Looking to Trap a Fox? Here’s the Best Bait for the Job
Foxes are cute, but they decimate lawns and gardens
There’s no denying that foxes are adorable, with the looks of a dog but the vibe of a cat. Homeowners that live near active fox populations, however, have found that they also have a voracious appetite. These critters are omnivores who will demolish your vegetable garden and burrow into your flower beds.
So what do you do when a fox decides to decimate the lawn you worked so hard on? Most states allow you to trap foxes to be picked up by animal control. Here are the best baits for foxes and how to use them.
1. Meat
Whether it’s raw chicken thighs or leftover takeout, you can never go wrong with meat as bait. Foxes will eat just about anything and have a particular fondness for meat. Just make sure you choose the smelliest available option to entice them.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tried and true option | Aroma not as strong as fish |
| Can use leftover food | Can be expensive |
| Easy to lay out | Short shelf life |
Best for: Anyone with leftovers or meat past its sell-by date
2. Fish
Fish is a fantastic option for baiting a fox. It’s readily available and has a strong smell. Remember, it’s primarily the aroma that will attract this particular animal. Fresh fish is expensive, but you can use leftovers or canned fish, like tuna and sardines. Any kind will do.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Canned fish is cheap and available | Fresh fish is expensive |
| Potent smell | Will make your hands and clothes smell |
| Simple to apply | Can attract other pests |
Best for: Homeowners who live near a good water source with plenty of fish
3. Pet Food
This is one of the more budget-friendly options out there, as pet food is cheap and readily available. Make sure to use wet food and not dry kibble for the smell. Plus, foxes are most active at twilight, so they’re less likely to see bits of dry kibble in the dim light.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive and accessible | Can be messy to apply |
| Strong smell | Attracts other pests |
| Longer shelf life | Can’t use dry food |
Best for: Pet owners with spare food on hand
4. Eggs
Eggs may not have the aromatic potency of meat or fish, but foxes love them. As a matter of fact, these animals will often carry away and bury an egg to eat later. If you ever find an egg buried near a bedding pot or along a flower border, it’s likely the work of a sly fox. Use raw whole eggs still contained in the shell.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No obvious odor for humans | Takes longer to attract foxes |
| Easy and fast bait to set | Foxes can sneak away with eggs |
| Great for people with chickens | Can become expensive |
Best for Those who want to avoid lingering smells
5. Fox Urine
This is not the most pleasant option on the list, but it’ll get the job done. Fox urine lowers the defenses of nearby specimens and attracts them to the area. You can buy a jug of the stuff for $10 to $15. Use this area method in tandem with a smelly bait set inside the trap.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Relatively easy to apply | Unpleasant smell for humans and pets |
| Effective lure | Gloves and protective gear are a must |
| Can be combined with other methods | Can become expensive |
Best for: Those who didn’t have much luck with food as bait
How to Trap a Fox
The best bait in the world won’t help if you don’t know how to use it. While trapping a fox is fairly simple, local regulations may prevent you from doing so. We highly recommend hiring a local wildlife removal pro. You’ll likely need to call a pro eventually to remove the fox because relocation is illegal in many states.
The most important thing to remember is that foxes are incredibly cautious, so move slowly. Place the bait outside the trap and let the fox get to it for a few nights. Next, move the bait inside the trap.
Never use inhumane contraptions like leg-hold traps. The best option is a camouflaged wire mesh cage with a door that activates when the fox grabs the bait. When all else fails, contact a fox removal specialist.
Trapped animals can be dangerous, no matter their size. Do not attempt to handle them—call in a pro for safe removal instead.
Tips to Keep Foxes Away From Your Yard
The best way to stop a fox from devouring your garden is to keep them away from your yard. Here are some of the best ways to deter foxes from taking up residence near your property.
Use fox repellent: Search around for the best fox deterrent. No matter which you choose, make sure the ingredients are safe for the various animals that traipse around your yard.
Remove food sources: This is true when dissuading any hungry animal from visiting your property. Remove or secure any and all food sources, including compost, pet food, bird seed, and fallen fruit.
Increase the scent of humans: Deter a fox from your property by increasing the aroma of humans. Distribute hair clippings and even urine throughout the area. Take regular walks around your yard.
Install motion-triggered lights: These creatures are nocturnal, and a sudden flash of light will likely cause a rapid retreat.
Keep your yard tidy: Create secure, raised garden beds, pick up any debris that falls from trees, and use fruit cages to protect certain plants.
