The Hedgehog Preservation Society has issued urgent advice for gardeners during the UK heatwave: never leave milk out for hedgehogs. Milk can cause digestive upset and may be fatal. Instead, provide a dish of fresh water, especially in hot weather.
What to Feed Hedgehogs
According to the charity, hedgehogs are noisy eaters that primarily consume invertebrates. Their natural diet includes beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, slugs, earwigs, bugs, grasshoppers, and fly larvae. They may also eat small vertebrates and scavenge. Many people supplement this with meat-based pet food, which hedgehogs treat as a welcome addition. However, the food should not be relied upon.
Water Is Essential
During the heatwave, water is crucial. The society emphasises: "Always make sure that a dish of water is available especially during the summer months or in extreme weather conditions." This helps both hedgehogs and other garden wildlife.
Dangers of Slug Pellets and Pesticides
The charity warns against using slug pellets and pesticides. "These are poisonous and should not be used," it states. If absolutely necessary, pellets should be placed in a pipe or under a slate that hedgehogs cannot access. Dead slugs must be removed daily. Since April 2022, metaldehyde slug pellets have been illegal in the UK. The society advises using alternative pest control methods sparingly or not at all.
Clean Feeding Dishes Daily
To prevent disease, feeding dishes must be cleaned each morning with warm soapy water or disinfectant. The charity advises: "Make sure you rinse any disinfectant off thoroughly and always allow dishes to air-dry completely before adding food. Brushes and equipment used to clean food and water dishes shouldn't be used for other purposes. Rubber gloves should be worn and hands washed afterwards."
Garden Hazards: Netting and Litter
Hedgehogs can become entangled in garden netting, leading to starvation. The society recommends rolling up nets well above ground when not in use and keeping pea netting 22–30 cm (9–12 inches) off the ground. Log edging with gaps between logs can also trap legs. Litter is another danger: hedgehogs may get their heads stuck in tins, yoghurt pots, or plastic cups. The charity urges: "Always cut the plastic rings of '4 and 6 pack' holders and elastic on your facemasks. To prevent such unnecessary deaths, litter should be disposed of in a proper manner."
Tidy Gardens Are Safer
When tidying the garden, take care when moving piles of leaves or rubbish, as these are ideal nesting sites for hedgehogs. The society advises being cautious to avoid disturbing them.
By following these simple steps, gardeners can help protect hedgehogs during the heatwave and beyond.
