How to stop foxes digging up bulbs – 5 methods to protect your blooms for spring

Garden wildlife is a joy many gardeners welcome. From birds and pollinators to nocturnal animals, it can be amazing to watch your outdoor space become a wildlife haven. However, there are also some challenges that come with welcoming these beautiful creatures into your yard, like learning how to stop foxes digging up bulbs.

Throughout the majority of North America, you can spot foxes wandering into gardens. This is especially true if you have a wildlife garden where you might see foxes at dawn and dusk - the times these animals are most typically active. While they are stunning creatures to spot, foxes can also cause chaos among your planting. 'When they are having difficulty finding prey, they can resort to going after bulbs,' says Jeremiah Woodward, wildlife specialist at Fox Pest Control.

This means you might have to stop foxes digging up bulbs more so in the seasons when their prey is scarce. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to stop these winter backyard pests ruining your spring planting.

5 ways to stop foxes digging up bulbs

'Some of the bulbs foxes may go for include tulips, crocuses, daffodils, and lilies,' says Jeremiah. 'A lot of these bulbs can contain nutrients for them, but some do contain other toxins that the foxes would not like. Unfortunately, they could still dig them up out of curiosity,' he explains.

If foxes are common in your local area and you're keen to protect your spring garden, then it might be wise to put some of these precautions in place to stop foxes digging up bulbs:

1. Create a mesh barrier

If you've taken the time to incorporate the best bulb planting trends while getting your bulbs in the ground this fall, you'll be keen to protect them from any pests. A simple solution is using some mesh:

'Use wire mesh as a barrier over top of the planted area. The foxes won't be able to dig through it,' explains Jeremiah.

You can use this wire mesh from Amazon to create a barrier over where your bulbs are planted. Make sure to use a couple of layers to ensure it is thick enough to protect from foxes chewing through. This is also an effective way to stop squirrels digging up bulbs.

Don't forget to then remove the mesh as part of your spring gardening checklist, once the first shoots of your bulbs start to appear.

Jeremiah Woodward

Jeremiah Woodword is a service manager and technician with Fox Pest Control in Albany, New York. Jeremiah is the dedicated wildlife expert on the Fox Pest Control team, focusing on nuisance wildlife, exclusion, and management. Jeremiah is also a licensed home inspector.

2. Put a layer of gravel over your bulbs

Working in a similar manner to mesh, you can protect your newly planted bulbs with gravel or stones that will be hard for foxes to dig through.

'A layer of gravel or sharp edge stones on the surface can also deter foxes from digging up the area,' Jeremiah explains.

There are lots of ways to landscape with gravel to make this look attractive, too. For example, you can use this pea gravel from Amazon to top off your container garden plants.

This will also add some extra insulation to protect plants from frost and help them get through the harshest season before growing shoots and flowering in spring.

3. Put up a tall fence

This method will not only stop foxes digging up bulbs, it will also help get rid of foxes in your yard altogether. Tall structures like fences make it hard for these animals to enter your yard.

'Put up a fence around your garden that’s too high for them to vault over,' explains Meg Pearson, pest control expert at Critter Control. 'Be sure the fence also extends underground to prevent foxes from burrowing under the fence and accessing the garden from below,' she adds.

There are lots of garden fence ideas you can recreate with height to stop foxes coming into your yard. Landscaping with hedges can also work to some extent, but be aware foxes can burrow underneath, as Meg notes.

Meg Pearson

Meg is the Training Manager at Critter Control. She is an expert source in wildlife control and pest control. She can speak to rodent and other wildlife issues within the home and garden, and the costs associated with preventing and addressing these, as well as the risks pests pose to our families and pets.

4. Use motion-activated sprinklers

Using motion-censored devices is a popular way many keep pests that can destroy plants away from their yard. Sprinklers are an effective choice for foxes.

'These devices can be purchased online and all you need is some batteries and hook up the device to a hose,' says Jeremiah. 'When it detects motion in the area you have it set up in, it will turn on the sprinkler and scare away foxes. This motion activated sprinkler can work on all sorts of wildlife,' he explains.

When trying to stop foxes digging up bulbs, make sure to position your sprinkler somewhere it will stop foxes in their tracks before getting to your planted bulbs. This motion-activated sprinkler on Amazon works well.

'There are also other motion activated, ultrasonic devices (from Amazon) that play a very high-pitched ear-piercing sound to scare pests away,' Jeremiah adds.

5. Use fox-repellent plants and sprays

Like many animals and insects, there are some pest-repellent plants that keep foxes at bay. In particular, they struggle to be around plants that give off strong aromas or have prickly foliage.

Some fox-repellent plants you could plant around your bulbs include holly and rose bushes, or aromatic herbs.

To take it a step further, experts say to make your own fox-repellent spray: 'Chili pepper, garlic, and white vinegar give off strong smells foxes dislike,' explains Jeremiah. Boil these ingredients in water and place them in a spray bottle (from Walmart) before applying around your planted bulbs.

'With all deterrents and repellents, it is important to move devices around and rotate the types of repellents you use,' says Jeremiah. 'Foxes will get used to some of it and if not rotated properly,' he advises.

FAQs

What time of year are foxes most active?

Foxes tend to be active throughout the year. You're more likely to spot young fox cubs in late spring and early summer where they may cause damage to garden plants. While not strictly nocturnal creatures, foxes are most active at dawn and dusk.

'Foxes are cunning animals; if they want to enter your yard or garden, they will likely try as many tactics as they can to gain access to it,' says Meg. 'If you truly want your fox problem handled, the best thing you can do is to have the situation handled by a trained wildlife removal professional who can assess your specific fox issue,' she adds. Nevertheless, these methods will put precautions in place to stop foxes digging up bulbs.

Just remember choosing to not protect your bulbs is only one of the bulb planting mistakes to avoid - there are plenty of other things to also get right for a successful bulb showcase.