How to get rid of coyotes off your property?

Coyotes are highly adaptable animals, and it’s not unusual to spot them wandering near homes or farms in search of food and shelter. While their presence can feel unsettling, taking a few smart steps can protect your property, your pets, and your peace of mind.

What Attracts Coyotes to Your Property?

Coyotes are drawn to easy food sources, and many properties unknowingly provide them. Pet food left outside, overflowing trash cans, birdseed, and even small rodents can make your yard an appealing hunting ground. Once they associate your property with a meal, they’re more likely to return regularly.

Shelter is another major attraction that homeowners often overlook. Overgrown vegetation, brush piles, and accessible sheds or crawl spaces give coyotes safe spots to hide or rest. Water features like ponds or outdoor pet bowls can also lure them in, especially during hotter months. Keeping these factors in check reduces the chance of coyotes sticking around.

Are Coyotes Dangerous to Humans and Pets?

Coyotes rarely pose a threat to people, as they are naturally cautious and prefer to avoid human interaction. However, their opportunistic nature makes them a danger to small pets like cats, small dogs, and even poultry or young livestock if left unattended.

While attacks on humans are extremely uncommon, they can occur if a coyote becomes habituated to people or loses its fear through easy access to food. The bigger risk is to pets, since coyotes often view them as prey or competition. Taking preventive steps helps minimize these risks and keeps encounters safe for both humans and animals.

How Do You Keep Coyotes Away Naturally?

One of the simplest ways to discourage coyotes is to remove what attracts them in the first place. Bring pet food indoors, secure trash with tight-fitting lids, and clean up fallen fruit or birdseed that might draw in smaller animals coyotes hunt. Keeping your yard free of these easy meals signals that your property is not a reliable food source.

Lighting and yard maintenance also play a role in natural deterrence. A well-lit property makes coyotes less comfortable since they prefer to move in darkness, while trimming overgrown vegetation removes hiding spots. Even simple actions like keeping pets indoors at night or supervising them outdoors can make a big difference in keeping coyotes away.

What Deterrents Work Against Coyotes?

Physical deterrents are highly effective for keeping coyotes away from your property. Motion-activated sprinklers and floodlights startle them when they approach, while noise-making devices like alarms, air horns, or even a radio playing outside can make the area feel unsafe. These tools interrupt their comfort zone and encourage them to move elsewhere.

For properties with fences, adding coyote rollers or angled extensions at the top prevents them from climbing over. Reflective tape, predator decoys, or even guard animals such as certain dog breeds can add extra protection. Combining multiple deterrents creates a layered defense that makes your property far less appealing to a curious coyote.

Do Fences Keep Coyotes Out?

Fences can be an effective barrier, but only if they’re designed with coyotes in mind. Standard fences that are too short or easy to climb won’t work, since coyotes are skilled jumpers and can clear heights up to six feet. A proper coyote-proof fence should stand at least six to eight feet tall to discourage jumping.

The base of the fence is just as important as the height. Coyotes are strong diggers, so burying mesh or wire at least 12 inches underground can stop them from tunneling through. Adding features like coyote rollers, barbed wire, or angled extensions at the top makes it even harder for them to climb, giving you stronger protection for pets and livestock.

What Should You Do If You See a Coyote?

If you come across a coyote, the most important thing is to stay calm and avoid running. Running can trigger their chase instinct, so instead, stand tall, make yourself look bigger, and use loud noises like clapping or shouting to scare it off. Hazing like this helps reinforce their natural fear of humans.

When walking pets, always keep them on a short leash and close by. Pick up small animals if a coyote approaches, and keep children within arm’s reach to reduce risk. Most coyotes will retreat once they realize you’re a threat, and consistent hazing makes them less likely to return to your property.

When Should You Call a Professional?

Sometimes coyotes become too comfortable around people, and that’s when professional help is necessary. If you notice them showing up frequently during the day, approaching homes without fear, or targeting pets or livestock, it’s a clear sign to call in wildlife control experts. These specialists are trained to handle coyotes safely and in compliance with local laws.

Professional removal is also important if deterrents and fencing haven’t worked. Wildlife experts can assess why coyotes are lingering, address hidden attractants, and use humane trapping or relocation methods if permitted. This ensures both your property and the coyotes are managed responsibly, reducing long-term risks.

Are There Legal Restrictions on Removing Coyotes?

Coyote removal isn’t as simple as trapping and relocating them, since laws vary widely depending on your state or municipality. In some areas, coyotes are considered nuisance wildlife and may be managed with permits, while in others, relocation is strictly prohibited due to risks of spreading disease or disrupting ecosystems. Checking your local regulations is always the first step before taking action.

Many communities encourage non-lethal methods such as hazing and deterrents over removal. Wildlife agencies often provide guidelines on what’s legal and safe, ensuring that both residents and coyotes are protected. By following these rules, you avoid fines or legal issues while keeping your property secure.

Conclusion

Getting rid of coyotes from your property starts with prevention—removing food, securing trash, and closing off hiding spots. Add deterrents like fencing, lights, and noise to make your yard less inviting, and always stay alert when pets are outdoors. These steps build a strong first line of defense against unwanted visits.

When coyotes become bold or frequent, don’t hesitate to seek professional help for safe and legal solutions. Balancing prevention with expert assistance keeps your family, pets, and livestock protected while respecting local wildlife regulations. With the right approach, you can maintain peace of mind and keep coyotes at a safe distance.

Proactive Tips to Keep Coyotes Away Long-Term

Coyotes are persistent, so consistency is key when managing their presence. Regularly inspect your yard for new attractants like fallen fruit, unsecured compost, or animal burrows that might draw them in. By staying proactive, you reduce the chance of them making your property part of their routine.

Community cooperation also makes a big difference. If neighbors leave food out or fail to secure trash, coyotes may keep circling the area. Sharing tips and working together to reduce attractants ensures a wider zone of safety and keeps coyotes moving back into their natural habitats.