Effective Ways: How To Get Rid Of Coyote In My Yard

Coyotes in your yard can be a real nuisance. So, what can you do to get rid of them? You can use a combination of deterrents, exclusion methods, and consistent hazing to make your yard less appealing to them.

Coyotes are clever and adaptable animals. They are found in many different environments, from wild forests to urban neighborhoods. While they can be fascinating to observe from a distance, encountering them in your yard can be concerning, especially if you have pets or small children. The good news is that with the right approach, you can effectively manage their presence and prevent them from becoming regular visitors. This guide will walk you through various strategies to help you deter these wild canids and reclaim your outdoor space.

Deciphering Coyote Behavior and Attraction

Before we dive into removal tactics, it’s helpful to grasp why coyotes might be attracted to your yard in the first place. Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of foods. Understanding what draws them in is the first step toward keeping them away.

What Makes a Yard Attractive to Coyotes?

Food Sources: This is the primary attraction. Coyotes will visit yards that offer easy meals. This includes:
- Pet Food: Leaving pet food or water bowls outside, especially overnight, is a direct invitation.
- Garbage Cans: Unsecured trash cans with accessible food scraps are a buffet.
- Compost Piles: Open compost piles can contain meat scraps, fruit, and vegetables that attract coyotes.
- Fallen Fruit: Fruit that has fallen from trees in your yard can be a food source.
- Rodents and Small Wildlife: Coyotes prey on mice, rats, rabbits, and squirrels. If your yard is a haven for these creatures, coyotes will likely follow.
- Bird Feeders: Spilled seed can attract rodents, which in turn attract coyotes.
Shelter and Denning Sites: Coyotes look for safe places to rest, raise their young, or escape harsh weather.
- Dense Vegetation: Overgrown bushes, thick ground cover, or untrimmed hedges can provide excellent hiding spots.
- Under Decks or Sheds: These areas offer protection and can be used as temporary resting places or even den sites.
- Woodpiles or Debris: Unorganized piles of wood or debris can offer shelter.
Water Sources: Like all animals, coyotes need water.
- Bird Baths: Shallow bird baths can be a water source.
- Pet Water Bowls: Left outside, these are an easy drink.
- Leaky Faucets or Sprinklers: Unattended water sources can be appealing.

Identifying Coyote Presence

How do you know if coyotes are frequenting your yard? Look for signs:

Tracks: Coyote tracks are similar to dog tracks but are more oval-shaped and often have a straighter line between the toe pads and the heel pad. They are also typically smaller than those of a large dog.
Scat: Coyote scat (droppings) is usually tubular, segmented, and often contains fur, feathers, or undigested bones from their prey. You might find coyote scat removal to be a necessary task if they are regularly using your yard.
Howling and Yipping: Coyotes are vocal animals, and their calls are often heard at dusk and dawn.
Sightings: Direct sightings of coyotes, especially during daylight hours, indicate they are comfortable in the area.

Effective Coyote Deterrents and Prevention Strategies

Once you understand what attracts coyotes, you can implement strategies to make your yard less inviting. The goal is to create an environment where they feel unwelcome and find no reward.

Removing Attractants: The First Line of Defense

This is the most crucial step in any wildlife control for coyotes plan. Eliminating food and shelter sources directly addresses the reasons coyotes visit your yard.

Securing Food Sources

Pet Food and Water: Never leave pet food or water bowls outside, especially overnight. Feed pets indoors or remove bowls promptly after meals.
Garbage Management:
- Use sturdy garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Consider locking bins if coyotes are persistent.
- Rinse food containers before discarding them to reduce odors.
- Store garbage cans in a secure location like a garage or shed until trash day.
Compost Management:
- Avoid composting meat scraps, dairy products, or greasy foods.
- Use enclosed compost bins to prevent access.
- Bury food scraps deep within the compost pile.
Bird Feeders: Clean up spilled seed regularly. Consider removing bird feeders altogether if rodents are a significant problem attracted by them.
Fallen Fruit: Clean up fallen fruit from trees and bushes promptly.

Eliminating Shelter and Den Sites

Trim Vegetation: Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed, especially around the foundation of your home, decks, and sheds. Remove dense ground cover where coyotes can hide.
Secure Outbuildings: Seal any openings under decks, porches, sheds, or crawl spaces with sturdy wire mesh or lattice. Check for and block potential den entrances.
Clear Debris: Remove woodpiles, rock piles, and general yard debris that can provide shelter.

Implementing Coyote Deterrents

Beyond removing attractants, you can use various methods to actively deter coyotes. These coyote deterrents aim to make your yard an uncomfortable or frightening place for them.

Physical Barriers: Coyote Proof Fencing

One of the most effective methods for prevent coyotes in yard situations is physical exclusion. Coyote proof fencing creates a physical barrier that coyotes cannot easily overcome.

