Make sure these opportunistic predators don’t get too close
It can be an unnerving sight for any homeowner to see a wild coyote walking through the yard, especially if you have a plucky Pomeranian or a brazen kitty. But don’t panic: These savvy creatures usually try to avoid human contact and very rarely attack people. Thankfully, as this guide shows, learning how to keep coyotes away from your home doesn’t mean you have to resort to drastic deeds. Next time you spot a coyote near your house, try these scare tactics and methods for preventing them from returning.
Sightings of street-smart and adaptable coyotes are widespread in many parts of the country, and they won’t only try their luck around rural retreats—it’s not uncommon to see them slinking around city neighborhoods.
If you’re canny around coyotes, they’re unlikely to pose a threat—human attacks are rare and often avoidable. But there’s no getting away from the fact that, given the opportunity, small dogs and especially cats make fine meals for these opportunistic predators. That’s why it’s essential to protect your pets from wild animals like coyotes that may pose a threat. Plus, if your yard is a treasure trove of treats for them, regular returns can result in bin raids, smelly scat deposits, and holes in your lush lawn.
Not just the howling or after-dark sightings mean coyotes might be congregating around your patch. Look out for the following signs:
Scat (often rope-like and containing hair and bones)
Tracks (similar to dogs, but typically going in straight lines rather than winding)
Raided trash bins
Remains of dead prey
Changes in behavior in your pets because of coyote scent
Hazing is always a good first step when you encounter a coyote. Ideally, using scare tactics will restore a habituated coyote's natural aversion towards humans, so they aren’t so likely to return to your yard. If the coyote is acting strangely or unusually aggressive, however, back off and call animal control.
In some cases, your presence will be enough to ward off a rogue coyote. Make yourself look big and move toward the coyote while waving your arms and yelling. Don’t get too close to the animal, and transition quickly to another tactic if it doesn’t scare them away.
You can easily spook most coyotes by making loud, sudden noises. Try tooting an air horn or banging pots and pans together to make sounds loud enough to scare them away. Even shaking a can filled with pebbles or coins or flapping a large trash bag should work. Keep in mind that these tactics may disturb nearby neighbors if performed late at night.
Another scare tactic is to spray water from a garden hose in their direction or to throw sticks or small rocks near them. Be sure not to throw or spray directly at the animal to prevent injuring or angering it.
Coyotes are primarily nocturnal predators, so they prefer to operate under the cover of darkness. To spook them away from your trash bins, turn on your floodlights or other outdoor lighting.
If coyotes regularly patrol your neighborhood, it might be worth installing motion lights or sprinklers. Coyotes are less likely to enter your yard if they get a fright when an unexpected spray of water or a flash of light hits them.
Coyote-proof fencing needs to be at least 8 feet tall and made from material coyotes can’t climb, or 6 feet tall and fitted with coyote rollers. These additions make it tough for the coyotes to scramble over.
Coyotes are prolific diggers, so the fence needs to go at least 1.5 feet deep into the ground. Also, consider trees near your fence installation. Coyotes have the skills to climb trees and could use them to scale a nearby fence. The cost to install a fence runs between $1,500 and $8,000.
Liquid or granular repellents won't be a miracle fix—like many homemade remedies to ward off wildlife, they don’t have scientific backing, and you’ll need to reapply them a lot (especially after rain). However, they are relatively inexpensive and could be worth a try if you use them alongside other deterrents. Some DIY options to try around your yard perimeter include:
Open jars of vinegar
Rags soaked in a mix of mouthwash and mint extract oil
Rags soaked in ammonia, but not around pets or kids
Even after you’ve scared off any visiting coyotes, if your yard is an enticing place for them, they may pay you another visit. Getting rid of temptations (and encouraging your neighbors to do the same) and introducing deterrents are sensible parts of the strategy.
Feed pets indoors or remove any food bowls (and clean up the crumbs) right after your pet finishes their chow.
Contain trash and compost in secure, enclosed bins.
Clean up any fallen bird seed around feeders.
Don’t delay in tidying up fallen fruit.
Don’t leave pets outside without supervision, especially after dusk.
Keep your cat indoors to guarantee their safety.
Walk your dog (regardless of size) on a leash no longer than 6 feet long—even big dogs can get into scraps with coyotes over territory.
Keep chickens or rabbits in secure enclosures with strong mesh covers that go at least one foot into the ground.
Remove sources of standing water, especially during hot weather.
Scare tactics and DIY deterrents are ways you can easily ward off coyotes on your own. However, if the coyotes are getting overly brave or a major nuisance, it pays to take advice from a wildlife removal expert near you. If you have concerns about unusual or aggressive coyote behavior, report it to the local animal control or police department. Alternatively, in some states, you may be able to hire a licensed trapper directly. The average cost for professional animal removal is $350.
Gemma Johnstone contributed to this piece.
If a coyote approaches you, never run away, even if it goes against your natural instinct. Make yourself look big, shout loudly, and throw something in the coyote's direction. Be persistent and continue these scare tactics until they move away. Then, you should move away slowly, always facing the coyote.
The best way to protect your pets from coyotes is to ensure they are always supervised when outside, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are the most active. When walking your dog, keep it on a short leash and carry something noisy you can use to haze any coyotes you may encounter.
Scent deterrents like ammonia, vinegar, mothballs, and pepper can help keep coyotes away, but these are best used in tandem with other preventative measures. Remember that ammonia and vinegar can kill your plants and/or grass, so it’s best to soak rags in these substances or spray them on hardscaped areas to avoid damaging your landscape.
