How to get rid of a fox den in Massachusetts | Fox

Massachusetts > Animal is under my porch, deck or shed > Fox

How to get rid of a fox den

Photo accompanying step 1

Foxes normally use abandoned burrows, hollow trees, and rock piles as dens, but sometimes a fox will den and give birth to its young under a porch, deck, or shed. If possible, allow them to stay until the young are two months old and begin accompanying the adults on hunts.

If you need the foxes to move sooner, then you should encourage them to move out by:

  • Making loud noises
  • Playing loud music near the den
  • Using strobe lights and/or motion sensor alarms
  • Using repellents, such as soap shavings, vinegar, commercial fox repellents, or coyote urine

If there are young present, the adults will need time to locate an alternate den and return to remove each pup.

Once the den has been abandoned, close the entrance with rocks, logs, or bricks. Bury 1/4- to 1/2-inch hardware cloth a few inches below ground, 12 feet around every potential entrance. 

Legal, Regulated Hunting in Massachusetts

Legal, Regulated Hunting in Massachusetts

The use of legal, regulated, hunting by licensed hunters can be useful for reducing local wildlife populations and can help reduce nuisance problems in Massachusetts. You can allow hunters on to your property, provide a place for them to park to access nearby forest, and/or give them permission to hunt within 500 feet of your residence. Please also keep in mind that each town may have additional by-laws that restrict hunting and the discharge of firearms.

Information about hunting seasons and regulations in Massachusetts

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Massachusetts

Legal, Regulated Trapping

The use of legal, regulated, trapping by licensed trappers can be useful for reducing local wildlife populations and can help reduce nuisance problems in Massachusetts.
While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

Was this solution helpful?

Yes No

More solutions for fox problems

How to feed my pets when wild animals are attractedExplore this solution

How to handle garbage to avoid animal problemsExplore this solution

What to do if I see a wild animalExplore this solution

How to protect pets from foxesExplore this solution

How to protect poultry from predatorsExplore this solution

What should I do if I find an orphaned or abandoned young baby wild animal?Explore this solution

What to do with an animal that is behaving strangely or aggressivelyExplore this solution