Foxes

Reasons for control

Generally the complaints against foxes are about nuisance rather than serious damage
Before starting to control it is important to access whether serious damage is being caused or whether the foxes are just a nuisance.
Foxes may kill livestock and some small domestic pets
Foxes may leave faeces in gardens or disturb flowerbeds.
Foxes can carry a roundworm Toxocara canis that is usually found in dogs. The organism can cause blindness in children; however there is no known case of children contracting this from foxes.
Nocturnal screams and barking may cause disturbance.
Foxes can overturn dustbins and spill the contents.

Biology

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a member of the dog family and resembles a small dog.
They are nocturnal.
They have reddish fur and usually a white tip on the tail.
They have a bushy tail.
Foxes mate in late January and February. This time of year is the most likely time to hear barking and screaming noises.
Litters are born in late March and early April.
They may dig dens or use rabbit holes, or a badger sett.
Average litter size is 5.
Pups remain with the vixen (female) for 3 to 4 months.
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 and control

Avoid leaving out excessive amounts of food.
Control the disposal of waste food on compost heaps. Do not put meat or cereal products on compost heaps.
Make sure dustbin lids are fitted properly and that household waste is properly disposed of.
At night make sure small pets are securely fastened in a hutch or cage which is well above the ground.
Fence in areas to deter foxes.
Certain repellents have been approved to use against foxes. Do not use wood preservatives or disinfectants as repellents as this is illegal.

We do not destroy foxes. It is illegal to lay poison baits for foxes.

Environmental Health and Licensing Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444371
Fax: 01483 444546
Email: environmentalhealth@guildford.gov.uk