are a regular visitor to many UK , but while some see them as harmless, others are fed up with the mess they leave behind. These so-called "" can dig up , scatter bins, and leave foul-smelling droppings across patios and flowerbeds. People looking for a humane way to keep them out may be surprised by one highly effective trick. An expert now says that planting certain around the edges of your can stop foxes from entering altogether - meaning you have less mess to clean up.
Deterring foxes
The RSPCA warns against using dangerous or harmful methods, reminding the public that foxes are protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Instead, they recommend natural deterrents that don't cause harm - and you can start by making your garden less appealing them.
According to the charity, this means removing easy food sources like leftover pet food, compost scraps, and bird food.
But even after cleaning up, foxes can still be drawn to soft soil for digging or quiet corners for shelter; that's where prickly plants become the solution.
Combat Pest Control explains that foxes dislike walking through sharp or uncomfortable surfaces, making dense, thorny plants an excellent barrier.
Plants like holly, blackthorn, gooseberry, pyracantha, and even brambles can be strategically placed along fences, walls, or garden borders.
These form a spiky line of defence that is painful for foxes to push through, encouraging them to go elsewhere.
Even rose bushes can serve this purpose if grown thickly and allowed to spread. Unlike chemical sprays or noisy deterrents, these plants are a permanent, low-maintenance fix.
Foxes will usually look for the path of least resistance if a garden is hard to access, they simply move on.
Creating an unwelcoming perimeter makes a strong first impression, especially when combined with other steps like securing rubbish bins and covering up holes under sheds.
Combat Pest Control also advises trimming back overgrown vegetation, which can provide shelter or cover for foxes.
In urban areas, foxes are especially bold, but prickly boundaries have been shown to reduce garden visits dramatically. The more consistent the barrier, the more effective it will be.
