How do you keep coyotes out of the yard? You keep coyotes out of the yard mainly by removing things that attract them, putting up strong fences they can’t get through, using things that scare them away, and watching over your pets very closely.
Coyotes live in many places. They can live in forests, deserts, and even near cities. Seeing a coyote in your yard can be scary. You want your yard to be safe. This is for your family and your pets. Keeping coyotes away is important. It helps both you and the coyotes stay safe. Coyotes look for food, water, and shelter. If your yard has these things, they might visit. We need to make yards less inviting to them. This means changing some things around your home. Let’s look at what brings coyotes close. Then we will find ways to stop them from coming in. We will talk about different coyote prevention methods. These steps help keep your yard safe. They also help keep wild animals wild.
Image Source: www.manhattanbeach.gov
Why Coyotes Come Near Homes
Coyotes come into yards for simple reasons. They are looking for food. They are looking for water. They are looking for a safe place to rest. Sometimes they are just moving through. Yards near open spaces or parks might see more coyotes. But even yards in busy areas can have visits. This is if the yards offer something the coyotes need. Knowing what draws them in is the first step. Then you can take away those things. This makes your yard much less interesting to a coyote. Removing coyote attractants is a key part of keeping them away.
Food That Attracts Coyotes
Coyotes eat many things. They eat small animals like mice and rabbits. But they also eat food left by people. This is often the biggest problem.
* Pet Food: Food left outside for cats or dogs is easy food for a coyote. They smell it from far away.
* Garbage: Open trash cans are like a free meal. Food scraps smell strong. Coyotes can easily tip over cans.
* Fallen Fruit: Fruit that falls from trees in your yard can attract them. Berries on bushes too.
* Bird Seed: Seed spilled on the ground under feeders can attract rodents. Coyents eat rodents. The seed itself can also be food.
* Compost Piles: Food scraps in compost piles can smell good to coyotes.
* Water: Coyotes need water. Bird baths, pet water bowls, or even leaky sprinklers can offer water.
Shelter That Attracts Coyotes
Coyotes also look for safe spots. They might look for a den site. Or just a place to hide or rest.
* Thick Bushes: Dense plants offer cover. Coyotes can hide there.
* Under Decks or Sheds: These spots offer shelter from weather. They can be den sites.
* Tall Grass: Uncut grass can hide small animals. This attracts coyotes looking to hunt.
By removing these things, you make your yard much less appealing. This is a basic step in coyote prevention methods.
Taking Away Things Coyotes Like
The easiest way to keep coyotes out is to take away what they want. This is about removing coyote attractants.
Manage Your Trash Carefully
This is one of the most important steps.
* Use strong trash cans. Make sure they have tight-fitting lids.
* Store trash cans in a secure place. A garage or shed is best.
* If you can’t store them inside, use bungee cords. Tie the lids down tightly.
* Put trash cans out on the morning of pick-up day. Do not put them out the night before.
* Rinse food containers before throwing them away. This reduces smells.
Handle Pet Food and Water
- Feed pets inside your home. This is the safest way.
- If you must feed pets outside, do it during the day. Stay with them. Pick up any leftover food right away.
- Do not leave pet food or water bowls outside overnight.
Clean Up Yard Waste
- Pick up fallen fruit from trees. Do this often.
- Clean up spilled bird seed under feeders.
- Use a closed compost bin. Do not put meat or dairy in it. These attract animals more.
Make Shelter Spots Unfriendly
- Trim thick bushes. Keep them tidy.
- Seal off spaces under decks or sheds. Use wire mesh or solid barriers. Make sure no animals are living there first!
- Keep your lawn mowed. Remove piles of brush or wood. These can be hiding spots.
Doing these things makes your yard less interesting. It removes the easy meals and hiding spots. This is a vital part of coyote prevention methods and wildlife control residential practices.
Building Strong Walls: Coyote Proof Fencing
Physical barriers are very effective. A good fence can stop coyotes from entering your yard. Building coyote proof fencing is a big step. But it can offer peace of mind.
What Makes a Fence Coyote Proof?
Coyotes are smart. They can climb and dig. So, a fence needs to be strong in several ways.