Key Features of Coyote Proof Fencing:

Height: The fence should be at least 6 feet tall. Coyotes are agile jumpers.
Material: Use sturdy materials like welded wire mesh, chain-link, or solid wood/vinyl fencing.
Underground Barrier: Bury the bottom of the fence at least 6-12 inches deep, or angle it outward at the base (an “L” footer) to prevent digging.
Tension: Ensure the fence is taut. A loose fence can be more easily pushed aside or climbed.
Gates: Gates should be at least as tall as the fence and self-closing and latching if possible.

Table: Recommended Fencing Materials and Considerations

Material	Pros	Cons	Best Use
Welded Wire Mesh	Durable, can be shaped, effective when installed properly	Can be costly, requires sturdy posts	Excellent for perimeter fencing, especially with buried or angled base
Chain-Link	Strong, readily available	Can be climbed if not properly secured, may need reinforcement	Good for general yard enclosure, but ensure height and burying
Solid Wood/Vinyl	Aesthetically pleasing, provides visual barrier	Can be expensive, may require maintenance, coyotes can sometimes climb smooth surfaces	Suitable if height and smooth surface are maintained; consider reinforcing base
Electric Fence	Highly effective deterrent	Requires ongoing maintenance, can be a hazard if not installed correctly	Can be used in conjunction with other fencing or in specific problem areas

Sensory Deterrents: Repelling Coyotes with Senses

These methods play on a coyote’s senses of smell, sight, and sound.

Smell-Based Deterrents:

Coyote Urine Repellent: Available commercially, coyote urine repellent can be spread around the perimeter of your yard. The scent of a predator can make coyotes feel threatened and avoid the area. Reapply regularly, especially after rain.
Ammonia or Vinegar: Soaking rags in ammonia or vinegar and placing them around the yard can also act as an olfactory deterrent. These pungent smells can be off-putting to coyotes.
Predator Scents: Other commercial predator scents (e.g., fox urine) can sometimes be effective.

Visual Deterrents:

Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Sudden bursts of water can startle coyotes and make them associate your yard with an unpleasant experience.
Bright Lights: Motion-activated lights can scare away coyotes that prefer to operate under the cover of darkness.
Reflective Objects: Hanging shiny objects like CDs, aluminum foil strips, or reflective tape can sometimes startle them.

Sound-Based Deterrents:

Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but can be disturbing to animals. Their effectiveness can vary, and coyotes may become accustomed to them over time.
Radios or Voices: Leaving a radio on low volume, especially one tuned to talk radio, can create the impression of human presence and deter coyotes.

Humane Coyote Removal and Hazing Techniques

While the goal is to deter them, sometimes direct action is needed. Humane coyote removal focuses on making coyotes uncomfortable enough to leave on their own. Coyote hazing techniques are about actively scaring them away when you see them.

Active Hazing

The principle behind hazing is to make your presence known and to create a negative association with your yard.

Effective Hazing Methods:

Make Noise: Bang pots and pans, clap your hands loudly, or use a whistle.
Wave Your Arms: Make yourself look big and intimidating by waving your arms, opening your jacket, or jumping.
Throw Objects: Throw objects like tennis balls, small rocks, or water balloons near the coyote, not directly at it. The goal is to scare, not injure.
Use a Hose: A spray from a garden hose can be an effective deterrent.
Shine a Light: A flashlight or spotlight directed at the coyote can also startle them.

Important Hazing Guidelines:

Be Consistent: Hazing is most effective when done consistently every time you see a coyote.
Be Bold: Coyotes that are used to humans can be bold. You need to be more aggressive with your hazing.
Don’t Corner Them: Always give the coyote an escape route. You don’t want to corner a frightened animal, as it may become defensive.
Never Feed: This is critical. Never intentionally or unintentionally feed coyotes.

When to Call Professionals

If you have persistent problems with coyotes, or if they are exhibiting aggressive behavior (e.g., approaching people directly, not running away when hazed), it’s time to contact professionals.

Wildlife Control Specialists: Professional wildlife control for coyotes services can assess your situation and offer more advanced solutions, including trapping and relocation in some areas.
Animal Control Agencies: Local animal control can provide guidance and may have specific programs or resources for dealing with wildlife conflicts.

Table: Coyote Hazing Techniques Compared

Technique	Effectiveness	Effort Required	Safety Considerations
Loud Noises	High	Moderate	Ensure not to startle neighbors; use safely
Waving Arms/Intimidation	High	Moderate	Maintain a safe distance; don’t approach aggressively
Water Hose	High	Moderate	Use water, not objects, to avoid injury
Motion-Activated Sprinklers	Moderate	Low	Ensure they don’t spray people or pets unexpectedly
Bright Lights	Moderate	Low	Can be effective; coyotes may adapt over time
Ultrasonic Devices	Variable	Low	May not work for all coyotes; can be costly

Natural Deterrents and Repellents

Some homeowners prefer to use natural methods. While their effectiveness can be less predictable, they are often environmentally friendly.

