How To Deter Coyotes From Your Yard

How to Deter Coyotes From Your Yard: A Comprehensive Guide

Coyotes are increasingly common in suburban and even urban areas. While generally shy and avoiding direct conflict with humans, their presence can be unsettling, and their potential to prey on smaller pets is a serious concern. This guide offers practical and humane ways to deter coyotes from your yard, keeping both you and the wildlife safe.

Understanding Coyote Behavior: The First Step to Deterrence

Before implementing any deterrent, it’s crucial to understand why coyotes are visiting your property. They are opportunistic feeders, drawn to readily available food sources. This could include:

• Pet food: Leaving pet food outside, even briefly, is an open invitation.
• Garbage: Unsecured garbage cans are a goldmine for hungry coyotes.
• Fallen fruit: Overripe fruit from trees or bushes provides an easy meal.
• Small animals: Rodents, rabbits, and even birds can attract coyotes.

Addressing these attractants is the most effective first step in coyote deterrence.

Effective Coyote Deterrents: A Multi-pronged Approach

A successful coyote deterrence strategy usually involves a combination of techniques. No single method guarantees complete exclusion, but a layered approach significantly reduces the likelihood of coyote visits.

1. Remove Food Sources: The Foundation of Deterrence

• Secure garbage cans: Use heavy-duty lids and consider storing cans in a garage or shed.
• Clean up after pets: Immediately remove pet waste and uneaten food.
• Harvest fallen fruit promptly: Regularly collect and dispose of fallen fruit from trees and bushes.
• Control rodent populations: Eliminate potential prey by keeping your yard clean and free of debris.

2. Make Your Yard Less Attractive: Creating a Hostile Environment

• Keep your yard well-lit: Coyotes are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), so bright lighting can discourage them. Motion-activated lights are particularly effective.
• Maintain a tidy yard: Coyotes prefer cover, so remove brush piles, tall grass, and dense vegetation that could provide hiding places.
• Fence your property: A tall, sturdy fence (at least 6 feet high) can act as a physical barrier. Consider burying wire mesh along the bottom to prevent digging.

3. Non-Lethal Deterrents: Scaring Coyotes Away

• Noisemakers: Loud noises, like banging pots and pans or using air horns, can startle coyotes and encourage them to move on.
• Motion-activated sprinklers: These sprinklers detect movement and spray water, creating a sudden and unpleasant surprise for coyotes.
• Repellents: Commercial coyote repellents are available, but their effectiveness varies. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
• Coyote urine: Ironically, coyote urine can be used as a repellent, as it marks the territory and signals to other coyotes to stay away. However, the effectiveness depends on several factors.

4. Protect Your Pets: Minimizing Risk

• Supervise pets closely: Never leave small pets unattended outside, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Keep pets indoors at night: This is the most effective way to protect them from coyote attacks.
• Train your dog: Proper training can help your dog react appropriately to coyote encounters.

When to Call for Professional Help

Despite your best efforts, coyotes may persist. If you have repeated encounters or if coyotes show signs of habituation (they don’t seem scared of your deterrents), contact your local animal control or wildlife management agency. They can assess the situation and provide expert advice or intervention.

Conclusion: Coexisting with Coyotes

Successfully deterring coyotes requires vigilance, patience, and a comprehensive approach. By removing attractants, making your yard less inviting, and using non-lethal deterrents, you can significantly reduce the risk of coyote encounters while respecting wildlife. Remember that prevention is key. By proactively managing your property and understanding coyote behavior, you can create a safe space for both you and the wildlife in your community.