* Height: Coyotes can jump high. A fence should be at least 6 feet tall. Some experts recommend 8 feet for best results.
* Material: The fence should be made of strong material. Woven wire mesh or solid wood are good choices. Chain link is okay but needs to be high and secure.
* Bottom Edge: Coyotes can dig under fences. The fence must go into the ground. Bury the bottom edge at least 12-18 inches deep. Or, use an L-footer. This is mesh wire bent at a 90-degree angle. It runs outward from the bottom of the fence for about 18 inches. It lays flat on the ground or is buried just under it. When a coyote tries to dig, they hit this barrier.
* Top Edge: Adding something tricky to the top helps. A fence roller or a top extension that angles outward makes climbing harder.
Fence Options
- Woven Wire Mesh Fence: This is strong and hard to climb. It’s often used in rural areas. Make sure the mesh holes are not too big.
- Solid Wood Fence: A tall solid fence can work. Coyotes can’t see through it. This might make them less likely to try to get in. But make sure there are no gaps underneath.
- Electric Fence: An electric wire placed near the top or bottom of an existing fence can give a coyote a surprise. This teaches them to stay away. Use a low voltage charger made for this purpose. Check local rules before putting up an electric fence.
Fencing is an investment. But it is one of the most reliable coyote prevention methods. It creates a clear boundary.
Using Things That Scare Coyotes: Deterrents
Coyotes don’t like sudden or strange things. You can use different deterrents for coyotes. These work by scaring them or making them feel unsafe.
Light Deterrents
- Motion-Activated Lights: A sudden bright light turning on can startle a coyote. Place these lights in your yard. Point them towards areas coyotes might enter.
- Flashing Lights: Some devices use flashing lights. They try to copy the eyes of another animal. These might make coyotes think they are being watched.
Sound Deterrents
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices spray water when they sense movement. The sudden spray and sound of water can scare a coyote away. This is also a humane coyote deterrence method.
- Loud Noises: Yelling, blowing a whistle, or using an air horn can scare a coyote if you see one. This is a type of hazing.
- Ultrasonic Devices: Some devices claim to make sounds that only animals can hear. There is not much proof that these work well for coyotes over time. Animals can get used to sounds.
Smell Deterrents: Coyote Repellent Solutions
Some smells might keep coyotes away.
* Predator Urine: The smell of a bigger animal (like a bobcat or mountain lion) might make a coyote feel unsafe. You can buy products with predator urine. Place them around your yard.
* Ammonia: Soaking rags in ammonia and placing them near entry points might work. The strong smell is unpleasant.
* Commercial Repellents: There are products sold as coyote repellent solutions. Their success varies. Some use smells, others taste. Read reviews and check what they are made of.
Important Note: Deterrents often work best when used together. And animals can get used to them. It helps to move motion lights or sprinklers sometimes. Change up your methods. Relying on just one type of deterrent is usually not enough for long-term coyote prevention methods.
Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe: Protecting Pets from Coyotes
Your pets, especially small dogs and cats, are seen as prey by coyotes. Protecting pets from coyotes is a top priority for many people.
Supervise Pets Outdoors
- Never leave pets outside alone. This is the most important rule. Even in a fenced yard, a coyote might get in. Or they might wait outside the fence.
- Stay with your dog or cat when they are outside. Even for a quick potty break.
- If you have a dog run, make sure it has a secure top and bottom. It should be coyote proof.
Walk Dogs on a Leash
- Always use a leash when walking your dog. This is true even in areas where you haven’t seen coyotes.
- Keep the leash short. This gives you more control.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Look around often.
Consider Pet Size
- Small dogs are most at risk. Keep them very close.
- Larger dogs might be safer. But a hungry or brave coyote might still attack. Do not assume a large dog is completely safe alone.
Manage Cat Access
- Keep cats indoors. This is safest for them from coyotes and many other dangers (cars, diseases, other animals).
- If you have an outdoor cat enclosure (a “catio”), make sure it is fully enclosed and coyote proof.
Use Safe Pet Doors
- If you use a pet door, make sure it is secure. Coyotes have been known to follow pets through pet doors.
- Use a pet door that only opens for your pet’s microchip or collar tag. This stops other animals from using it.
- Lock the pet door at night.
