Hedgehogs are cute little critters that can be found in many gardens, but they may not always be welcome visitors. If hedgehogs have become a nuisance in your garden, you’ll want to know how to humanely and effectively get rid of them. In this article, we will discuss the various methods available for getting rid of hedgehogs from your garden, so you can enjoy your outdoor space once again.
How To Get Rid Of Hedgehogs?
There are several different methods for getting rid of hedgehogs from your garden. Before taking any action, it’s important to understand the law and regulations surrounding the humane removal of these animals.
1. Use Repellents
Repellents work by making areas unpleasant or uncomfortable for hedgehogs to inhabit. If a hedgehog finds your garden uninviting, they will likely move on in search of somewhere more welcoming. There are many types of repellent available, including chemical and natural options.
- Chemical repellents: (Mothballs, predator urine-based sprays)
- Natural repellents: (Citrus peels, coffee grounds, human hair clippings etc.)
2. Fencing
Hedgehog fencing can be an effective option for keeping them out of your garden altogether. You may need to have fences installed that are at least three feet tall with mesh openings no larger than one inch wide. It should also extend 6 inches below ground level so that the animals cannot burrow underneath.
3. Live Traps
Live traps allow you to safely capture a hedgehog without causing harm or distress to the animal itself. These traps should be placed near known entry points such as holes in fences or near piles of leaves where they may be hiding.
How to Keep Hedgehogs Out of Your Garden
Hedgehogs can be a delightful addition to your garden, but they can also cause damage if not kept in check. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can discourage them from entering your garden and keep them out for good.
Create an Unfavorable Environment
One way to keep hedgehogs away is by making the environment hostile to them. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals that like dark, quiet places where they feel safe. By eliminating these elements from your garden, you make it undesirable for them:
- Remove any piles of leaves or other debris where hedgehogs could hide.
- Introduce bright lights into the area; as nocturnal creatures, hedgehogs don’t do well with light.
- Install a water sprinkler system or motion-activated lights around the perimeter of the garden; this will startle potential intruders and may prevent them from entering.
Fencing & Other Physical Barriers
Another way to help keep hedgehog away is by erecting physical barriers such as fencing or chicken wire around the perimeter of your property. This will make it more difficult for the animal to enter and should stop it from getting too close.
- Make sure that any fences are buried at least 6 inches underground; otherwise, they might be able create a hole underneath.
- If you have gaps in between fence posts or wires, attach chicken wire on top so that there aren’t any openings big enough for a hedgehog to squeeze through.
Discourage Them With Repellents
There are several natural repellents available on the market which can help discourage hedgehog visits. These include things like chili pepper flakes, garlic powder and strong smelling essential oils such as eucalyptus oil. You can sprinkle these substances around areas where you think they may try to enter (e.g., near fence lines). The smell should be unpleasant enough that it deters them from coming back.
Preventing Hedgehogs from Entering Your Yard
Hedgehogs are cute and harmless animals, but they can become a nuisance if they start to make regular visits to your yard. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent hedgehogs from entering your property.
Fencing
The first step in preventing hedgehog entry is to install a sturdy fence around the perimeter of your yard. The fence should be at least 3 feet high with no gaps or holes that allow the hedgehog access. Make sure the gates are secured tightly so that the hedgehog cannot squeeze through them.
Eliminate Entry Points
Inspect your yard for any possible entry points, such as holes in walls or under decks. If you find any holes, seal them up with wire mesh or other materials so that the hedgehog cannot get through.
Keep Your Yard Clean
Maintain a tidy environment in your garden by regularly clearing away leaves and debris which may offer shelter for the animal. Remove standing water sources and food scraps, as these will attract pests like rats and mice which could then draw in a hungry hedgehog.
Repellents
You can deter visiting hedgehogs by using repellents such as loud noises, bright lights, or strong-smelling substances like ammonia. However, bear in mind that these methods may not be effective over time as the animals will eventually become used to it.
How to Safely Remove a Hedgehog From Your Garden
Hedgehogs can be beneficial in the garden, but they can also cause damage to plants and vegetables. If you need to remove a hedgehog from your garden, it’s important to do it safely and humanely.
Steps for Removing a Hedgehog:
- Gather Supplies: Gather supplies such as an old towel or blanket, thick gloves, and a box or container with ventilation holes.
- Approach Carefully: Approach the hedgehog carefully. Move slowly so that you don’t startle them. Speak softly and calmly.
- Cover the Hedgehog: When you are close enough, gently place the towel or blanket over the hedgehog. This will help keep them calm while you move them.
- Wear Gloves: Put on thick gloves before picking up the hedgehog so that you don’t get scratched.
- Place in Container: Place the covered hedgehog into the box or container. Make sure there are air holes for ventilation.
- Release Elsewhere: Release the hedgehog in an appropriate area away from your garden where they won’t pose any danger to other animals or people.
Conclusion
Getting rid of hedgehogs can be a difficult task, but with the right approach it is possible to deter them from your garden or property. Using barriers such as fencing and netting, you can prevent hedgehogs from entering certain areas. You should also provide alternative food sources for them which will reduce their reliance on your garden. Additionally, making sure that any food scraps are securely stored away will help to make sure they don’t start visiting your property in search of a meal. With these steps in place, unwanted visitors should soon become a thing of the past.
