Gardeners looking to welcome hedgehogs into their homes have been told to do one thing to encourage them in this autumn. As well as being cute, the small animals serve as natural pest controllers, devouring slugs, snails and insects that can damage plants.
Encouraging hedgehogsis an excellent way to support a species in decline, and can prove quite fulfilling when you spot them. Typically, hedgehogs are most commonly spotted in gardens during the night between April and October, as this marks their active foraging period. They may also appear during daylight hours, particularly in summer when nights are shorter, or during late summer and early autumn when young, unweaned hedgehogsventure out to forage. Spotting them at other times, such as during daylight in cooler months, could suggest the creature is unwell and might require assistance. Nevertheless, in October, you've still got an opportunity to glimpse a few, and there are several methods to entice them into your garden. In a clip posted on TikTok, gardening expert Deb offered some straightforward advice for attracting them. To encourage their visits, she explained gardeners simply need to do one particular thing: "Provide shelter for the hedgehog. A log pile, compost heap or purpose-built house in a shaded spot will give hedgehogs a safe place to rest and hibernate.
Deb also suggested a hedgehog highway. Hedgehogscan roam up to one mile each night. She said: "If you have a fenced garden, make sure that there's a gap in the fence, or a gap under your garden gate.
"Provide food and water, not milk. Contrary to popular belief, milk is bad for hedgehogs. Do not leave milk out. Leave out fresh water."
She explained that you can also purchase hedgehog biscuits to scatter around your garden for them. This offers them some delicious treats to enjoy.
Additionally, she mentioned that hedgehogs are particularly fond of gardens featuring leafy trees, so it's worth bearing this in mind. If your garden lacks these features, Deb suggested it might be worthwhile considering planting some.
Hedgehogs are drawn to gardens because they provide a secure environment alongside food, water and protection. These essentials are crucial for resting and helping the creatures nurture their young and hibernate securely.
They typically favour tranquil, dry and hidden spots found within gardens. Popular locations include compost heaps, log piles or areas beneath sheds and thick vegetation.
This explains why establishing a "wild corner" containing a collection of logs, leaves and garden waste is beneficial, as it supplies perfect nesting materials and refuge. Alternatively, you can purchase or construct a specially-designed hedgehog dwelling.
If you're using your fireplace more frequently at present, you'll be pleased to learn they adore log piles, as these provide both sustenance and sanctuary. Log piles establish a habitat for insects such as beetles and woodlice, which serve as essential food sources for hedgehogs.
They also provide a safe haven for hedgehogs to hibernate, breed and rest, as the piles offer protection from predators. Introducing some simple things into your garden can encourage them to pay a visit.
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