The Best Coyote Deterrent – How to Keep Coyotes Away and Pets Safe  

Coyote populations are growing while their natural habitats are dwindling. This means it’s becoming more and more likely that you could run into coyotes on your property.

For the most part, coyotes prefer to be left alone. However, they are predatory animals and have been known to attack small pets like cats and dogs. Some especially brazen coyotes have even attacked people.

If you are dealing with coyotes getting too close for comfort, you’ll likely be on the hunt for some good coyote deterrent.

The internet is full of different options for how to keep coyotes away: ultrasonic repellers, motion activated sprinklers, fencing, and even scent deterrents to help keep them at bay.

Not every type of coyote deterrent is going to be right for every household. Furthermore, not all deterrents are designed to work equally. Are you wondering which types of coyote deterrent products might work best for your needs?

If so, you’ve come to the right place. Join us today as we learn more about coyotes, coyote deterrents, and how you can keep pets and small children safe from these wild animals.

What Are Coyotes?

Coyotes are wild dogs native to North America. (https://unsplash.com/photos/drl_EYmkujk)

The first step in solving any pest problem is understanding what you’re dealing with. When it comes to coyotes, it’s important to know a few basic facts about them.

Coyotes are native to North America, but they have now been introduced to nearly every other continent on Earth. Though related to dogs, coyotes are not dogs and should not be handled as such.

These animals are members of the Canidae family, which not only includes dogs but also includes wolves and foxes. Coyotes can be solitary, but they have also been known to live in packs. They are highly intelligent animals and have a very intricate social system they use when it comes to stalking and hunting prey.

This system can make them especially dangerous to pets left alone outside without their owners.

Have you ever seen a coyote? They’re difficult to miss and it’s relatively easy to tell they are not domesticated dogs.

Coyotes are smaller than wolves, usually weighing between 20 and 50 pounds. They’re quite stealthy, can scale high fences and navigate rough terrain, and their jaws are stronger than the jaws of domesticated dogs, making them more likely to win a fight with a dog that may even be larger than them.

Though they tend to stay away from people, coyotes can be aggressive. They are most often active during dusk and are nocturnal animals with excellent night vision. Like many nuisance pests, coyotes have come to rely heavily on humans for food. This is especially true if people in their area are careless about leaving garbage stored improperly or who might leave pet food outside overnight.

Coyotes are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and vegetables. Most often, coyotes feed on insects, rodents, fruits and berries. As a result, they can help control pests that might otherwise damage human crops or transmit diseases to humans or livestock, making them an important part of a healthy ecosystem in small numbers.

However, coyotes have been known to attack pets, people, and livestock. It’s very important to keep them at bay and do what you can to ensure your home is not enticing to coyotes.

The best way to avoid problems with coyotes is to eliminate any possible food sources around your home, and to use a quality coyote deterrent to keep these animals at bay.

Coyotes, Pets, And People – What You Should Know

Though they are not inherently aggressive, coyotes will attack pets. (https://unsplash.com/photos/drl_EYmkujk)

Coyotes are the largest wild dog in North America, and they’re found throughout the continent in small and large packs, as we mentioned above.

They’ve been named a nuisance by the USDA because they have been known to attack livestock, pets, and even small children. Coyotes will also attack adults if provoked.

Along with their potential for aggression, there are numerous diseases that coyotes can spread to people if they bite or come into contact with them. Coyotes can carry leptospirosis and rabies to humans, and they can transmit parasites like fleas and ticks to pets.

With all that being said, coyotes are not necessarily dangerous to humans if left alone. In fact, they rarely interact with people or domestic animals so long as their natural food sources are available to them and so long as they are not provoked or taunted.

Rare exceptions could happen if coyotes see small children as potential prey or if they’ve been fed by people in the past (and therefore see people as potential providers of food). In these rare cases an attack could occur. Other rare cases could occur when coyotes are defending their pups or if they feel threatened by someone who appears too large for them to take on successfully.

For the most part, it is our pets that are at higher risk of a coyote attack and that will benefit most from coyote deterrent.

If you are looking to protect your pets from coyotes, it’s best to not only invest in a quality coyote deterrent but to also monitor your pets when they are outside. Avoid leaving much smaller pets alone in your backyard and walk your pets during the day, when coyotes are less likely to be active.

It’s also important to take a look at why coyotes might be more attracted to your property than they normally would be. Keep reading to learn more.

Why Do I Have Coyotes On My Property?

Coyotes seek out shelter, water, and food. (https://unsplash.com/photos/BfeNzyi79W0)

Before you can decide how to keep coyotes away or which products would serve as the best coyote deterrent, it’s important to figure out why these canines are hanging around your home in the first place.

