Fox Control in Southern Maryland

Foxes near the home

Red and gray foxes live throughout Southern Maryland and adapt well to neighborhoods with woods and fields nearby. Most of the time they keep to themselves. Problems arise when a fox dens under a shed, deck or outbuilding close to the house, or when it starts taking backyard chickens and other small animals.

How Home Fixer handles it

• Assess the situation. We look at where the fox is denning and whether young are present.
• Encourage relocation. In many cases, the best approach is humane methods that encourage the fox to move its den, followed by exclusion.
• Removal when needed. When removal is appropriate, we follow Maryland wildlife regulations.
• Exclude and protect. We block access under decks and sheds and can advise on securing coops and pens.

Protecting pets and poultry

Foxes are opportunistic. Keeping small pets supervised, securing poultry in a predator-resistant coop at night and removing food sources goes a long way toward avoiding conflicts.

Fox denning season

Foxes usually den in late winter and spring to raise their kits, often choosing spots under sheds, decks and outbuildings near good hunting ground. Once the kits are old enough, the family typically moves on by summer.

If a den is near your home, the timing of any action matters. In many cases, gentle harassment encourages the family to relocate sooner, and exclusion afterward keeps them from returning next year. We will look at the location and recommend the approach that fits.

Foxes also eat mice, voles and rabbits, so a fox passing through the yard is not always a problem. Our focus is on dens close to the home, conflicts with pets or poultry, and animals that show signs of illness. When a fox needs to move on, we plan the work so it is humane, legal and effective.

A note on safety

A fox that seems sick, disoriented or unusually aggressive may be ill. Keep people and pets away and contact animal control or your local health department.

Have a fox den too close for comfort? Request an inspection or call or text (301) 659-0300.