Growing > Growing in Greenhouses & Polytunnels

Fox chewing holes in polytunnel

(1/2) > >>

AnneB:
Our site is plagued with 2 resident foxes.  They have eaten chickens, squashed crops and buried their stash in plots for a while.
Now Mr. Fox has taken to chewing large holes in my polytunnel plastic  so he can get in and sunbathe on the path down the middle.
The first time he did he widened a small tear.  I patched this over with some leftover plastic.  Then he did the same thing down the side.  Patched again.
This time he hasn't tried an existing tear, he has just chewed through the new plastic at the back.  It looks as if someone has cut it with a pair of pinking shears. 
I have put a temporary repair in by putting up some green plastic trellis inside.  Backed up by an assortment of tools and so on to keep it in place.
It is proper polytunnel plastic but getting on a bit.  Contemplating a new cover but nervous of spending the money if it is just going to get chewed to pieces.
Has anyone else had a similar problem?

Blewit:
We have lots of fox problems on our site (see photo below captured on wildlife camera recently). So many crops have to be covered to protect them from being trampled and having huge holes dug in the beds. Poly tunnels have also been torn (even the green rip-stop type), plot holders have witnessed foxes climb right up on top then chew and tear for all they're worth. Holes have even been made right next to open doors so it isn't just to gain access to what they think might be inside.
To help deter climbing up tunnels (an act that itself causes scrapes and tears) we placed debris net screens a foot from the tunnel either side, angled outwards and slightly baggy so they can't be used as a step up. Shame the same can't be used on other net structures, blue hooped crop nets get jumped on, ran along and their wooden/cane supports bashed down or snapped.
I've tried sprinkling chilli powder and other recommended deterrents but nothing like that so far has had any effect.

snowdrops:
Oh dear, I’d be horrified if that was happening to mine. Would it be worth fencing the whole plot if allowed?

Hortic:
Our allotment fox is benign and eats any rabbits that are foolish enough to appear.  Damage comes from the badger(s).
Have you tried attaching chicken wire to the polytunnel so it can't be chewed? Right on the plastic. Has anyone found where the foxes are getting in? Block up the hole?

AnneB:

--- Quote from: Hortic on July 19, 2023, 11:47 ---Our allotment fox is benign and eats any rabbits that are foolish enough to appear.  Damage comes from the badger(s).
Have you tried attaching chicken wire to the polytunnel so it can't be chewed? Right on the plastic. Has anyone found where the foxes are getting in? Block up the hole?

--- End quote ---
Our foxes chew through chicken wire no problem as some people who keep chickens on site know only too well.  I believe you need a welded wire to keep them out which is very expensive.
I have been told that human male urine works so I am asking my OH to provide a supply!

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

Go to full version
Powered by SMFPacks Social Login Mod
Powered by SMFPacks SEO Pro Mod |