The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) have issued urgent advice for gardeners: stop using slug pellets to safeguard hedgehogs, a species facing extinction in the UK. With a summer heatwave expected after weeks of poor weather, many gardeners are eager to spruce up their outdoor spaces and deter pests like rats, slugs, and snails. However, common pest control solutions can be deadly to hedgehogs.
Why Hedgehogs Matter in Gardens
The RSPCA describes hedgehogs as "an important part of the ecosystem" and "a gardener's friend" because they eat beetles, caterpillars, worms, and other invertebrates that may harm plants. Despite their benefits, hedgehog populations are declining sharply, and they are now at risk of extinction in the UK. Garden activities such as strimming can injure or kill hedgehogs, and certain pest control products pose a direct threat.
The Danger of Slug Pellets
Slug pellets, particularly those containing metaldehyde, are a popular choice for protecting plants from slugs and snails. These small toxic baits are scattered around gardens; when consumed by pests, they prevent feeding and cause death. However, hedgehogs can ingest poisoned slugs or the pellets themselves, leading to fatal poisoning. The RHS advises: "Dig around in the back of the garage or shed to make sure you don't have any old metaldehyde-based slug pellets lurking there. These are now banned due to their high toxicity to wildlife, so must be disposed of safely at your nearest recycling centre."
Legal Protections for Hedgehogs
Sales of metaldehyde slug pellets are prohibited in the UK. Most conventional pellets have been replaced with ferric phosphate, which is certified organic and poses less risk to wildlife and pets. However, old stocks may still be present in gardens. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to kill or capture wild hedgehogs using traps, nets, or poisons. The NERC Act 2006 designates hedgehogs as a "species of principal importance in England and Wales," requiring public bodies to protect them.
What Gardeners Should Do
The RHS encourages gardeners to tolerate some plant damage from slugs and snails, noting that they have many benefits in the garden. Instead of using toxic pellets, gardeners can adopt hedgehog-friendly practices such as creating log piles, leaving gaps in fences for hedgehogs to roam, and avoiding strimming near hedgerows. If a hedgehog is seen during daylight hours, the RHS warns: "Hedgehogs are nocturnal and with a few exceptions, should generally only be out and about at night. If you see a hedgehog out in the daytime, even if it looks healthy, it may well be in trouble and need your help. Call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for advice on 01584 890 801."