As we discussed above, coyotes are omnivores, and they’re on the prowl for food. They’ll eat pretty much anything they can sink their teeth into, though they do prefer meat. Coyotes especially go after smaller prey animals like rabbits and rodents, but if those aren’t available, they’ll also eat insects, berries, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and bird eggs, fruit, grasses and other vegetation.

Coyotes may also be attracted to areas where birds congregate to eat seeds spilled from bird feeders.

In addition to seeking out food sources, coyotes will look for environments that provide them with a safe shelter and good source of water.

If your property is providing coyotes with a cozy den site or some dense underbrush that makes them feel safe from predators (including humans), chances are good that you won’t be able to get rid of them very easily.

Overgrown grass, dense shrubs, spaces beneath decks, and even woodpiles can provide shelter for coyotes!

Homes with outdoor ponds, children’s pools, or pet water bowls left outside and filled with water can also provide a source of water for coyotes and could therefore attract them to your home.

Other factors that could attract coyotes to your home include improperly stored garbage. Just like raccoons and bears, coyotes are attracted to the smell of human foods left over in garbage bins.

There are several methods you can use to help make your home less attractive to coyotes, but one of the best methods is to ensure you are using a quality coyote deterrent.

But because coyotes can be reclusive, and because these animals are typically most common at night, it can be difficult to determine if you do indeed have a coyote problem on your property.

Let’s take a look now at some common signs that you might have a coyote problem.

How to Identify If You Have A Coyote Problem On Your Property

Coyotes are mostly active at night, which can make identifying a coyote problem difficult. (https://unsplash.com/photos/MePlTCpiPNA)

While it may not be obvious at first, there are several signs that you are dealing with coyotes on your property as opposed to other animals like raccoons, foxes, or bears

Signs of coyotes could include:

• Scat
• Sounds
• Tracks
• And Evidence of Dead Animals

Let’s learn more.

Coyote Scat

One of the best ways you can identify whether or not you have coyotes on your property is through their scat. Coyote scat is unique looking and often filled with fur, small bones, berries, and other items these opportunistic feeders have fed on.

 

Coyote Sounds

Coyotes make an unmistakable high-pitched yelping bark. In packs, this yelping goes back and forth between members in a somewhat eerie chorus.

If you’re out at night, you might hear them howling, barking, or yipping, which sounds like a high-pitched tone that gradually fades away into silence before another group picks up where they left off with different vocalizations. These are territorial calls to warn intruders that this area belongs to someone else!

Sometimes the yips will elicit barks from domesticated dogs, and side by side it is easy to tell that what is making those yelping barks is not one in the same as your four-legged friend.

Evidence of Dead Animals

If you are finding evidence of dead animals around your yard, it’s a good sign you have coyotes nearby. Evidence could include fur, animal body parts, and other signs of a struggle or hunt.

If you have noticed these signs around your property, it’s time to look for a quality coyote deterrent to help keep these pests at a safe distance and protect your pets and family.

Different Types of Coyote Deterrent Methods You Can Use To Repel Coyotes

There are several methods you can use to repel coyotes. (https://unsplash.com/photos/gRK-XIeyWw8)

Because coyotes are likely to become a threat to smaller pets like cats and dogs if they are nearby, it’s important to do what you can to deter them from your property and keep your pets safe.

One of the best ways to defend your pets against coyotes is to use different types of coyote deterrent methods around your property.

There are several options you can use to repel coyotes, though you may find that using several different methods will work best for your unique situation.

But just what is a coyote deterrent?

A coyote deterrent is a method or product that prevents coyotes from entering your yard, home, or garden. There are many types of coyote deterrents on the market to choose from. Some are more effective than others, but most are inexpensive and easy to use.

The most effective coyote deterrents are those that mimic the sounds of predators, such as dogs and wolves. These sounds scare off coyotes, but they also keep other animals away.

Coyote deterrent comes in different methods, including many that are listed below.

• Loud noises
• Glow sticks or glow balls
• Motion-activated lights
• Motion-activated sprinklers that spray water on the ground when they detect motion
• Motion-activated ultrasonic bark deterrents that emit a loud sound when they detect motion
• Motion activated light deterrents
• Outdoor motion-activated sirens that emit loud sounds when it detects motion
• Scent deterrents like predator urine that tap into instincts
• Fencing that is taller than six feet

The Best Coyote Deterrent According To Experts

Coyotes can be deterred using motion activated sprinklers or scent deterrents. (https://unsplash.com/photos/0eZdAuZci04)

The best coyote deterrents will likely be a mix of deterrents you purchase or make on your own, as well as lifestyle changes you take to make your home and surrounding property less attractive to these animals.

