How to Deter Coyotes

How to Deter Coyotes. You hear that unmistakable noise of a coyote's howl and it sounds like it's right outside your window. In many parts of the United States, coyotes get too close for comfort and infiltrate people's properties. A coyote may be attracted to a certain property if it has high grasses or trash. Easy access to livestock and pets also entices coyotes. Instead of living with the fear of encountering a coyote on your property or finding one of your livestock dead, take preventative measures.

Things Needed

• Spray bottle
• Cayenne pepper
• Vinegar
• Rags
• Trash cans
• Barn locks

Step 1

Barricade your property. Coyotes are not deterred by a regular fence. You must install a fence that is at least 6 feet tall and 18 inches into the ground. Use sturdy wood or chain link. Avoid building fences out of flimsy metal.

Step 2

Keep your property clean. Keep your trash cans inside. Clear your property of any food or standing water. Routinely check the area for open food or dead animals. Discard dead animals in heavy duty plastic bags. Place the bags in a sturdy trash can with a fully closing lid.

Step 3

Landscape your property regularly. Tall grasses and overgrown bushes are ideal hiding spots for coyotes. Mow your lawn and prune your bushes on a regular basis.

Step 4

Place coyote repellent products around areas that coyotes wander. Regularly spray areas with cayenne pepper or vinegar. Fill up a spray bottle with a mixture of water and cayenne pepper or straight apple cider vinegar. Spray in areas at least twice a week. Soak old rags in either mixture and place them around coyote infested areas. Change the rags on a regular basis.

Step 5

Keep an eye on your pets. Coyotes prey on small dogs, cats and other animals. Outside pets are not recommended for coyote-infested areas. Put livestock and pets safely inside every evening around dusk. Securely close up any barns with strong locks. Keep barn windows closed. Check for any openings in barns and promptly cover them up with the appropriate wood. Take your house pets out for limited periods during the evening. Closely supervise the pets while outside.

Warnings

• Keep a cayenne pepper and water filled spray bottle handy when outside. Clap your hands loudly and spray at coyotes if they are too close. Spray the coyote with a hose if one is handy.
• Check your state regulations regarding the shooting of a coyote and what you can and cannot put on your property.

Warnings

• Do not run when you see a coyote.

References

• Joyce Foster: Coyote Exclusions, Deterrents and Repellents
• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management: Coyotes; Jeffrey S. Green; F. Robert Henderson; Mark D. Collinge