How To Get Rid Of Coyotes

If you’re hearing yips and howls near your property, you’re likely wondering how to get rid of coyotes. As a gardener, I’ve seen firsthand the damage they can cause, from trampled beds to lost pets. It’s a common challenge, but with the right approach, you can reclaim your space safely and humanely.

This guide focuses on proven methods that discourage coyotes without causing them harm. We’ll cover why they visit, how to make your yard less inviting, and what to do if one is nearby. The goal is coexistence, where both you and the local wildlife stay safe.

Effective coyote management isn’t about one trick. It’s a combination of removing attractants, using deterrents, and changing their behavior. Persistence is key, as coyotes are smart and will test your defenses.

Why Coyotes Are in Your Yard

Coyotes are opportunists. They come looking for an easy meal or a safe den. If your property provides either, they’ll keep returning. Common attractants include:

Pet Food & Water: Bowls left outside, especially overnight, are a major draw.
Unsecured Trash: Garbage cans that are easy to tip over or open.
Fallen Fruit & Birdseed: These provide a ready food source.
Small Pets: Roaming cats, small dogs, rabbits, or chickens are seen as prey.
Shelter: Dense brush, under decks, or in crawl spaces offer perfect den sites.

Step 1: Remove All Food Sources

This is the most critical step. Without food, your yard becomes much less interesting.

Feed pets indoors and never leave food or water bowls outside.
Use trash cans with locking, wildlife-proof lids. Secure them in a shed or garage if possible.
Pick up fallen fruit and nuts regularly.
Use bird feeders that catch seed droppings, or stop feeding birds temporarily if coyotes are a constant problem.
Clean grills thoroughly after use.

Step 2: Secure Your Pets and Livestock

Protecting your animals is non-negotiable. Coyotes can and will take small pets.

Supervise pets outdoors, especially at dawn, dusk, and night. Keep cats indoors.
Walk dogs on a leash, not letting them roam free.
Install a tall fence (at least 6 feet) for your yard. Consider adding a roller bar at the top to prevent climbing.
For chickens or rabbits, use a fully enclosed coop or hutch with a secure floor to prevent digging.

Step 3: Use Effective Deterrents and Fencing

Making your property feel unsafe and unwelcoming to coyotes is a powerful tactic.

Physical Barriers

As mentioned, a tall fence is best. Bury the bottom 6-12 inches underground or bend it outward to stop digging.
Install motion-activated sprinklers. The sudden burst of water startles them reliably.
Close off potential den sites under porches, sheds, and decks with sturdy wire mesh.

Light and Sound Deterrents

Motion-activated lights can make coyotes feel exposed.
Noisemakers, like air horns or pots and pans, are great for hazing (see next step).
Commercial ultrasonic devices can work, but their effectiveness varies and they may affect other animals.

Step 4: Practice Active Hazing

Hazing teaches coyotes to be afraid of people. It’s vital for keeping them wild. When you see a coyote on your property, don’t ignore it. Make it leave.

Stand your ground. Never run from a coyote.
Appear large. Wave your arms, open your jacket.
Be loud and assertive. Yell, “Go away, coyote!” Use a whistle, air horn, or shake a can of coins.
Throw small objects like tennis balls or sticks near it (not directly at it) to scare it.
Keep it up until the coyote leaves the area entirely.

Consistent hazing by multiple neighbors is the most effective community strategy. A coyote that isn’t hazed will become bolder.

Step 5: Maintain Your Landscape

As a gardener, this is where you can really shine. A tidy yard offers no hiding spots.

Trim back thick brush and low-hanging tree branches.
Keep grass mowed and remove weed piles.
Store firewood and building materials neatly off the ground.
Consider planting thorny bushes like roses or barberry near fence lines to deter lounging.

What NOT to Do

Some actions are ineffective, illegal, or make the problem worse.

Do not use poison. It’s inhumane, illegal in many areas, and can kill pets, children, and other non-target wildlife.
Do not intentionally feed coyotes. This includes leaving out meat or scraps to “be nice.”
Avoid relocating coyotes. It’s often illegal, and relocated animals rarely survive. It also opens up territory for new coyotes to move in.
Do not use mothballs. They are a pesticide, not a legal wildlife deterrent, and are toxic to soil and pets.

When to Call a Professional

Most situations can be handled with the steps above. However, contact a professional wildlife control officer or your local animal control if:

A coyote acts aggressively or shows no fear of people (approaches closely, follows).
You suspect it is sick or injured (staggering, mange, excessive drooling).
It is repeatedly seen in broad daylight in populated areas, especialy with small children present.
You have persistent problems despite using all preventative measures.

FAQ: Keeping Coyotes Away

What smells keep coyotes away?
Coyotes have sensitive noses. Ammonia-soaked rags, vinegar, or commercial repellents with wolf urine can create a temporary barrier. But these are less reliable than removing food and using physical barriers.

Will a dog keep coyotes away?
It depends. Large, vigilant dogs can be a deterrent. However, small dogs are at risk, and coyotes may see them as prey or a territorial threat. Never let a small dog out alone, and always supervise yard time.

What is the best coyote deterrent?
There’s no single “best.” The most effective strategy is a combination: removing all food sources is number one, followed by secure fencing and consistent hazing whenever one is seen.

Are coyotes dangerous to humans?
Attacks on adults are extremely rare. Coyotes are naturally wary of people. However, they can pose a risk to small children and pets. Teach children not to approach any wild animal and to tell an adult if they see a coyote.

Managing coyotes is an ongoing effort, not a one-time fix. By being proactive and making your property a less hospitable place for them, you can significantly reduce visits and conflicts. Remember, the aim is to encourage their natural fear of humans, ensuring a safer environment for everyone, including the coyotes themselves. Start with removing those attractants tonight—it’s the simplest step with the biggest impact.