Coyotes can be deterred by removing food sources and using bright lights or loud noises. If you have seen a coyote near your home, you are not alone. These clever animals are adapting to suburban and urban areas across North America. Learning how to get rid of coyotes is essential for protecting your pets and property. This guide covers proven, humane methods that actually work.
Coyotes are naturally wary of humans. But when they lose their fear, they can become a real problem. They may attack small dogs or cats. They can also dig under fences and raid trash cans. The good news is that you can take back your yard without harming the animals.
Why Coyotes Come Into Your Yard
Coyotes are opportunists. They come looking for three things: food, water, and shelter. If your yard offers any of these, they will keep coming back.
- Unsecured trash bins are a major attractant
- Pet food left outside is an easy meal
- Bird feeders attract rodents, which attract coyotes
- Compost piles with meat or fruit scraps draw them in
- Open sheds or crawl spaces provide denning sites
Understanding these triggers is the first step. You cannot get rid of coyotes if you keep giving them a reason to stay.
How To Get Rid Of Coyotes
This section covers the core strategies. Use a combination of these methods for the best results. Coyotes are smart, so you need to be smarter.
Remove All Food Sources
This is the most important step. If there is no food, coyotes will move on. Start with your trash. Use bins with tight-fitting lids. If your bin has a latch, use it. Store bins in a garage or shed until pickup day.
- Never leave pet food outside overnight
- Pick up fallen fruit from trees immediately
- Clean your grill after each use
- Secure compost bins with a locking lid
- Remove bird feeders if coyotes are active
Also check for unintentional food sources. Rodents and rabbits attract coyotes. Keep your yard free of brush piles and tall grass where these prey animals hide.
Use Hazing Techniques
Hazing means scaring the coyote away. The goal is to make it feel unwelcome. This works best when you do it consistently. Coyotes learn quickly what is safe and what is not.
- Make yourself look big. Wave your arms above your head.
- Shout in a loud, deep voice. Use commands like “Go away!”
- Bang pots and pans together. The noise is very effective.
- Use a air horn or whistle. One loud blast usually sends them running.
- Shine a bright flashlight directly at the coyote’s eyes.
- Throw small objects near the coyote, like tennis balls or rocks. Do not hit the animal.
Hazing works best at dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. Do this every time you see one. If you stop, the coyote learns that you are not a threat.
Install Motion-Activated Lights And Sprinklers
Coyotes prefer darkness. Bright lights make them feel exposed. Install motion-activated floodlights around your property. Place them near gates, trash areas, and along fence lines.
Motion-activated sprinklers are even better. The sudden spray of water startles coyotes. It also conditions them to avoid your yard. These devices are humane and require no effort once installed.
For best results, combine lights and sprinklers. A coyote that gets sprayed while being blinded by a light will think twice about returning.
Secure Your Fence
Coyotes are excellent jumpers and diggers. A standard fence is not enough. You need to make it coyote-proof. Start by checking for gaps at the bottom. Coyotes can squeeze through holes as small as 4 inches.
- Bury the bottom of the fence at least 12 inches deep
- Use hardware cloth or welded wire mesh, not chicken wire
- Add a roller bar at the top to prevent climbing
- Extend the fence height to at least 6 feet
- Install an outward-facing angle at the top, like a coyote roller
Gates are a weak point. Make sure they close tightly. Add a latch that cannot be nudged open. Coyotes are strong enough to push through a poorly latched gate.
Remove Shelter And Cover
Coyotes need places to hide. If your yard has dense shrubs, wood piles, or tall weeds, you are giving them cover. Trim bushes and trees so there are no low-hanging branches.
- Keep grass mowed short
- Remove brush piles and debris
- Seal off spaces under decks and porches
- Close off open sheds and barns
- Stack firewood off the ground and away from the house
If a coyote has already made a den, wait until it leaves. Then seal the entrance with heavy rocks or wire mesh. Do not trap an animal inside. That is dangerous and inhumane.
Using Repellents And Deterrents
There are commercial products that claim to repel coyotes. Some work better than others. Here is what to consider.
Scent Repellents
Coyotes have a strong sense of smell. Some scents are unpleasant to them. Predator urine, like wolf or mountain lion urine, can create a fear response. You can buy these in granule or liquid form.
Ammonia-soaked rags placed around the perimeter may also work. But these need to be refreshed after rain. Scent repellents are not a standalone solution. Use them with hazing and fencing.
Ultrasonic Devices
These devices emit high-frequency sounds that humans cannot hear. Some people swear by them. Research is mixed. Coyotes may get used to the noise over time.
If you try one, place it near entry points. Move it around so the coyote does not become habituated. Do not rely on these alone.
Guard Animals
If you live on a large property, consider a guard animal. Donkeys and llamas are known to chase off coyotes. They are territorial and will kick or bite.
Dogs can also help, but they must be large and confident. A small dog is prey, not a deterrent. Even large dogs can be injured. Supervise your dog when it is outside.
What Not To Do
Some methods are ineffective or dangerous. Avoid these common mistakes.
- Do not feed coyotes intentionally. This is illegal in many areas.
- Do not use poisons. They are cruel and can harm pets and children.
- Do not chase a coyote with a vehicle. You could hit it or cause an accident.
- Do not corner a coyote. It may attack in self-defense.
- Do not trap and relocate coyotes. Relocated animals often die or cause problems elsewhere.
Remember that coyotes are protected in many states. Check local laws before taking any action. Lethal methods should be a last resort and only done by professionals.
When To Call A Professional
Sometimes you need help. If a coyote is aggressive or shows no fear of humans, call animal control. This is a sign of habituation. A habituated coyote is a safety risk.
If you have tried all the methods above and the problem persists, hire a wildlife removal service. They have the tools and knowledge to handle the situation safely. They can also advise on long-term prevention.
Do not wait until a pet is attacked. Early action is easier and more effective.
Preventing Future Problems
Once you have gotten rid of the coyotes, keep them away. Prevention is an ongoing process. Coyotes are always looking for new territory.
- Maintain your fence and repair any damage
- Keep trash secured at all times
- Continue using motion-activated lights
- Haze any coyote that appears, even if it is just passing through
- Talk to your neighbors. Coyotes do not respect property lines.
Community effort is key. If one neighbor leaves food out, coyotes will keep coming back. Share this article with your neighbors. Work together to make your whole neighborhood unwelcoming to coyotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a fence keep coyotes out completely?
No fence is 100% proof, but a well-built fence with buried mesh and a roller bar is highly effective. Coyotes are persistent, so check for weak spots regularly.
Are coyotes dangerous to humans?
Attacks on adults are rare. But coyotes can be dangerous to small children and pets. Always supervise children and small animals outside in coyote-prone areas.
What smells do coyotes hate?
Coyotes dislike the smell of predator urine, ammonia, and vinegar. These can be used as temporary deterrents, but they are not a long-term solution.
Can I shoot a coyote on my property?
This depends on local laws. Many areas require a permit or have specific seasons. Check with your local wildlife agency before using lethal methods.
How do I know if a coyote is living in my yard?
Signs include tracks, scat, and howling at night. You may also find dug-up areas near fences or under decks. If you see a coyote repeatedly during the day, it may be denning nearby.
Coyotes are not going away. They are here to stay. But you can live peacefully with them by making your property less attractive. Use the methods in this guide consistently. With patience and persistence, you can reclaim your yard and keep your family and pets safe.
Remember, the key is to remove food, use hazing, and secure your property. Do not let up. Coyotes are smart, but you are smarter. Take action today and you will see results.