Plants: Some sources suggest certain plants can deter coyotes, though scientific evidence is limited. Plants with strong scents like rue, lavender, or rosemary are sometimes mentioned.
Onion/Garlic Sprays: Homemade sprays of onion or garlic mixed with water can have a strong odor that might deter coyotes.

Advanced Strategies and Long-Term Solutions

For persistent problems or specific situations, more advanced approaches may be necessary.

Understanding Coyote Urine Repellent: How it Works

Coyote urine repellent leverages the primal fear response in other canids. Coyotes are territorial and cautious of the scent of a more dominant or aggressive coyote. When they encounter this scent around your property, they may perceive it as an existing territory of a rival and choose to avoid it.

Application: It’s typically applied in a perimeter around your property, near entry points, or on specific areas where coyotes have been seen.
Reapplication: The scent degrades over time, especially with rain or sunlight, so regular reapplication (often every few weeks or after significant weather events) is key to its effectiveness.

Managing Rodent Populations

As mentioned, rodents are a primary food source for coyotes. Deterring wild animals from yard also means controlling the smaller critters that attract them.

Seal Entry Points: Seal any cracks or holes in your foundation, garage, or sheds where rodents might nest.
Secure Food Sources: Keep bird feeders clean, secure garbage, and clean up any spilled pet food.
Trapping and Removal: Use traps for rodents if necessary, ensuring they are checked regularly.

The Role of Community Efforts

Coyote problems are often not isolated. If coyotes are a neighborhood issue, a coordinated community effort can be much more effective.

Neighborhood Watch Programs: Implement neighborhood watch programs focused on wildlife.
Shared Responsibility: Educate neighbors about the importance of removing attractants and practicing humane hazing.
Reporting: Encourage residents to report coyote sightings and incidents to local authorities to track population trends and identify problem areas.

Dealing with Coyote Scat Removal

Encountering coyote scat removal in your yard can be unsettling, and it’s also a hygiene issue.

Safety Precautions

Wear Gloves: Always wear thick gloves (disposable or sturdy reusable ones) when handling coyote scat.
Use a Shovel or Tool: Avoid direct contact by using a shovel or a sturdy stick to pick it up.
Bag It Securely: Place the scat in a plastic bag and tie it tightly.
Wash Hands Thoroughly: Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after you are done.

Disposal Methods

Double Bagging: For added safety, place the bagged scat into a second plastic bag and tie it securely.
Trash Disposal: Dispose of the bagged scat in your regular outdoor trash bin.
Avoid Burning or Burying Deeply: Burning scat can be hazardous. While burying is an option, ensuring it’s done deeply enough to prevent other animals from digging it up is important. Standard trash disposal is usually the most practical.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I legally trap or kill a coyote in my yard?

Legality varies significantly by state and local ordinances. In many areas, trapping or killing coyotes is regulated and may require permits or can only be done by licensed professionals. It is crucial to research your local laws before attempting any lethal control methods. Many regions strongly advocate for humane deterrence and removal over lethal means.

What should I do if a coyote approaches me or my pets?

Maintain a safe distance. Do not run, as this can trigger a chase response. Make yourself look large and make noise to scare the coyote away. If you have pets with you, pick them up if possible or stand between your pet and the coyote. Always supervise pets when they are outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.

How long does it take to get rid of coyotes?

It takes persistence and consistency. You won’t eliminate coyotes overnight. By consistently removing attractants, employing deterrents, and actively hazing them, you can make your yard less appealing over time, encouraging them to find other territories.

Are coyotes dangerous to humans?

Coyotes generally avoid humans. Attacks on humans are extremely rare and usually occur when coyotes have become habituated to humans due to improper food provisioning or are protecting dens. The primary concern for most homeowners is the safety of pets, especially smaller ones.

Can I use coyote urine repellent all year round?

Yes, coyote urine repellent can be used year-round. Its effectiveness is tied to the scent barrier it creates, and it can be beneficial during all seasons to deter coyotes from establishing territory or denning in your yard.

Conclusion

Managing coyotes in your yard requires a multifaceted approach. By preventing coyotes in yard through meticulous removal of attractants and the strategic implementation of coyote deterrents and coyote proof fencing, you can significantly reduce their visits. Consistent coyote hazing techniques reinforce the message that your yard is not a welcoming place. If the problem persists, consulting with professionals for wildlife control for coyotes is a wise step. Remember, a proactive and persistent strategy is the most effective way to coexist with these adaptable wild animals while ensuring the safety and security of your home and loved ones.