How to deter foxes and cats from gardens with natural solution

Cats and foxes rule the streets after dark, and while it can be charming watching them slink about, it becomes considerably less enjoyable when they begin frequenting your garden. Many gardeners have a soft spot for cats and foxes, yet these creatures can prove an absolute menace in spring as they enjoy digging up freshly turned soil, frequently uprooting bulbs and wreaking havoc on flowerbeds.

Both animals are also fiercely territorial and routinely use gardens as lavatories to mark their patch, which is not only unpleasant but also contaminates crops such as tomatoes, rendering them unsafe for consumption. Alessandro Vitale, organic gardener and founder of Spicy Moustache, has been tackling cats and foxes in London for numerous years and has experimented with a wide variety of remedies to protect his plants. He has found that the “most effective” method to repel foxes and cats is to concoct a homemade herbal solution that will send them running in the opposite direction.

Alessandro said: “After the even years or so that I’ve been dealing with foxes, I [have] learned a few tips to avoid issues in my garden. I found that plants with a strong smell are ideal to keep foxes away from your garden.”

How can herbs keep cats and foxes out of a garden

Deterring cats and foxes can prove particularly challenging, as they are accustomed to human presence and are therefore rarely startled by loud noises. Consequently, most conventional animal repellent devices are likely to prove ineffective against them.

However, cats and foxes are hardwired to utilise their noses to detect danger, and are more inclined to be deterred by unfamiliar odours, as these indicate to them that a location is potentially hazardous

These creatures also possess incredibly sensitive noses, and the compounds found in herbs or pungent vegetables such as garlic can frequently overwhelm them.

Herbs will genuinely irritate their nasal passages and cause their eyes to water and can disorient them. Their natural response will be to avoid the scent instead of investigating it.

Applying a herb remedy throughout a garden also disguises the scents that attract foxes and cats. The spray increases the likelihood they will swiftly depart to search out alternative smells.

Creating a herb solution is remarkably straightforward and requires minimal effort while also being a humane method to protect your plants from troublesome foxes and cats.

How to make a herb remedy deters cats and foxes

You will need

• 1.4 litres of water
• 30g of basil leaves
• 30g of geranium leaves
• 30g of sage leaves
• Four cloves of garlic
• One big onion (optional)

Method

To begin, place the water in a pan over low-medium heat until it simmers and almost boils.

Chop up the basil, geranium and sage leaves, then add them to the water. You will need herb leaves from a plant, as they will be more potent than dried-up leaves.

Next, chop up four cloves of garlic and add them to the water. You can also chop up an onion and add it to the solution but it will work fine without it.

Once all the ingredients are in the pan, turn the heat to low, put a lid on top of it and let it simmer for about 30 minutes so everything infuses in the water. Once the time is up, remove from the heat and allow the solution to cool completely. Next, strain the liquid to separate the solid ingredients from the water.

Pour the liquid into an empty spray bottle and apply it to the areas of the garden you wish to safeguard. Place the solid ingredients on top of fences, around gates, or wherever you suspect cats and foxes are gaining access to your property.

Apply the solution once a week or after rainfall, and foxes and cats should cease venturing into your garden.