.
Foxes and cats commonly live in the same areas and attacks on cats are uncommon. Small pets should always be housed securely.
Common fox problems
Noise
Foxes can be particularly noisy during their mating season, usually in winter. Their calls can sound distressing but are a normal part of fox behaviour. There is little that can be done to prevent foxes calling at night.
Fouling
Foxes may foul in gardens to mark their territory
Wear gloves when removing fox faeces and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Clean the affected area thoroughly to remove any remaining waste and odour. Avoid using bleach or other substances as a fox deterrent.
Digging
Foxes may dig in lawns, flower beds and vegetable patches while searching for food, particularly insects and larvae. Where foxes create holes or burrows on private land, responsibility for repairing or filling these rests with the property owner or occupier rather than the Council.
Where holes or burrows are no longer active, filling them with compacted rubble, bricks or stones before covering with soil can help reduce the likelihood of further digging in the same area.
To help reduce digging:
- keep your garden tidy and remove potential food sources
- protect fruit and vegetable areas with suitable fencing or mesh
- consider using an approved, non-toxic animal deterrent, following the manufacturer's instructions
- avoid fertilisers containing fish, blood or bone, as their smell may attract foxes
Fox cubs
A fox cub found on its own is not necessarily abandoned. Its mother may be nearby and return later. Leave the cub alone and avoid touching or moving the cub unless it is in immediate danger.
If you believe a fox is injured, sick or genuinely abandoned, contact an animal welfare or wildlife rescue organisation for advice.
Dead Foxes
Redbridge Council is obligated to clear dead animals from public highways.
Redbridge Council is not responsible for removing dead animals from private or residential properties however we offer a chargeable removal service.
Further advice about foxes and humane deterrents is available from The Fox Project charity website.
