Coyotes will eat almost anything, change their hunting style to succeed under different circumstances and have larger litters when their population faces a decline. The coyote’s adaptability has led to an ever-expanding habitat range, in large part because of human development and attempts to control their population through lethal methods. Lethal control methods often lead to increases in population among the survivors. This makes taking steps to make the area around your home unappealing to coyotes the most effective way to get rid of animals.
- Bungee cords
- Motion-activated lights
- Motion-activated sprinkler
Keep all pet food indoors. Dog and cat food left outside during the day or night will attract coyotes to a free and easy meal.
Eliminate shelter and food sources near your home to avoid attracting prey. Coyotes eat rodents, snakes, rabbits, birds and insects. By eliminating woodpiles, cutting back bushes and bringing in bird feeders at night, fewer prey animals will live around your home to attract coyotes.
Clean up fallen fruit, spilled birdseed and other food left on the ground every night. These foods attract both coyotes and their prey.
Bring small pets in at night. Leaving your cat or small pet outside at night also provides an easy meal for coyotes. If you have poultry or other small animals that live outside, make sure the caging is predator-proof, with strong and secure fencing on all sides and the roof.
Lock up garbage cans in the garage or by securing the lids with bungee cords. This will keep the coyotes out of the trash.
Set up motion-activated lights and sprinkler systems around your house. A sudden bright light at night or quick spray from a motion-activated sprinkler will help scare off a coyote that does come near your home.
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References
Resources
About the Author
Lynn Anders has more than 15 years of professional experience working as a zookeeper, wildlife/environmental/conservation educator and in nonprofit pet rescue. Writing since 2007, her work has appeared on various websites, covering pet-related, environmental, financial and parenting topics. Anders has a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and biology from California State University, Sacramento.