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Fox Control Audenshaw

The fox is a native relative of the dog, common throughout Britain in Manchester Stockport and Cheshire areas they are Extremely adaptable, it is an established resident of our urban environment.

Habitat – Breeding – Diet

There has been a rapid spread of foxes into urban areas during the 20th century, particularly in the south of England. This has mirrored the growth in urban sprawl. Like people, foxes prefer suburban housing with large gardens where they can find shelter under shrubbery, sheds, and in secluded corners Foxes shelter in burrows known as earths or dens. An active den can easily be identified as it is likely to be surrounded by an untidy array of food remnants, faeces and miscellaneous items. Well worn paths to the entrance, which is about 25 cm wide, and decidedly unpleasant musty smell, will betray the recent presence of foxes.

Breeding:

Foxes breed once a year. The mating season begins in January when the eerie mating cries can be heard during the night. A litter of 4-5 cubs is born about late March, and the cubs remain exclusively in the den until about May By June or July the den will be abandoned, the cubs will be learning to forage for food and their playful activities will be evident. By early autumn, the cubs will be almost fully grown, and by late autumn the family begins to disperse, although in urban areas many remain in or around their original home territory. Some people believe the fox population is increasing but this is not the case. Fox populations are relatively stable and self regulating according to the availability of habitat and food.

The fox is an omnivore, eating birds, rabbits, small mammals, insects, worms, fruit, grassland a wide variety of scavenged food. In urban areas, scavenged food can constitute up to 50% of their diet as foxes eat what we discard.

So what’s the problem?

Many people derive great pleasure from urban wildlife and actively encourage them. Studies by the RSPCA have found that most people either like or are indifferent to the fox, and that regardless of attitude, few people suffer actual problems from foxes, and many ofthe problems are minor and easily rectified. However, for those who have concerns or are having problems with foxes, the following information may be of assistance.

Is the fox a health risk?

Despite fears, the fox does not pose a danger to people. Foxes are not naturally aggressive to humans, but like all wild animals, they may defend themselves if they feel threatened. Always treat wild animals with respect.

Foxes also pose no real danger to cats. Although foxes will scavenge the remains of dead cats, the actual evidence of them killing cats is extremely rare. Cats greatly outnumber foxes and coexist without serious conflict. In most cat/fox encounters, it is the fox who comes off worse, and many fox cubs are killed each year by pet cats and dogs.

However, pets like rabbits and guinea pigs are a natural part of the fox diet so need to be securely housed to ensure the fox does not get the opportunity of an easy meal. A chicken wire enclosure is not strong enough to deter a determined fox. Foxes also eat rats and other rodents and can thus help to keep pest populations in check.

The most common disease of the fox is canine mange. It is caused by a mite and leads to intense irritation, fur loss, and skin infection. Left untreated it can lead to death in a few months. However, it cannot easily transfer to humans or cats, and it is unlikely to transfer to pet dogs unless they come into close contact. It is easily cured, and any fox with mange should be treated to avoid suffering.

The moult, or shedding of the winter coat, can be mistaken for mange. It can make foxes look diseased, starved or mangy, but it is natural and harmless.

Problems with foxes:

Most of the problems people report involve damage to gardens, raiding of rubbish and the unpleasant smell and fouling associated with foxes. These can be a significant irritant to many people.

The area around dens is likely to be untidy and smelly and damage to gardens is almost inevitable, either from digging to construct the den or for food, or from incidental damage when cubs are playing. Foxes scent mark their territories and deposit their faeces in prominent locations. While this form of communication is important for foxes, it is also unpleasant.

Foxes are often blamed for scavenging and scattering rubbish, although this is also true of other urban animals including our pets. This problem is easily avoided by proper storage and disposal of waste. Rubbish, particularly food waste, should be securely stored, preferably in a bin with a lid, and placed out not earlier than the night before collection.

Some people are also disturbed by the loud cries of foxes, heard mainly during winter nights or in late summer. These are either mating calls, territorial disputes or cubs battling to establish top dog status. There is little that can be done, and the nocturnal disturbances don’t last long.

Fox Control:

Manchester Pest control can offer trapping programs to remove foxes that may be causing problems such as damage within the garden and noise. Traps are set in areas of activity and can be checked by yourselves or an Manchester Pest control technician. ( Traps must be inspected twice a day) All carcasses will be remove and disposed of in the correct fashion in accordance to local authority. In some cases proofing can be carried out. The fabrication of one way doors to allow the fox to exit an area but not be able to return can some times be enough to move the fox on.

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Manchester Pest Control's work is guaranteed, Treatments are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week including bank holidays. We will also advise on any pest proofing issues and how to avoid pest problems in the future. We all want what's best for our family and to protect our home. Apart from the danger to health, many pests can also cause extensive structural damage, as well as an offensive odour. Before you go down the DIY route, why not give us a call to see how we can help? You have nothing to lose! We all want what's best for our family and to protect our home. Apart from the danger to health, many pests can also cause extensive structural damage, as well as an offensive odour. Before you go down the DIY route, why not give us a call to see how we can help? You have nothing to lose!

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