Coyotes coming into your yard can be scary. It puts pets and families at risk. You can take steps to keep them away. Learning how to keep coyotes out for good needs a few key actions. It means making your yard unwelcoming. This guide gives you simple coyote prevention methods. It covers different ways to achieve wildlife deterrence backyard. We will look at animal repellent outdoor options, how to protect pets from coyotes, and the importance of removing things that attract them. These are all non-lethal coyote deterrents.
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Why Coyotes Visit Your Yard
Coyotes come into yards for simple reasons. They look for food, water, and shelter. Cities and towns offer these things easily. Trash cans hold food scraps. Pet food left outside is easy food. Fruit fallen from trees is a treat. Water sources like bird baths or leaky pipes attract them. Yards also offer cover. Bushes, sheds, or decks can be places to hide or rest. Learning what draws them in is the first step. This helps you make your yard less appealing.
Removing Things Coyotes Want
Taking away food and water is a big step. It is one of the best coyote prevention methods. Coyotes are smart. They go where they can find food easily.
Taking Away Food Sources
Coyotes eat many things. They eat small animals like mice and rabbits. But they also eat human food waste. They eat pet food. They eat fallen fruit. They will even eat birdseed. Making your yard boring for them is key.
- Secure trash cans: Use cans with tight-fitting lids. Maybe use bungee cords. Put trash out only on pickup day. Keep cans in a garage or shed if possible.
- Do not feed pets outside: Feed pets inside. If you must feed outside, pick up bowls right away. Do not leave food out overnight.
- Pick up fallen fruit: If you have fruit trees, pick up fruit from the ground often. Ripe or rotten fruit attracts many animals, including coyotes.
- Manage bird feeders: Birdseed can spill onto the ground. This attracts small animals like rodents. Coyotes hunt these small animals. Clean up spilled seed. Consider feeders that catch spills.
- Keep compost tidy: Use a closed compost bin. Do not put meat or dairy scraps in it. These items smell strong and attract animals.
- Store pet food safely: Keep pet food in sturdy containers. Store them inside.
By doing these things, you remove coyote food sources. This makes your yard much less interesting to them. This is a fundamental part of urban coyote control.
Dealing With Water
Coyotes need water. Ponds, bird baths, or even leaky sprinklers can be water sources.
- Empty bird baths at night: Refill them in the morning.
- Fix leaky faucets or sprinklers: This saves water and removes a water source for wildlife.
- Secure ponds: If you have a pond, make sure it is not easily accessed by coyotes. Steep sides can help.
Taking away easy water helps make your yard less inviting.
Limiting Shelter and Hiding Spots
Coyotes look for safe places. Thick bushes, overgrown areas, or spaces under decks offer shelter. They might use these places to rest or watch for prey.
- Trim bushes and shrubs: Keep them tidy. Remove dense thickets.
- Clear brush piles: These are perfect hiding spots.
- Seal off spaces under decks and sheds: Use lattice or wire mesh. Make sure it goes into the ground a bit. This stops them from digging under.
Making your yard open and clear gives coyotes fewer places to hide.
Building Barriers: Coyote Proof Fencing
A strong fence is a great way to keep coyotes out. It is a physical barrier. But not just any fence will work. Coyotes are good climbers and diggers.
What Makes a Fence Coyote Proof
- Height: A fence should be at least 6 feet tall. Some coyotes can climb higher.
- Material: Strong materials like chain link, wood, or wire mesh work best. Check local rules on fence types.
- Prevent Digging: This is very important. Coyotes will try to dig under fences.
- Bury the fence material: Extend the fence at least 1-2 feet below the ground.
- Add L-footer fencing: This is wire mesh attached to the bottom of the fence. It extends outward, parallel to the ground, about 1-2 feet. It is buried just under the surface. When a coyote tries to dig near the fence, they hit this mesh. It stops them from getting under.
- No Gaps: Check for spaces under gates or along the bottom. Seal them off.
A well-built fence offers good coyote proof fencing. It is a solid layer of defense. It is a key part of wildlife deterrence backyard.
Using Deterrents to Scare Them Away
Sometimes, coyotes still come close. Or maybe you cannot put up a perfect fence. You can use things that scare them. These are non-lethal coyote deterrents. The goal is to make them feel unsafe or uncomfortable in your yard.
Making Loud Noises
Coyotes are naturally shy of humans. Loud, sudden noises can startle them.
- Shout at them: If you see a coyote, shout loudly. Wave your arms. Make yourself look big.
- Use air horns or whistles: Keep one handy near doors. A loud blast can make them run.
- Bang pots and pans: This makes a sharp, scary noise.
