How to Keep Coyotes Away? Ways To Keep Them at Bay

Do you suspect that the local coyotes have started visiting your compound? Have you discovered some coyote tracks and a tipped-over trash can in your compound? If you have, coyotes may visit your compound at night or when you’re not around.

Remember, the population of urban, suburban, and rural coyotes is increasing in North America, particularly in Southern California, so we must do everything possible to keep them out. So, let’s find out how to keep coyotes away from our compounds.

How to Keep Coyotes Out of Your Compound

Keeping coyotes away from your property or community is important for safety, especially if you live in an area where coyotes are prevalent. After all, they prey on goats, sheep, poultry, dogs, and cats. So here are some unique coyote removal strategies that can deter a coyote attack: 

Coyote Repellent

Coyote repellents are products or techniques designed to deter coyotes from entering or staying in specific areas. While repellents can be effective sometimes, they may not work in all situations. Here are some common coyote repellents:

• Commercial Coyote Repellent Sprays: Commercially available sprays can be applied to specific areas of your property or on objects you want to protect. These sprays typically contain ingredients that create an unpleasant odor or taste for coyotes.
• Homemade Repellent Sprays: You can also make your spray using common household ingredients. One popular recipe includes mixing water with hot sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Spray this mixture on plants, trash cans, or other areas where you want to deter coyotes.
• Ultrasonic Devices: Ultrasonic-repellent devices emit high-pitched sounds that are unpleasant to coyotes but usually inaudible to humans. These devices can be placed in your yard to deter coyotes from approaching.
• Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers: Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can startle and deter coyotes when they enter your property. The sudden burst of light or water can make them uncomfortable and encourage them to leave.
• Reflective Materials: Reflective materials like aluminum foil strips, CD discs, or reflective tape may scare coyotes off. Hang these items in areas where coyotes are a problem, such as around your garden or near trash cans.
• Electric Fencing: Electric fencing can be an effective deterrent for coyotes. It delivers a mild electric shock when touched, teaching coyotes to avoid the area. You can even install a coyote roller on the fence to prevent coyote conflict.
• Scarecrow Decoys: Scarecrow decoys that resemble humans or large predators can sometimes deter coyotes. However, their effectiveness can diminish over time as coyotes become accustomed to them.

Avoid Feeding a Wild Animal

Avoiding feeding wildlife is important in keeping coyotes away from your property. When you intentionally or unintentionally feed other wildlife, it can attract coyotes to the area. They may prey on these smaller animals or take advantage of the available food resources. Here are some tips on how to avoid feeding wildlife:

• Secure Bird Feeders: If you have bird feeders, make sure they are securely hung or mounted so that they are inaccessible to coyotes. Coyotes may be attracted to spilled birdseed or the birds themselves.
• Store Pet Food Securely: If you feed outdoor pets, do not leave pet food bowls outside overnight. Remove any uneaten food promptly.
• Clean Up After Outdoor Meals: If you have outdoor dining areas or barbecues, clean up food scraps and dispose of them properly. This includes cleaning up any fallen fruits from fruit trees.
• Secure Compost Bins: Coyotes may be attracted to compost piles or bins, so make sure they are secure and not easily accessible.
• Avoid Feeding Deer and Other Wildlife: Feeding deer or other wildlife can indirectly attract coyotes because coyotes often prey on these animals. Refrain from intentionally feeding any wild animals.
• Maintain a Clean Yard: Keep your yard well-maintained and free of debris, as clutter can create hiding spots for coyotes and other wildlife.

Use Guard Animals 

Using guard animals can be an effective way to deter coyotes from your property. Guard animals, such as large dogs or llamas, can help protect your livestock, pets, and even your property from coyote threats. Here’s how to use guard animals effectively:

• Select the Right Guard Animal: Choose a guard animal species or breed that is known for its protective instincts and suitability for your specific needs. Some breeds of dogs, like Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherds, and Maremmas, are often used as livestock guardian dogs. Llamas are also used as guard animals for smaller livestock.
• Proper Training: Ensure that your guard animal is properly trained to understand its role in protecting your property or livestock. Training should include socialization with the animals they protect, obedience, and commands.
• Supervision: Initially, closely supervise the interactions between your guard animal and its protecting animals. This helps ensure that the guard animal doesn’t become overly aggressive and can safely coexist with your other animals.
• Territorial Behavior: Guard animals are often naturally territorial and will establish a protective boundary around your property or livestock. This territorial behavior can deter coyotes from entering the area.