Taking these steps greatly lowers the risk to your pets. Protecting pets from coyotes requires constant awareness and care.
Gently Scaring Coyotes Away: Humane Coyote Deterrence (Hazing)
Hazing means making a coyote feel unwelcome. It’s a way of humane coyote deterrence. The goal is to scare them off without hurting them. This teaches them that your yard is not a safe or easy place to be.
How to Haze a Coyote
If you see a coyote in your yard or nearby:
* Make yourself big. Stand tall. Wave your arms.
* Make loud noise. Shout at the coyote. Clap your hands. Bang pots and pans. Use a whistle or air horn.
* Throw things near it. Throw small rocks, sticks, or tennis balls towards the coyote. Don’t try to hit it. Just land things near it to startle it.
* Use water. Spray it with a hose. Or use a motion-activated sprinkler as mentioned before.
Tips for Effective Hazing
- Be confident. Act bold and determined.
- Be consistent. Hazing needs to happen every time you see a coyote. If you only do it sometimes, they won’t learn.
- Do not run away. Running can make them think you are prey.
- Do not turn your back. Keep facing the coyote while you haze it.
- Do not offer food. Never try to lure or feed a coyote. This makes them less afraid of people.
Hazing works by teaching coyotes to avoid people and yards. It reinforces their natural fear. This is a key part of humane coyote deterrence. It helps keep wildlife wild and safer by reducing close contact with humans.
More Coyote Prevention Methods and Strategies
Beyond the main steps, other actions can help. These are part of broader wildlife control residential efforts.
Educate Yourself and Neighbors
- Learn about coyote behavior in your area. Local wildlife groups or animal control can help.
- Talk to your neighbors. If everyone takes steps to remove attractants, it helps the whole neighborhood. A single yard with easy food can draw coyotes to the area.
Secure Animal Enclosures
- If you have chickens, rabbits, or other small livestock, their pens must be very secure.
- Use strong wire mesh (like welded wire, not chicken wire).
- Bury the wire deep into the ground. Or use L-footers.
- Secure the top of the pen completely. Coyotes can climb or jump over low roofs.
- Lock pens at night.
Be Careful with Bird Feeders
- Coyotes are attracted by rodents (like squirrels and mice) that eat spilled bird seed.
- Use trays under feeders to catch seeds.
- Clean up spilled seeds regularly.
- Consider taking feeders down at night, especially during times when coyote activity is high.
Keep Barbecue Grills Clean
- Grease and food smells on grills can attract coyotes.
- Clean your grill after each use.
Watch Out During Dusk and Dawn
- Coyotes are most active during these times.
- Be extra careful when letting pets out or being in the yard during these hours.
Understand Local Coyote Activity
- Are there known den sites nearby?
- Has there been recent activity in your neighborhood?
- Report coyote sightings to local animal control or wildlife authorities. This helps them track activity and might lead to them giving specific advice for your area.
These extra steps add to your overall coyote prevention methods. They help create a safer environment for you and make it harder for coyotes to thrive near your home. This is all part of smart predatory animal deterrence.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, you might need help from experts. Wildlife control residential services can offer assistance.
- If a coyote seems sick or injured: Do not approach it. Call animal control.
- If a coyote acts aggressive or shows no fear of people: This is unusual behavior. It might mean the animal is ill or has become too comfortable around humans. Call animal control right away.
- If you have tried many methods and coyotes still come into your yard often: A professional might be able to assess your situation and offer solutions specific to your property and the coyotes in your area.
- If you find a coyote den on your property: Do not try to remove it yourself. Contact wildlife experts.
Professional help can be part of a complete strategy for keeping coyotes away safely and humanely.
Making Your Yard Less Friendly: A Summary of Tactics
To sum it up, keeping coyotes out of your yard is about making it unwelcoming.
Think of it like this:
- No Free Food: Secure trash, pet food, fallen fruit, compost. (Removing coyote attractants)
- No Easy Entry: Build tall, strong fences that go underground. (Coyote proof fencing)
- No Safe Spots: Remove dense brush, block spaces under structures.
