Foxes are common in towns across Essex, and a smelly bin is an easy meal. Waking up to rubbish across the front garden usually means a fox has found a way in.
Why foxes go for bins
Foxes have a strong sense of smell and are drawn to food waste. They are good at pushing open loose lids, knocking over light bins and tearing into bags left on the ground. Once they find food somewhere, they tend to come back.
Close the lid properly
A lid that shuts fully is the first line of defence. Don’t overfill the bin so the lid rests open, and don’t leave bags on top of it or beside it. If your lid is broken or warped, ask your council about a replacement.
Put bins out on the morning of collection
The longer a bin stands at the kerb overnight, the more time a fox has to get into it. If your collection time allows, put bins out in the morning rather than the night before.
Secure the bin
- Stand the bin with its lid side against a wall or fence.
- Use a bin strap or bungee to hold the lid down.
- Keep the bin in a bin store if you have one.
Take away the smell
A bin coated in old food residue smells strongly even when it’s nearly empty. Bagging food waste properly and keeping the bin clean removes the thing that draws foxes in. See why wheelie bins smell.
Food caddies need care too
Small food caddies are easy for foxes to knock over. Make sure the lid is locked shut, and keep the caddy somewhere secure between collections. See keeping your food caddy clean.
A clean, sanitised bin is much less interesting to a fox. Our wheelie bin cleaning leaves bins disinfected and deodorised. Ask for a quote.