Hazing Techniques

Hazing techniques are methods used to discourage coyotes from approaching or staying in specific areas. These techniques are non-lethal and aim to reinforce a coyote’s natural fear of humans. Here are some effective hazing techniques for keeping coyotes away:

• Make Noise: Coyotes are typically wary of loud noises. When you spot a coyote on your property, use noise-making devices such as whistles, air horns, or bells to startle and scare them away. Shout loudly and vigorously wave your arms while making noise to appear larger and more threatening.
• Throw Objects: Throwing small, non-harmful objects, such as tennis balls, small rocks, or sticks, in the direction of the coyote can create a deterrent effect. The noise and motion can make the coyote uncomfortable and encourage it to leave.
• Use Bright Lights: Shine a bright flashlight or spotlight directly at the coyote to disorient and deter it. Motion-activated lights can be especially useful for this purpose.
• Water Spray or Hose: If you have access to a garden hose, spraying water in the direction of the coyote can be an effective way to discourage it. Coyotes generally dislike getting wet.
• Throwing Food: In some cases, you can use food as a deterrent. Throw small, non-harmful food items in the coyote’s direction, such as uncooked pasta or small pieces of fruit. This can confuse the coyote and make it associate humans with negative experiences. Make sure you keep your food source, like your pets, secured.
• Hazing with Dogs: other than a night guard, you can also introduce a guard dog. If you have a large, protective dog, let it bark and chase the coyote away. Make sure your dog is under your control and doesn’t engage in physical contact with the coyote.
• Maintain Eye Contact: While hazing, maintain eye contact with the coyote to establish dominance and show that you are not afraid. Slowly back away from the coyote while continuing to make noise and maintain eye contact.
• Voice Commands: If you have a well-trained dog, use voice commands to control and deter the coyote. Commands like “stay” and “leave it” can be useful.
• Consistency: Consistency is key when using hazing techniques. Use them every time you encounter a coyote on your property to reinforce the message that humans are not a welcome presence.

Use Wolf Urine to Repel Coyotes

Using wolf urine to deter coyotes is a method that some people employ to discourage coyotes from entering certain areas, especially when they are causing problems on your property or posing a threat to livestock. The idea behind this coyote deterrent approach is to use the scent of a potential predator (wolves) to create a sense of danger and fear in the coyotes. Here’s how you can use the urine effectively:

• Determine Where to Apply: Identify the specific areas where coyotes are causing problems or where you want to deter them. Common areas include garden beds, livestock enclosures, or the perimeter of your property.
• Apply Sparingly and periodically: Apply the urine sparingly in the selected areas. You don’t need to drench the area; a few drops or sprays around the perimeter should suffice. Reapply as needed, especially after rain.

Conclusion 

If you have persistent coyote issues that pose a safety concern and nothing works, then you should contact your local wildlife agency for guidance and assistance. They may be able to provide advice or, in extreme cases, take action to remove problematic coyotes.

Remember that it’s essential to coexist with wildlife responsibly. In many areas, coyotes play a vital role in controlling rodent populations. If you need to take action against coyotes, always prioritize non-lethal and humane methods first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can flashing lights keep coyotes out of your compound?

Yes, coyotes dislike flashing lights and loud noises, so installing motion-sensor lights all over your compound can do the trick.

What sound attracts a coyote?

A coyote howl can attract coyotes to a certain part of your land. So you can play it for a few minutes and then play a distressed rabbit call.

How can I keep my cat from coyotes?

Simply provide it with various escape routes all over the compound. A simple thing like an erected cat post can keep it off the ground when a coyote attacks.