Foxes are beautiful and beguiling, but during their mating season – each January – they can exhibit more adventurous behaviours as they search for mates and look to secure dens for raising their young. These habits can bring them closer to human habitats and cause unexpected and expensive property issues.

Prolonged digging under structures like porches, decks and sheds can weaken foundations and cause structural damage over time. Likewise, a family of foxes coming and going can destroy your lawn and carefully tended flower beds.

So, where should you look? Foxes are brilliant climbers, so search your roof or attic space. The area beneath porches and decks is an excellent spot for a mother fox to raise her cubs, so be on the lookout for any signs of disturbance. Foxes can also use drainage pipes and ditches as pathways or hiding spots, while open sheds, garages and greenhouses make for cosy shelters.

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