This is known as “hazing” or scaring coyotes away. It teaches them that your yard is not a safe place to be. Consistency is important. Do it every time you see one.
Bright, Sudden Lights
Coyotes are more active at dawn and dusk. Sudden bright lights can scare them.
- Motion-activated lights: Install lights that turn on when something moves. Place them around your yard. The sudden light can startle a coyote.
- Shine a flashlight: If you see one at night, shine a bright light directly at its eyes.
Lights combined with noise work even better.
Using Smells Coyotes Do Not Like
Some smells might keep coyotes away. These are animal repellent outdoor options. The science behind them is mixed. But some people find them helpful.
- Predator urine: The smell of larger predators (like wolves or bobcats) might make coyotes feel scared. You can buy these scents at some stores. Place them around the yard edges. Reapply often, especially after rain.
- Ammonia: The strong smell of ammonia can deter some animals. Soak rags in ammonia and place them near entry points. Be careful with pets and children around ammonia.
- Commercial repellents: There are products made to repel coyotes. Read labels carefully. See what ingredients they use. Check reviews to see if they work for others.
Smell deterrents work best when used with other methods. They are not a magic fix.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers
A sudden spray of water can scare a coyote.
- Install motion-activated sprinklers: Set them up along your yard edges. When a coyote walks by, the sprinkler turns on. The sudden water burst can make them jump and run.
This is a simple, effective way to startle them.
Protecting Your Pets
Pets, especially small ones, are at risk from coyotes. Coyotes see them as easy prey. Protect pets from coyotes by being smart and watchful.
Keep Pets Inside
This is the safest method.
- Bring cats inside. Do not let them roam free.
- Keep small dogs inside, especially at night or when you are not home.
- Supervise dogs when they are outside.
Supervise Outdoor Time
Never leave dogs outside alone, especially at dawn and dusk. These are prime hunting times for coyotes.
- Go outside with your dog for potty breaks.
- Stay with your dog while they play in the yard.
- Use a leash when walking your dog. This keeps them close and safe. Use a short leash in areas known for coyotes.
Secure Pet Enclosures
If you have outdoor pet areas like runs or kennels:
- Make them coyote proof. This means using strong wire mesh.
- Make sure the top is covered. Coyotes can climb.
- Bury the bottom edge or use L-footer mesh to stop digging.
Do Not Leave Pet Food Outside
As mentioned before, this is a major attractant. Pick up food bowls right away.
Consider a “Coyote Vest” for Small Dogs
These vests have spikes or other features. They make a dog harder for a coyote to grab. They are not a guaranteed protection, but they offer some defense.
Taking these steps greatly lowers the risk to your beloved pets. Protecting pets from coyotes is a vital part of wildlife deterrence backyard.
Coyote Behavior and Your Response
Learning how coyotes act helps you react correctly. Coyotes are usually shy. They avoid humans. But they can become bold, especially if they find easy food.
- Do not run away: If you see a coyote, do not run. This can make them chase you.
- Make yourself look big: Stand tall. Wave your arms.
- Make noise: Shout, yell, use a whistle.
- Back away slowly: Do not turn your back completely until you are a safe distance away.
- Do not feed them: Never intentionally feed a coyote. This makes them lose their fear of humans. It is bad for them and dangerous for you.
Hazing them reinforces their natural fear of people. It is a key urban coyote control method. It is part of scaring coyotes away.
The Long Game: Making Your Yard Permanently Unattractive
Getting rid of coyotes for good is not a one-time thing. It requires ongoing effort. It is about making lasting changes to your yard and habits. These coyote prevention methods work best when used together.
Keep Your Yard Clean
A tidy yard is less appealing.
- Remove brush, woodpiles, and debris.
- Keep grass mowed.
- Trim trees and bushes.
Educate Neighbors
Coyotes do not respect property lines. If your neighbor leaves out pet food, it affects your yard too. Talk to your neighbors. Share information about coyote safety and deterrence. Community effort is powerful for urban coyote control.
Report Bold Coyotes
If you see a coyote that acts strangely (not afraid of people, approaches people or pets), report it. Contact your local animal control or wildlife agency. They can assess the situation.
Understand Laws
Learn about local laws regarding wildlife feeding or removal. Most areas promote non-lethal coyote deterrents.