Because many of the best coyote deterrents can be easily purchased and used, we have listed some of our favorites for you to consider below.

Univerayo Coyote Deterrent

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Univerayo Coyote Deterrent Deer Repellent Solar Predator Control Lights Repeller Device is a quality coyote deterrent we trust to repel deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wild animals using humane methods.

Every unit comes with a solar panel, so you won’t have to worry about batteries. The solar panel is also water resistant, protecting it from any weather conditions.

The Univerayo Coyote Deterrent Deer Repellent Solar Predator Control Lights Repeller Device has an extended range of up to 180 degrees. The product is completely silent and uses a combination of red and blue lights to scare away wild animals.

You can choose between four different settings for this product, but all of them are effective as long as you make sure to place the device in an area that gets direct sunlight throughout the day.

This device is easy to install and can be used in both residential and commercial areas. Each unit comes with everything you need for installation, including screws, a mounting plate and all required hardware for installation on wood or metal surfaces.

PredatorPee Original Wolf Urine

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PredatorPee, a biodegradable, non-toxic urine product, works to deter coyotes using the coyote’s natural survival instincts by communicating to the coyote that a predator could be nearby.

This coyote deterrent offers a natural repellent that won’t harm plants or animals, and that is safe for the environment. It is also safe to use around pets, children, and food.

The scent of wolf urine causes anxiety in coyotes because it reminds them of their natural predator – wolves. A downside to using this product is that the scent does not last long and will need to be reapplied often in order to be effective for longer periods.

For best results, spray PredatorPee Original Wolf Urine around your garden, chicken coop, pet run, or anywhere else you want to keep coyotes at bay and protect your property.

Havahart Motion Activated Sprinkler

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A motion activated sprinkler is another incredibly effective coyote deterrent we recommend when it comes to protecting your pets and property. This coyote repellent is humane, and it is safe for the environment, people, and other pets.

Consistent use of these types of coyote repellents can be effective in the long term, as coyotes and many other wild animals will often learn to avoid your yard because they don’t like getting wet.

The above device is equipped with motion sensor technology which can detect a coyote up to 80 feet away. Once the device detects any kind of movement, it sets off a loud sound to scare coyotes from your property.

Motion Activated Sprinklers are also an attractive option for a coyote deterrent because they are quiet. Since coyotes are most likely to set these devices off at night, a quiet deterrent is typically preferred. This is especially true if you live in close proximity to your neighbors.

This device only needs to be plugged into a power supply outlet (it comes with its own transformer) and it has an adjustable sensitivity level that can be used on a terrain depending on the environmental noise.

Foxlights Night Predator Deterrent

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The Foxlights Night Predator Deterrent above is a motion-activated light that switches on when it senses movement in the area. It sends out a wide, blinding light that scares away coyotes and other wild animals like deer, raccoons, and feral cats. This keeps your yard or property safe from both damage and danger.

The Foxlights Night Predator Deterrent is weather-proof and easy to set up almost anywhere that you need it, whether that’s on your front porch, your back porch, or even in a tree or under an overhang.

The unit runs on batteries and can stay activated for months at a time without needing to be recharged. So once it’s in place, you won’t have to think about it again unless you want to move it to another location.

The Foxlights Night Predator Deterrent is completely safe for animals and pets. The light is startling but not harmful to them. It is also quiet and a less disruptive coyote deterrent you can use around your neighbors.

Bonide Repels All Animal Repellent

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The Bonide Repels All Animal Repellent is a granular formula that works by emitting an odor that irritates the animal’s nasal passages. Coyotes will keep their distance from the area where the product has been applied for this very reason.

The above product is effective on a number of pesky wild animals, not just coyotes. In fact, it works to repel deer, groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels and more.

To use this product, simply sprinkle Bonide Repels All Animal Repellent liberally over the problem area. For best results (and to ensure the most effective barrier), experts recommend that you re-treat the area every one to two weeks following application instructions on the back of the bottle.

How To Make Your Own Coyote Deterrent At Home

There are some unique ways to repel coyotes using home remedies like human hair and essential oils. (https://unsplash.com/photos/MKRElkcGWtA)

Are you wondering how you can make your own coyote deterrent at home? It is possible with the below household ingredients and recipes.

Human Hair

Yes, you can use human hair to deter coyotes. Coyotes are wary of humans, so they can be scared off by anything that smells like a person. In addition to the usual places you’d find hair—the bathroom sink, shower drain, and your brush—you can also collect hair from the salon or barber shop.

