how to keep coyotes out of your yard

How to Keep Coyotes Out of Your Yard: Top Tips

Coyotes are highly adaptable creatures that can be found in various environments, including urban and suburban areas. As their populations continue to grow, interactions with humans have become more common, especially in residential areas. Residents may encounter issues such as pets being threatened or vulnerable to attacks, which can be a concerning situation.

To deter coyotes from entering your yard, it is essential to eliminate attractants that may draw them in. This includes securing and removing potential food sources such as trash, pet food, and fallen fruits from trees. By keeping your yard clean and free of enticing odors, you can help reduce the likelihood of coyotes being attracted to your property.

Another effective strategy to prevent coyotes from entering your yard is to secure potential entry points. This can be done by installing fences that are at least six feet tall and extend underground to prevent digging. It is also crucial to seal any gaps or holes in existing fences to make it difficult for coyotes to access your property.

In addition to securing your yard, it is essential to avoid feeding wild animals, as this can encourage coyotes to frequent your property in search of food. By maintaining a healthy distance and not providing handouts, you can help deter coyotes from becoming comfortable in your neighborhood. Remember that coyotes are attracted to areas where food is readily available, so it is crucial to be vigilant and proactive in preventing conflicts.

How Can You Prevent Coyotes from Entering Your Yard?

In order to keep coyotes out of your yard, it is important to implement various strategies to deter these wild animals. This can include securing trash cans, removing potential food sources such as pet food or fallen fruits, installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers, and constructing a fence that is at least six feet tall. By taking these precautions, you can help minimize the presence of coyotes in your yard and create a safer environment for yourself, your family, and your pets. To learn more about effectively keeping coyotes at bay, continue reading the following tips and recommendations.

Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that can live in a variety of habitats, including urban areas. If you live in an area where coyotes are present, you may be concerned about keeping them out of your yard. Here are some strategies you can use to deter coyotes from entering your property:

Install a coyote-proof fence: A tall fence that is at least 6 feet high and extends underground can help keep coyotes out of your yard. Make sure there are no gaps or holes that coyotes could squeeze through.

Remove potential food sources: Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and will be attracted to yards where they can find food. Make sure to secure your garbage cans, clean up fallen fruit from trees, and keep pet food indoors.

Use motion-activated lights and noise makers: Coyotes are typically wary of loud noises and bright lights. Installing motion-activated lights or noise makers in your yard can help scare off coyotes if they come too close.

Avoid feeding wildlife: Feeding wildlife can attract coyotes to your yard. Make sure to avoid leaving out food for birds or other animals that could also attract coyotes.

Keep pets indoors: If you have small pets, it's best to keep them indoors, especially at night when coyotes are most active. If your pets need to go outside, supervise them and keep them on a leash.

Harass coyotes: In some cases, making loud noises, spraying water, or using other means to harass coyotes can be effective in deterring them from your yard. However, make sure to do so from a safe distance.

Statistics show that human-coyote conflicts are on the rise, with an estimated 500,000 coyotes living in urban areas across the United States. By taking proactive measures to keep coyotes out of your yard, you can help protect your property and reduce the risk of encounters with these wild animals.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=aAC_JTdsTCw

How can I protect my pets from coyotes?

Coyotes are natural predators and may pose a threat to your pets. To safeguard your furry friends, consider the following:

- Ensure your pets are always supervised and on a leash when outdoors

- Install motion-activated lights or sprinkler systems to deter coyotes

- Avoid leaving pet food outside, as it can attract coyotes and other wildlife

Most important pieces of information:

1. Keep pets supervised and on a leash

2. Use deterrents like lights or sprinklers

3. Avoid leaving pet food outside

What should I do if I encounter a coyote in my yard?

Encountering a coyote can be unsettling, but it's important to remain calm and follow these tips:

- Do not run or turn your back on the coyote, as this may trigger a chase instinct

- Make loud noises, wave your arms, and throw objects to scare off the coyote

- Back away slowly and give the coyote an escape route

Most important pieces of information:

1. Stay calm and do not run

2. Make loud noises and gestures to scare off the coyote

3. Back away slowly and provide an escape route

Are there any plants that can help deter coyotes from entering my yard?

While no plant can completely repel coyotes, some species may act as a natural deterrent. Consider planting:

- Thorny bushes or cacti to create barriers around your yard

- Strong-smelling plants like lavender or peppermint to mask scents that attract coyotes

- Tall grasses or shrubs that can provide hiding spots for smaller animals that coyotes prey on

Most important pieces of information:

1. Plant thorny bushes or cacti as barriers

2. Use strong-smelling plants to mask scents

3. Provide hiding spots for prey animals to discourage coyotes

Can I use sound devices to keep coyotes away from my property?

Sound devices can be effective in deterring coyotes, but it's essential to use them correctly. Consider the following tips:

- Use devices that emit loud noises or distress calls of other animals to scare off coyotes

- Place sound devices strategically around your yard to create a barrier

- Rotate the use of different sounds to prevent coyotes from becoming accustomed to one particular noise

Most important pieces of information:

1. Use devices that emit loud noises or distress calls

2. Strategically place sound devices around your yard

3. Rotate sound options to prevent habituation

How can I secure my garbage bins to prevent coyotes from scavenging?

Securing your garbage bins is crucial in preventing coyotes from being attracted to your property. Follow these tips to keep your bins safe:

- Use bins with locking lids or secure them with bungee cords or chains

- Store your bins in a garage or shed until the morning of trash pickup

- Rinse out food containers before disposing of them to eliminate strong scents that may attract coyotes

Most important pieces of information:

1. Use bins with locking lids or secure with bungee cords

2. Store bins in a garage or shed until trash pickup

3. Rinse out food containers to eliminate strong scents

Conclusion

Implementing these strategies will help you keep coyotes out of your yard and protect your pets and property. By removing attractants, securing your property, and installing deterrents, you can effectively deter these wild animals from entering your space. Stay vigilant and proactive in implementing these measures to maintain a coyote-free environment. Remember to also respect and appreciate the wildlife around you, finding ways to coexist harmoniously with them. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a peaceful and coyote-free yard.

Back to blog
Dmytro Voznyi
BossHorn Co-Founder
https://bosshorn.com