UK households urged to spray front door with 1 thing before end of June

Many UK households with doorbell cameras may have noticed a visitor turning up in the middle of the night over the last few weeks. Social media has been filled with clips of foxes wandering up to front doors, sniffing around porches and plant pots before disappearing.

While many people enjoy seeing the animals, experts say homeowners may want to take a precaution before the end of June. That's because fox activity is expected to increase as the month comes to a close and into July, with young cubs now beginning to explore on their own.

As they leave their dens and start searching for new territory, they are much more likely to walk into gardens and residential streets.

One habit in particular has left some homeowners frustrated, especially those who regularly find foxes returning to the same spot.

Foxes often use front doors, porches and walls as places to leave scent marks.

While it may seem harmless, fox urine can leave behind a strong smell, stain painted surfaces and even damage nearby plants.

Wildlife experts, including The Fox Project, say foxes have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell and use scent to mark territory and find their way around.

Because of this, experts recommend using a homemade lemon spray around your front door to help discourage them from returning.

The strong citrus smell can disrupt the fox's “scent map” and make the area feel unfamiliar or already claimed by another animal.

Many pest control experts also recommend citrus because it is a humane, non-toxic deterrent that does not harm wildlife or the soil.

Making the spray is very easy. All you need to do is slice two or three lemons and boil them in a litre of water for around 15 minutes to release the natural oils from the peel. Once the mixture has cooled, strain it into a spray bottle.

Some experts also suggest adding a small splash of white vinegar or a teaspoon of citronella oil to make the scent even stronger.

Once done, spray the mixture around the bottom of your front door, the frame and nearby plant pots or other areas where foxes regularly visit.

To keep it working, it should ideally be reapplied every three to four days or after heavy rain.

Experts say foxes are often attracted to front doors because they make great boundary markers, much like lampposts.

Porches can also have the smell of food deliveries, shopping bags or pet food. Some doorways also provide shelter from the wind.

Although foxes are generally not dangerous and will usually run away from people, their urine can cause problems. It contains high levels of ammonia and musk, and that creates a strong smell that can linger if it soaks into brick or stone. The acidity can also stain painted wooden doors.

If you do discover fox urine outside your home, experts advise against cleaning it with bleach. That's because bleach contains ammonia, which can mimic the scent of another fox and encourage even more marking.

Instead, they recommend using biological washing powder mixed with warm water, which helps break down the enzymes in the urine.