The yipping chorus at dusk signals that coyotes have made your property part of their territory, and responding correctly makes all the difference. Knowing how to get rid of coyotes isn’t about cruelty; it’s about restoring safety for your pets, kids, and peace of mind. These clever canines are adaptable, but they are also wary. You can use that caution to your advantage with a few consistent strategies.
First, understand that coyotes are here to stay in most regions. Your goal is to make your yard less appealing than the neighbor’s field or the greenbelt down the road. This takes a mix of removing food sources, changing the landscape, and using deterrents that trigger their natural fear of humans. Let’s break down the process step by step.
Remove All Easy Food Sources
Coyotes are opportunistic eaters. If they find a free meal on your property, they will keep coming back. The fastest way to discourage them is to eliminate the buffet.
Secure Garbage And Compost
Your trash can is a five-star restaurant for a hungry coyote. Use bins with tight-fitting lids that latch securely. If your cans are stored outside, consider keeping them in a shed or garage until pickup morning.
- Use bungee cords to secure lids if the latch is weak.
- Spray the outside of bins with ammonia or a vinegar solution to mask food smells.
- Never leave trash bags sitting on the curb overnight.
Manage Pet Food And Water
Leaving a bowl of kibble on the porch is an open invitation. Feed your pets indoors whenever possible. If you must feed outside, only put the food down while the pet is eating, and pick up the bowl immediately after.
Also, remove outdoor water bowls. Coyotes need water just like any other animal, and a steady source will keep them lingering in your yard.
Clean Up Fallen Fruit And Birdseed
Fruit that drops from trees attracts rodents, and rodents attract coyotes. Rake up fallen apples, plums, or berries daily. Bird feeders are another culprit. Seed spills draw in squirrels and mice, which are prime coyote prey. Place feeders over a tray and sweep up the mess every evening.
How To Get Rid Of Coyotes Using Hazing
Hazing is the most effective method for teaching coyotes to fear your property. This involves making yourself look big, loud, and threatening. The goal is not to hurt the animal, but to associate humans with danger.
Use Loud Noises
When you see a coyote, do not run. Stand your ground and make noise. Air horns, whistles, or even banging pots and pans together work well. You can also shout at the animal in a low, aggressive voice.
- Stop immediately and face the coyote.
- Raise your arms above your head to appear larger.
- Yell “Go away!” or use a firm, commanding tone.
- Throw a stick, rock, or tennis ball in the direction of the coyote (not directly at it, but close enough to scare it).
- Continue hazing until the coyote leaves the area completely.
Use Water And Lights
A garden hose with a spray nozzle is a great deterrent. A sudden blast of cold water reinforces the idea that your yard is hostile territory. Motion-activated sprinklers are even better because they work while you are asleep or away. Similarly, motion-activated floodlights can startle them and make them feel exposed.
Carry A Personal Alarm
If you walk your dog in coyote territory, carry a whistle or a small air horn on your keychain. If a coyote approaches, use the alarm to scare it off. This is much more effective than pepper spray, which requires you to be very close.
Modify Your Landscape To Deter Coyotes
Your yard’s layout can either invite coyotes or repel them. These animals prefer to travel along edges and through cover. Removing that cover makes them feel vulnerable.
Trim Bushes And Low Branches
Coyotes use overgrown shrubs as hiding spots to stalk prey. Trim the bottom of bushes so there is at least a 12-inch gap between the ground and the branches. This removes their hiding spots and makes them feel exposed. Also, cut back low-hanging tree limbs that could provide a launch point into your yard.
Install A Coyote Roller Or Fence
Standard fences often fail because coyotes can jump them. They can clear a 6-foot fence with ease. To make a fence effective, you need to make it taller or harder to climb.
- Install a fence that is at least 6 feet high, preferably 8 feet.
- Add a “coyote roller” at the top—a spinning bar that prevents them from getting a grip.
- Extend the fence underground by 12 inches to prevent digging.
- Consider adding a “floppy” extension at the top that bends outward when they try to climb over.
Remove Brush Piles And Rock Dens
Walk your property and look for potential den sites. Piles of wood, large rocks, or thick brush under decks are perfect for coyotes. Clear these areas out. Seal off spaces under porches and decks with heavy wire mesh or lattice.
Protect Your Pets From Coyotes
Small dogs and outdoor cats are the most vulnerable. Coyotes see them as prey, not as family members. You must change your pet’s routine to keep them safe.
Supervise Outdoor Time
Never leave small dogs unattended in the yard, even if it is fenced. Always go outside with them. Keep them on a leash if you are in an open area. For cats, the safest option is to keep them indoors entirely. If that is not possible, build a secure “catio” that keeps them contained.
