The Ultimate Guide to Deterring Coyotes: Proven Strategies to Protect Your Family and Property

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Coyote Neighbors

Coyotes are intelligent and adaptable animals, driven by the same basic needs as any other creature: food, water, and shelter. They’re most active at dawn and dusk, and their opportunistic nature means they’ll take advantage of any readily available food source. Understanding their behavior is the first step towards effective deterrence. During pupping season (typically spring into early summer), coyotes may be more protective, so extra vigilance is recommended.

Making Your Property Less Appealing to Coyotes

Deterring coyotes is primarily about making your property less attractive and establishing boundaries. This isn’t about eliminating coyotes—they’re a natural part of the ecosystem—but rather encouraging them to seek resources elsewhere.

Secure Food Sources

Garbage: Use tightly sealed garbage cans, ideally with bungee cords or weights to prevent access. Consider metal or heavy-duty plastic containers.
Pet Food: Feed pets indoors and promptly remove any leftover food and water bowls.
Compost: Use enclosed compost bins, not open piles. Turn the compost regularly to minimize odors.
Fallen Fruit: Regularly collect and dispose of fallen fruit from trees and bushes.
Bird Feeders: If you choose to keep bird feeders, use trays to minimize spilled seed and clean up regularly. Consider removing feeders altogether if coyote activity is high.
Grills: Clean grills thoroughly after each use to remove food residue and grease.

Eliminate Water Sources

Address any drainage issues that create puddles or standing water. Ensure dripping faucets and clogged gutters are repaired. If you have a pool or pond, consider covering it when not in use.

Modify Landscaping

Trim back overgrown bushes and tall grasses, especially those close to your house. These can provide hiding places for coyotes and their prey. Remove woodpiles and other debris that could offer shelter.

Building Barriers

Fencing

A well-constructed fence can be a significant deterrent. A fence should ideally be 6-8 feet tall and extend 12-18 inches underground with an L-footer to prevent digging. Coyote rollers—rotating cylinders at the top of the fence—can further deter climbing. Chain link, welded wire mesh, or wood are suitable fencing materials.

Humane Hazing Techniques

Hazing is a method of teaching coyotes to fear humans without causing harm. The goal is to make encounters with your property unpleasant, encouraging them to stay away.

Hazing Methods

Noise: Yell loudly, use an air horn, bang pots and pans, or use a whistle.
Water: Spray coyotes with a garden hose.
Projectiles: Toss small rocks or sticks near the coyote (not directly at it) to startle it.
Motion-Activated Deterrents: Install motion-activated sprinklers, lights, or noisemakers.

Hazing Best Practices

Be Consistent: Haze coyotes every time you see them on your property.
Be Big and Loud: Make yourself appear large and intimidating.
Don’t Run: Running can trigger a coyote’s prey drive. Stand your ground and maintain eye contact.
Multiple Methods: Combine different hazing techniques for greater effectiveness.

Protecting Pets and Children

Supervision: Never leave small children or pets unattended outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
Leashes: Keep pets on a short leash, even in your own yard. Discourage pets from chasing coyotes.
Secure Enclosures: If pets are kept in outdoor enclosures, ensure they are fully enclosed and secure with a roof.

Coyote Deterrents at a Glance

Deterrent Strategy	Description	Effectiveness	Notes
Secure Attractants	Eliminate food and water sources, secure garbage, and clean up fallen fruit.	Very High	Reduces the incentive for coyotes to visit.
Fencing	Install a tall (6-8ft) fence extending below ground (12-18 inches) with an L-footer and coyote rollers (if possible).	Very High	Creates a physical barrier to prevent entry.
Hazing	Scare coyotes with loud noises, water hoses, or thrown objects near them. Be consistent.	High	Conditions coyotes to avoid your property. Requires consistent and assertive action.
Motion-Activated Deterrents	Employ motion-sensing sprinklers, lights, and/or noisemakers to surprise and deter coyotes.	Moderate	Coyotes may habituate to these deterrents over time.
Repellents	Utilize commercial repellents or DIY solutions like ammonia-soaked rags (with caution).	Low to Moderate	Effectiveness can vary, and reapplication is frequently necessary.

Ongoing Coyote Management and Coexistence

Effective coyote deterrence is a continuous process. Regularly inspect and maintain fences, be vigilant during pupping season, and adapt your methods as needed. Consult your local wildlife agency for specific recommendations and resources. While complete eradication is not feasible or desirable, implementing these strategies can help you coexist peacefully with coyotes while safeguarding your property, family, and pets.

It’s important to acknowledge that research on coyote behavior and effective management strategies is ongoing. What works in one situation or area may not work in another. Your local wildlife agency is the best resource for tailored advice based on current research and local conditions. Some evidence suggests that coyotes can adapt to and even learn to ignore certain deterrents over time. Therefore, a multifaceted approach that combines various deterrents and preventative measures may be the most effective long-term solution. By understanding the complexities of coyote behavior and adapting our strategies, we can strive to coexist peacefully with these adaptable animals.

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Mark Soldy

Aficionado of interior design with a keen eye for style and innovation. As a guy deeply passionate about crafting captivating spaces, he blends creativity with functionality to breathe life into every room