- Use Scare Tactics: Lights, sounds, water sprays. (Deterrents for coyotes, Coyote repellent solutions)
- Be Alert: Supervise pets, especially at dawn/dusk. (Protecting pets from coyotes)
- Be Brave (if needed): Use hazing to scare them off if you see them. (Humane coyote deterrence)
- Secure Other Animals: Make sure chicken coops etc. are predator proof. (Predatory animal deterrence)
- Work Together: Talk to neighbors. Report sightings. (Wildlife control residential)
By using a mix of these coyote prevention methods, you can greatly reduce the chances of having coyotes in your yard. The goal is long-term coexistence, keeping yards safe while letting coyotes live in their natural areas. Keeping coyotes away requires effort, but it helps everyone.
Table of Coyote Deterrence Methods
| Method | How it Works | Example | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove Attractants | Takes away food/water sources. | Secure trash, pick up fruit | Addresses root cause, simple steps | Requires consistent effort |
| Fencing | Creates physical barrier. | 6ft+ fence with L-footer | Highly effective barrier | Can be expensive, needs proper install |
| Lights | Startles/spooks coyotes. | Motion-sensor lights | Easy to install, low power use | Coyotes can get used to them |
| Sounds/Water | Startles coyotes with sudden action. | Motion-activated sprinklers | Humane, can be effective initially | Animals may habituate, power/water use |
| Smell Repellents | Makes area smell unsafe/unpleasant. | Predator urine, ammonia | Easy to apply | Variable success, needs reapplication |
| Hazing | Actively scares coyote away from you/yard. | Yelling, waving arms | Direct, humane, teaches avoidance | Requires you to be present and bold |
| Pet Supervision | Prevents pets from being easy targets. | Leash walks, stay outside | Safest for pets | Requires constant attention when outdoors |
| Secure Structures | Blocks den sites or hiding spots. | Seal deck gaps, trim bushes | Removes shelter | May require construction/work |
Using a combination of these methods usually works best for keeping coyotes away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Coyotes Out
How high does a fence need to be to keep coyotes out?
A fence should be at least 6 feet tall. For better protection, 8 feet is best. Coyotes are good jumpers.
Can coyotes climb fences?
Yes, coyotes can climb certain fences, especially chain-link. A fence with an outward-angling top or a roller bar makes climbing much harder.
Will motion-activated lights really scare coyotes away?
Motion-activated lights can startle coyotes at first. They are one tool among many. Coyotes are smart and can learn that the lights are not a real threat if there’s nothing else to scare them. They work best as part of a larger plan.
Does dog or human urine work as a coyote repellent?
There is little proof that dog or human urine works as a long-term coyote repellent. Coyote urine or the urine of their natural predators might be slightly more effective, but results still vary. Removing food sources is much more reliable.
Is hazing cruel to coyotes?
No, hazing is considered a humane coyote deterrence method. It uses non-harmful actions (like yelling, making noise, waving arms) to scare the coyote away. This teaches them to avoid people and yards. It helps keep them wild and safer by reducing close contact.
What smells do coyotes hate?
Coyotes might dislike strong smells like ammonia or the urine of their predators. Some commercial coyote repellent solutions use these types of smells. However, the effectiveness can wear off, and results are often temporary.
Can coyotes get over an electric fence?
An electric wire placed correctly on a fence (near the top or bottom) can provide a shock that deters coyotes. It’s usually used as an addition to a physical fence to discourage climbing or digging.
What should I do if I see a coyote that doesn’t seem scared of me?
If a coyote doesn’t run away when you haze it, it might be sick, injured, or have lost its fear of people. Do not approach it. Slowly back away and maintain eye contact. Call local animal control or wildlife authorities right away to report its behavior and location. This is important for wildlife control residential safety.
Will getting a big dog keep coyotes away?
A large dog might deter some coyotes, but it is not a guarantee. Coyotes have attacked large dogs. Never rely on your dog alone to protect the yard or themselves from coyotes. Always supervise your dog when outside, especially during dawn and dusk. Protecting pets from coyotes requires human action and supervision.
How long should I keep up coyote prevention efforts?
Keeping coyotes away is an ongoing effort. It’s not a one-time fix. You need to consistently remove attractants, maintain fences, and be aware of coyote activity in your area. Coyote prevention methods should become regular habits.