Coyotes belong to a group of larger pests. Unlike the smaller ones who live off insects and vegetables, coyotes eat more minor pests like rabbits and often come out in pursuit of those.
Their size also makes the extent of damage they could cause a lot worse. Not to mention that they could become aggressive towards you or your livestock.
Coyotes aren’t pets. They are dangerous pests. And recognizing that distinction is vital if you wish to eliminate them.
Getting rid of coyotes is not so hard once you determine why they show up in your yard. These creatures are opportunistic eaters and make do with any edibles, from trash to pet food.
- Coyotes have a healthy fear of humans which you can use to your advantage.
- Coyotes feed on smaller animals like rabbits and lambs. So if you have these animals as pets or livestock, it’s essential to ensure they are kept safe and secure from coyote attacks.
- Coyotes come for food, so if you keep food around, you should expect to see them.
- Shooting coyotes is legal in Tennessee, so it’s an option for you if you wish to take it.
Most methods of getting rid of coyotes will not cost you an extra penny, only a couple of lifestyle changes. They could also help to prevent all that pests, smaller or larger.
This article will discuss 10 ways to get rid of coyotes in TN and other methods that apply to other parts of the world.
You may also find more relevant information about dealing with coyotes in our answers to frequently asked questions.
10 Ways To Get Rid of Coyotes in TN
You can get rid of coyotes without spending money or performing rigorous activities.
Here are some simple yet effective ways to keep coyotes away from home:
1. Empty Water Sources
All animals need water to survive, and that includes coyotes. They are naturally curious and would sneak around your yard looking for food to survive on.
If they discover a water source in your home, they will keep returning to that source. It could be a leaking tap, a forgotten bowl, a bucket that collects water during rainfall, or even your pet’s water bowl.
Nothing stops a coyote from drinking from the water you leave out for your livestock if it can also reach them. You can fix this by running a search on your compound and gathering bowls or buckets that collect water.
You may have to install a drain if your flower pot collects excess water. It would help if you moved your pet’s water bowls or livestock feeders out of reach.
Eliminating water sources would give a coyote one less reason to come into your yard.
2. Seal Garbage Cans
Neither your leftovers nor trash is safe from coyotes. They aren’t just rummaging through for fun; they are looking for leftover food or items they can chew.
A lucky coyote might find a rat or rabbit to munch on while rummaging through your trash. It’s not enough to cover your garbage can with a cap and leave it out.
You must ensure that the cover is sealed tightly enough not to come off if the garbage can is tipped over or tugged at. You can be sure that the coyote is not only stopping at your garbage cans.
So, if it finds that it’s unable to eat from your garbage can, it will move on to the next one and stop coming to your home.
3. Refrain From Feeding Coyotes
There should never come a time when you begin to feed or leave food out for coyotes for several reasons.
First, a coyote is a wild animal whose behaviors are primarily unpredictable. Feeding it would create an attachment between both of you.
Secondly, you would begin to feel responsible for its welfare; on the other hand, the coyote would fully regard you as its food source and return for more. These creatures are known to have a healthy amount of fear for human beings.
Although they are curious, they will keep their distance because they are unsure whether you are a predator or prey. If you establish a relationship with a coyote, it will feel comfortable around you.
And comfortable coyotes have been known to become aggressive. Aggressive animals are dangerous to your well-being and should not be kept close.
Feeding coyotes also gives them a sense of comfort and freedom to move around in your compound and touch your belongings. They could destroy your appliances or cause damage to your garden.
4. Make Loud Noises From a Safe Distance
The longer they can spend around you, the more comfortable they will be in your home, especially when you are absent. While attempting to scare off coyotes, ensure you do it from a considerable distance.
You could stand at the entrance of your home and make loud noises or wave your arms wildly in their direction. Coyotes are typically afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and objects thrown in their direction.
You can aim pebbles or small sticks in their direction. You don’t have to hit your target close enough to have them scamper off.
5. Keep Your Yard Clutter-Free
Keeping your yard clutter-free is a simple yet effective way to make your compound unattractive to coyotes.
They like to hide in secluded or abandoned corners.
If your yard is clean and free of piles of garbage or rarely used items, you will be able to see every inch of it and detect the presence of any coyote.
These creatures will be hesitant to hide in open spaces.
6. Install Fences
Building fences is an excellent way to mark boundaries between your living space and areas where coyotes can roam.
Not only would a coyote be unable to reach whatever food sources are available in your compound, but you will also be safe from its aggressive tendencies.
These creatures can jump high, so raising your fences above 6 feet is advisable if you have a low one. Having fences is particularly important for raising livestock like rabbits and chickens, allowing your pets to roam in their yards.
A fence would prevent a coyote from sneaking into your compound and harming your pets or stealing a rabbit or two for lunch.
It would also keep your garden or any vegetation you have safe.
7. Keep Unwashed Cooking Utensils Out of Reach
Whether it’s a freshly used grill or cooking utensils, the smell of cooked food will linger and attract pests to investigate.
It would help to ensure that your cooking items are washed and put away.
This will minimize the chances of attracting coyotes and give them room to inspect other parts of your home.
8. Keep Pet Food Out of Reach
Bird feeders, in particular, need close monitoring. It’s very normal for there to be food particles to drop underneath your birdcage.
If you do not pay attention to those, it will constitute a food source for coyotes or other pests.
It is also important to keep pet meals tightly wrapped and kept indoors.
Leaving them out in your yard would make coyotes tempted to come in and feed.
9. Leave Garbage out Close To Pick-Up Times
Tall fences may not be able to protect garbage cans from coyotes.
Instead, you can schedule the time you leave your garbage can close to its pick-up time.
Instead of leaving it out all night, you can bring it out early in the morning, empty it, and return it to your yard.
This will minimize the risk of having your trash can damaged by a desperate coyote or having a messy front yard.
10. Shoot Them
It is legal to shoot or kill coyotes in Tennessee. So, if you have a license to carry a firearm and wish to hunt, you are free to do so in your yard.
Other States may have varying regulations, so do well to confirm the legality of killing coyotes in your area. Shooting coyotes on other people’s property without their consent is not proper.
It would also be better to try out these other measures before killing coyotes.
If your home remains where pests can easily find access to food, water, and shelter, you will kill many pests only to have more in return.
Conclusion
When dealing with coyotes, it’s essential to bear in mind that they are still untamed animals. So, your actions should be done at a safe distance.
Do so from a distance if you wish to scare them off with your voice or gestures.
Although most coyotes fear human beings, some become comfortable after spending considerable time in human company.
It is also alright to get professional help to handle coyotes if they persist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Coyotes Afraid Of?
Coyotes are afraid of quite several things, which can be used to scare them off or keep them at bay, including:
- Sudden bright lights or loud banging noises.
- Coyotes fear objects thrown in their direction.
Can I Kill a Coyote in My Backyard?
It is legal to kill coyotes or hunt them on your personal property. You may need to acquire a hunting license if you wish to shoot down a coyote on someone else’s property, especially in TN.
This can be done at any point during the year. So, if you wish to, you can kill a coyote in your backyard as long as the laws in your state permit it.