Reviewing Deterrent Methods
Here is a quick look at the main strategies:
| Method | How it Works | Key Actions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remove Food/Water | Eliminates reasons to visit | Secure trash, no outdoor pet food, pick fruit, manage birdseed, fix leaks | Basic, essential step for all yards |
| Limit Shelter | Reduces hiding/resting spots | Trim bushes, clear brush, seal under structures | Any yard with overgrown areas or gaps |
| Coyote Proof Fencing | Physical barrier | Build 6ft+ fence, bury bottom or use L-footer, check for gaps | Yards needing high security for pets/kids |
| Noise Deterrents | Scares them with sound | Shout, use air horn/whistle, bang pans when seen | Immediate reaction when coyote is present |
| Light Deterrents | Scares them with sudden light | Use motion-activated lights, shine flashlight at night | Active at dawn/dusk/night |
| Smell Deterrents | Creates unpleasant scent | Use predator urine, ammonia rags, commercial repellents (reapply often) | Perimeter defense, less proven than others |
| Motion Sprinklers | Startles with water | Install motion-activated sprinklers | Perimeter defense, active deterrent |
| Pet Supervision | Protects vulnerable targets | Keep pets inside, supervise outdoors, use leashes, secure enclosures | Pet owners |
| Hazing (Active Scaring) | Teaches fear of humans | Shout, wave arms, make noise when seeing coyotes | When coyotes are present and bold |
| Community Effort | Addresses wider issue | Talk to neighbors, share information, report bold coyotes | Effective for neighborhoods |
This table summarizes the main wildlife deterrence backyard techniques. Combining several methods is the most effective way for how to keep coyotes out.
Detailed Look at Fencing Options
Building a solid fence is often the most effective physical barrier. Let’s look deeper at coyote proof fencing.
Fence Height and Material
As noted, 6 feet is a minimum height. Taller is better if allowed. Materials should be strong. Chain link is common. It needs a small mesh size so coyotes cannot easily get a paw or nose hold to climb. Wood fences can also work, but check for gaps underneath or between boards. Smooth materials are harder for them to climb than rough ones.
The Importance of the Bottom
Coyotes are excellent diggers. A fence that just stops at the ground is easy for them to get under.
* Burying: Digging a trench and burying the bottom 1-2 feet of the fence mesh or wire is crucial. This makes them hit a barrier underground.
* L-Footers: This is a specialized technique. You attach wire mesh (like 1-inch or 2-inch chicken wire or welded wire) horizontally to the bottom of your fence. It lies flat on the ground and extends outwards 1-2 feet away from the fence line, buried just below the surface (a few inches). A coyote trying to dig at the fence will quickly hit this buried mesh “foot” extending into their path, which stops their digging effort. This is highly effective for coyote proof fencing.
Gates and Openings
Gates must fit tightly. There should be no large gaps underneath or on the sides. Consider burying wire mesh or using L-footers at gates too. Always make sure gates are closed and latched.
Electric Fencing Considerations
In some situations, a low-level electric wire on the outside of an existing fence can deter coyotes. The shock is not harmful, but it is unpleasant. It teaches them not to touch the fence. This adds another layer to coyote prevention methods. Check local laws before using electric fencing.
Building or improving a fence is an investment. But it offers a strong, permanent layer of protection. It is a core part of how to keep coyotes out.
Deeper Dive into Deterrents and Scaring
Active deterrence, or hazing, teaches coyotes to fear humans. This is vital for urban coyote control where coyotes might lose their natural fear.
How to Haze Effectively
- Be loud and assertive: Do not be shy. Yell, stomp your feet, clap your hands loudly.
- Look aggressive: Wave your arms, throw small objects (like twigs or pinecones) near them, not at them.
- Be consistent: Do this every single time you see a coyote in your yard or acting boldly nearby. You want them to associate your presence with an unpleasant experience.
- Tools for Hazing:
- Your voice
- Air horn, whistle
- Shaker can (can with rocks inside)
- Hose with spray nozzle
- Motion-activated sprinklers
- Bright flashlight at night
The goal is to make them run away. If they just walk slowly away, you need to be more intense. Hazing is a key part of scaring coyotes away.
When Hazing Might Not Work
- Sick or injured coyotes: These animals might be less responsive or more desperate. Keep a safe distance and report them to wildlife authorities.
- Coyotes protecting pups: A denning female might be more defensive. Use extreme caution and avoid the area if possible. Report known den sites in concerning locations.
- Coyotes that have been fed: Coyotes that have lost their fear of humans due to feeding are the hardest to deter and most dangerous. This is why removing food sources is so critical.
Hazing works best on wild coyotes that have not been habituated to humans. It is a powerful non-lethal coyote deterrent.
Animal Repellent Outdoor Options
As mentioned, smell repellents have mixed results. They rely on creating an unpleasant smell that coyotes want to avoid.
* How they work: They use scents like predator urine, capsaicin (from chili peppers), or other strong smells.
* Application: Apply them around the perimeter of your yard, near entry points, or on specific objects you want to protect (like garden beds).
* Limitations: Rain and watering can wash them away. They need frequent reapplication. Coyotes might also get used to the smell over time.
