If you’re looking to get rid of hedgehogs, you have two primary options, traps or repellents. When it comes to traps, the best bet is to set them near fence lines, along hedges, or alongside a fallen tree. When it comes to repellents, sprinkle it around the areas where you’ve seen hedgehogs.
Traps
Hedgehogs are adorable little creatures that many people enjoy having around. However, they can also be pesky pests that invade gardens and dig up lawns.
If you find yourself in the latter camp, there are a few things you can do to trap hedgehogs and remove them from your property.
First, you’ll need to purchase a live trap from your local hardware store.
Then, bait the trap with some food that hedgehogs like, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, insects, or small pieces of meat.
Once the trap is baited, place it in an area where you’ve seen hedgehogs active and check it regularly.
When you catch a hedgehog, release it far away from your property so that it doesn’t come back.
With these tips, you can effectively trap hedgehogs and keep your garden looking its best.
Repellants
There are a number of different repellents on the market, but not all of them are effective against hedgehogs.
For example, mothballs have proven to be ineffective.
Instead, you might want to try using a product that contains capsaicin, such as pepper spray.
Spraying the perimeter of your property with capsaicin can help to deter hedgehogs from entering your yard.
Just be warned that this approach may also keep away other animals that you don’t want to repel, such as rabbits or deer.
How Do I Know If A Hedgehog Is Visiting My Garden
If you’re wondering whether or not a hedgehog has been visiting your garden, there are a few telltale signs to look out for.
First, take a look at the leaves and ground foliage.
If you see that they’ve been disturbed, it’s likely that a hedgehog has been using them as a bed. Another clue is droppings.
Hedgehogs have very distinct droppings which are easy to spot. Finally, you can install a camera to get a good look at any nighttime visitors.
By keeping an eye out for these signs, you’ll be able to tell if a hedgehog has been frequenting your garden.
Is It Ok To Have Hedgehogs in Your Garden
Hedgehogs are often seen as a gardener’s friend, as they help to control populations of invertebrates that can damage plants.
However, some gardeners may not be so pleased to see these spiny creatures in their garden.
After all, hedgehogs can also eat strawberries, grapes and other fruits.
In addition, they may dig holes in search of grubs and other insects, which can damage the roots of plants.
Nevertheless, the benefits of having hedgehogs in your garden probably outweigh the drawbacks.
In addition to controlling pest populations, hedgehogs also help to aerate the soil and spread organic matter.
So, if you don’t mind sharing your strawberries with these prickly visitors, they can actually be quite beneficial to your garden.
What Time Do Hedgehogs Come Out
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night.
In the wild, hedgehogs typically sleep during the day and come out to forage for food at night.
However, if you have a pet hedgehog, their sleep schedule may be different from their wild counterparts.
If you are wondering what time do hedgehogs come out, it is important to note that they are creatures of habit.
Once they establish a routine, they will stick to it until something changes.
For example, if you routinely see hedgehogs come out in the evening around 9:30 pm and go back to bed by 5 am, they will likely continue to do so unless something disrupts their schedule.
How To Stop Hedgehogs Pooping In Your Garden
To deter hedgehogs from pooping in your garden, try these methods:
- Block access to the area: Place barriers like fences or garden netting to block hedgehogs from entering the area.
- Use unpleasant scents: Spraying vinegar, ammonia, or citrus-scented sprays in the garden can discourage hedgehogs from visiting.
- Provide alternative feeding spots: Provide hedgehogs with food and water in a different area of your garden, away from your desired area.
- Keep the area clean: Regularly clean up any poop in the area to reduce the attraction for hedgehogs to return.