Once you have enough hair, place it at the perimeter of your yard, around openings in your fence, or anywhere else coyotes might enter. You can also use human urine diluted with water to create a spray that will act as a repellent. The amount of urine you’ll need will depend on how much water you use, so do some research to determine what ratio will work best for your needs.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is another deterrent you can use to keep coyotes away, but it has its limitations. Coyotes can be very persistent and if they have learned that there is food available at your house or on your property you may have an uphill battle in keeping them away, so keep this in mind.

Cayenne pepper should be applied as a repellent on the perimeter of your property. In addition to cayenne, you will need a carrier substance like oil or water to help the cayenne stick around for a while rather than washing or blowing away. Cayenne pepper is also weather-sensitive so it needs to be reapplied after every rain storm or other precipitation.

Ammonia Spray And Cayenne Pepper Recipe

Coyotes are territorial and have a keen sense of smell. They will not go near anything that smells like a predator, so this homemade coyote deterrent works wonders on keeping them away.

You will need:

• 1 gallon of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 2 capfuls of liquid soap
• 1 tablespoon of ammonia
• 2 teaspoons of peppermint oil
• 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 spray bottle

Mix the above ingredients in a spray bottle and spray this solution round your yard to create a barrier between your home and coyotes.

Essential Oils

If you want to get rid of coyotes, you can use different essential oils to deter them. You can also make your own homemade coyote deterrent by mixing 10 to 20 drops of the below oils with two cups of water in a spray bottle.

Some essential oils that deter coyotes include:

• Peppermint oil
• Clove oil
• Garlic oil
• Citrus oil (lemon and orange)
• And Thyme oil

Dr. Christopher’s Original Oil Of Garlic (Garlic Oil)

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Are you looking for a quality garlic oil you can use In order to repel coyotes and keep them as far away from you and your family as possible? We recommend Dr. Christopher’s Original Oil Of Garlic above.

This powerful product is made from organically-grown garlic cloves that are cold-pressed to extract the natural oil within. The garlic is then aged for one year to allow for maximum potency. This oil not only makes a great coyote deterrent, but it’s also a helpful repellent against pests like fleas, ticks, ants, mosquitoes, ants and wasps.

Ethereal Nature 100% Pure Peppermint Oil

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Peppermint oil is another essential oil that has a strong smell known to repel a variety of pests. If you notice coyotes hanging around your property at night, or if you have an outdoor pet that may be at risk for attack, you can use Ethereal Nature 100% Pure Peppermint Oil to scare the nocturnal animals away.

To set up your peppermint oil repellent, you can use an insect fogger that mixes the oil with water. The mixture will keep the peppermint oil from burning off too quickly and will allow it to remain in the air long enough to repel coyotes.

Fill the fogger tank with water and add two ounces of peppermint oil for each gallon of water. Shake the bottle gently to combine the ingredients so they’re ready to spray when needed.

When you’re ready to get rid of coyotes, use the following tips:

• Spray around your yard at night as soon as you notice coyotes in the area.
• Spray along your fence line and around your garbage cans before dusk.
• Spray once a week while coyote activity is high in your area.

How To Deter Coyotes And Protect Your Pets – Let’s Sum It Up

Coyotes can be a danger to people and pets, but for the most part they prefer to be left alone. (https://unsplash.com/photos/haGopMEwC6M)

Coyotes are wild animals, and as such, they’re not easy to spot or predict. The best way to keep your pets safe from coyotes is to be aware of their habitats and know the signs of coyote activity.

Once you’ve identified that there are coyotes in your area, you’ll need to make sure your pets are protected, as well as take steps to deter coyotes from entering your yard. Along with using a quality coyote deterrent or home remedy for keeping coyotes away from your property, we also suggest you follow the below tips to help keep your pets safe.

• Keep cats indoors and dogs leashed when outside.
• Make sure trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
• Don’t leave pet food outside overnight, and don’t leave it out at all if possible.
• Consider leaving an outside light on at night, which will discourage coyotes from approaching your house or yard
• Keep children inside during dusk or dawn hours when these animals are most active; if you do let them play outdoors during this time period, supervise them closely so they don’t stray into areas where they could encounter a coyote

• Don’t leave small dogs outside in your yard alone or unsupervised
• Don’t let your dog roam alone in areas where coyotes are known to live or frequent

As we’ve seen throughout this guide, there are several ways to keep coyotes away from your yard and protect your pets.

Some methods can be more costly or even more labor-intensive than others. Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to educate yourself first on how effective our chosen method is when it comes to deterring these animals.

And remember, while the coyote deterrent products on our above list are designed to work, it’s still important to monitor pets and small children around your home, especially if you have noticed signs of coyote activity.

So, what do you think about the best coyote deterrent? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.