Think of smell repellents as a backup layer, not the main defense. They are one type of animal repellent outdoor product.
Community Action for Urban Coyote Control
Coyote problems are often community problems. Coyotes travel across many yards. What one neighbor does (or does not do) affects others. Effective urban coyote control often needs a neighborhood-wide effort.
Neighborhood Communication
- Share information: Use neighborhood groups (like Nextdoor or a community email list) to share sightings and safety tips.
- Coordinate efforts: Encourage everyone to secure trash, remove food, and supervise pets. If everyone does it, the whole area becomes less attractive.
- Organize cleanups: Remove community food sources like pet food left at parks or unattended trash.
Working with Local Authorities
- Report sightings: Let animal control or wildlife agencies know when and where you see coyotes, especially during the day or if they seem bold.
- Ask for advice: Local experts know coyote behavior in your specific area. They can offer tailored advice.
- Attend community meetings: Some areas have meetings about living with wildlife.
A unified front makes your neighborhood a tougher place for coyotes to live. This helps with how to keep coyotes out of the entire area, not just your yard.
Making Your Yard Safe for Pets Again
After putting measures in place, you can feel more secure about your pets.
- Continue supervision: Even with fences and deterrents, always supervise small pets outdoors. This is the single most important step to protect pets from coyotes.
- Use a leash: Never let dogs run free, even in a fenced yard, if you are not watching them. Some coyotes are bold enough to enter fenced yards if a small animal is left alone.
- Training: Train your dog to come when called immediately. This is crucial if you need to quickly call them away from a potential danger.
- Be aware: Pay attention to your surroundings when outside with pets. Look for signs of coyote activity.
Combining physical barriers, removing attractants, and active supervision gives the best protection for your furry friends. It is the heart of protect pets from coyotes.
Non-Lethal Coyote Deterrents: Why They Matter
The strategies discussed are all non-lethal coyote deterrents. This means they aim to change coyote behavior or access without harming the animal.
- Humane Approach: Most people want to avoid harming wildlife. Deterrents allow humans and coyotes to coexist, even in urban areas.
- Effectiveness: Lethal removal is often temporary. New coyotes can move into the area quickly if the attractants are still there. Deterrents address the root causes (food, water, shelter) and teach coyotes to avoid the area.
- Safety: Lethal methods can be risky in populated areas. Non-lethal methods are generally safer for pets and people.
Focusing on coyote prevention methods that deter rather than harm is the recommended approach by wildlife experts for urban coyote control. It creates a long-term solution for how to keep coyotes out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will planting certain plants keep coyotes away?
No strong evidence shows that specific plants repel coyotes. Focus your efforts on removing food, water, and shelter and using physical barriers.
Are coyote rollers for fences effective?
Yes, coyote rollers (spinning cylinders installed on top of fences) make it hard for coyotes to get a grip to pull themselves over. They add to coyote proof fencing.
How often should I reapply smell repellents?
Check the product label. Most need reapplication after rain or every few weeks. They are less permanent than physical barriers or removing attractants.
Can I use motion sensors that make noise?
Yes, motion-activated alarms or devices that make animal distress calls can scare coyotes. Vary the type of sound so they do not get used to it. This is a type of scaring coyotes away.
What if a coyote is not scared of hazing?
If a coyote seems overly bold, sick, or aggressive, stop hazing and back away slowly. Report the animal to your local animal control or wildlife agency right away. This is especially important in urban coyote control.
Do guard animals like dogs or donkeys help?
Some breeds of livestock guardian dogs are effective at protecting livestock from coyotes in rural settings. However, in a typical urban or suburban yard, relying on a pet dog as a deterrent is risky for the pet. Never let your pet dog confront a coyote. Supervision and physical barriers are safer for pets in yards.
Does getting rid of rabbits or rodents help?
Reducing the number of prey animals might help slightly, but it is difficult to control them entirely in an outdoor setting. Coyotes eat many things. Focusing on the attractants you control (trash, pet food, fallen fruit) and securing your yard is more effective.
How long does it take for deterrents to work?
It takes time and consistency. Hazing needs to happen every time you see a bold coyote. Removing food sources starts working as soon as the food is gone. Fencing works right away if properly built. Be patient and consistent with your coyote prevention methods.
Is it okay to leave water out for other wildlife like birds?
Bird baths are generally okay, but empty them at night if you have a coyote issue. Small amounts of water for birds are less likely to draw coyotes than larger sources or food.
By consistently using these methods, you can make your yard a place coyotes want to avoid. It is about creating a safe space for your family and pets while using non-lethal coyote deterrents that allow wildlife to find more suitable homes away from people.