Walk Dogs During Daylight Hours
Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk. Try to schedule your dog walks for mid-morning or early afternoon. If you must walk at night, carry a flashlight and a loud whistle. Keep your dog on a short leash, not a retractable one, so you have control.
Use A Coyote Vest
For very small dogs, consider investing in a coyote vest. These are made with thick materials and spikes that make it difficult for a coyote to bite down. They are not foolproof, but they can provide a critical layer of protection.
Use Commercial And Natural Deterrents
There are several products on the market designed to repel coyotes. These can be useful, but they work best when combined with the other methods listed above.
Predator Urine And Sprays
You can buy coyote urine or wolf urine at hunting supply stores. Sprinkling this around the perimeter of your yard signals that a larger predator is present. This works for a while, but it washes away in the rain and needs to be reapplied frequently. There are also commercial sprays that use capsaicin or other strong scents to irritate their noses.
Ultrasonic Devices
These devices emit a high-frequency sound that is unpleasant to coyotes but inaudible to humans. They can be effective in a small area, but the sound can be blocked by objects. They are a decent supplement, but not a standalone solution.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers
We mentioned these earlier, but they deserve a second look. They are one of the best non-lethal deterrents. The sudden burst of water is startling and unpleasant. They also water your lawn, which is a nice bonus.
When To Call Professionals
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a coyote becomes too bold. If you see a coyote during the day acting aggressively, or if it does not run away when you shout, you need to escalate the situation.
Contact Animal Control
If a coyote is attacking pets or showing no fear of humans, call your local animal control or wildlife management agency. They have the tools and training to handle the situation safely. Do not attempt to trap or shoot a coyote yourself unless you have the proper permits, as this is often illegal and dangerous.
Work With Neighbors
Coyote control is most effective when the whole neighborhood participates. If you hazing them away from your yard, but your neighbor leaves out garbage, they will just move next door. Talk to your neighbors about coordinating your efforts. A unified front will push the coyotes out of the entire area.
How To Get Rid Of Coyotes In Your Yard For Good
Getting rid of coyotes is not a one-time fix. It is an ongoing process of making your property less inviting. You have to be consistent. If you slack off for a few weeks, they will come back. Remember that the goal is to make them feel unwelcome and unsafe.
Start by doing a full audit of your property. Walk the fence line, look for gaps, and check for food sources. Implement the hazing techniques every time you see a coyote. Be the “scary human” they want to avoid. With time and persistence, they will learn that your yard is not a safe place to hunt or den.
It is also worth noting that you should never feed a coyote, even if it looks skinny or hungry. This is the quickest way to make them lose their natural fear of humans. A fed coyote is a dead coyote, because it will eventually attack someone and have to be euthanized. Keeping them wild and wary is the kindest thing you can do for them.
Dont forget to check your local regulations before using any traps or lethal methods. Many areas have strict laws about how you can handle wildlife. The non-lethal methods described here are usually the safest and most effective option for homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Lights Keep Coyotes Away?
Motion-activated lights can startle coyotes and make them feel exposed, but they are not a permanent solution. Coyotes will get used to them if they are not paired with loud noises or other hazing techniques. Use lights as part of a broader strategy.
Does Human Urine Deter Coyotes?
Some people swear by this, but it is not reliable. Human urine might mask your scent, but it is not a strong enough predator signal to scare them off. You are better off using commercial predator urine or a good hazing session.
What Smells Do Coyotes Hate?
Coyotes have a strong sense of smell. They dislike the scent of ammonia, vinegar, and capsaicin. You can soak rags in ammonia and place them around your property, but be careful with pets and children. These smells are a temporary deterrent and need to be refreshed often.
Is It Legal To Shoot Coyotes In My Yard?
This depends entirely on your local laws. In some rural areas, it is legal to shoot coyotes on your property if they are threatening livestock. In suburban and urban areas, it is almost always illegal. Check with your local fish and wildlife department before considering this option.
How Do I Keep Coyotes From Digging Under My Fence?
You need to bury the fence wire. Dig a trench that is 12 to 18 inches deep and lay a heavy gauge wire mesh into it, bending it outward at the bottom in an “L” shape. This prevents them from digging straight down. You can also lay large rocks or concrete pavers along the fence line to block digging.
Remember that coyotes are here to stay, but they do not have to be your neighbors. By removing food, hazing them, and securing your property, you can reclaim your yard. It takes a little effort, but the safety of your family and pets is worth it. Stay consistent, stay loud, and they will move on to easier territory.