Hedgehogs dislike strong, artificial, or predator-related smells, especially predator urine, strong perfumes, heavily scented cleaners, citrus, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil, as these can be overwhelming or mimic threats, while they are attracted to food smells like insects, slugs, and meaty pet food. Smoke and strong spices are also generally disliked.
Hedgehogs hate the cold. Yet they have to face winter. To do so, they often huddle close together to share body heat. But as they come close to each other, they prick each other with their spikes.
Oils that are considered hot: Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Hyssop, Lemongrass, Ocotea, Oregano, Peppermint, Thieves, and Thyme. These are often contained in blends. Anything you put in the air your hedgehog will breathe and can be harmful!
Electronic repellents
These are useful tools for keeping hedgehogs away, as they do not harm the creature, but just creates an environment that does not attract it any further. Motion activated sprinkler repellents provide an innovative way to deter unwanted animals, such as hedgehogs.
Switching on outdoor security lights and making lots of noise can warn hedgehogs that something is happening and give them a chance to hide. Hedgehogs often have a routine so if you see a hedgehog out at a certain time – avoid letting the dog out during those times.
Our observations show that nesting Mums often leave their young ones to rest elsewhere. That rest is often through the first and last part of the night but can also be in the day time. Routinely we expect to see hedgehogs come out in the evening around 9.30pm and go back to bed by 5am.
Generally, Hedgehogs are scared of humans so as long as you observe them from a distance, they pose no threat.
Hedgehogs will not usually eat and sleep in the same place so it's best not to offer food inside the home (except perhaps to tempt them in initially). Once there is a resident, move food away from the box so as not to attract predators or rival hedgehogs to the site.
Toxic foods for hedgehogs include chocolate, caffeine, dairy products, and certain fruits like grapes and citrus. It's essential to avoid these items to ensure your hedgehog's health and well-being. Always consult your veterinarian for specific dietary advice.
Hedgehogs typically hibernate from autumn to spring (October - March), but this can vary depending on the temperature and food available.
As pets, hedgehogs can recognize and remember their owners' scent and voice, making them a loyal and affectionate companion. They can also quickly learn routines and habits, such as when it's time to eat or play.
Fungal Zoonotic Pathogens
The most common fungal skin infection transmitted by hedgehogs to humans is caused by the hedgehog dermatophyte Trichophyton erinacei. Numerous cases of T. erinacei ringworm infection in humans have been described after contact with pets or wild hedgehogs [43,44,45,46,47].
If you're wondering what smells attract hedgehogs, they're not all that different to us: they love the smell of food, whether that's insects, slugs and snails, or recommended foods.
Badgers. A badger and a hedgehog feeding together on a lawn. Badgers are hedgehogs' main predators in the UK. They are the only animals strong enough to tackle a hedgehog's spiny defences.
Hedgehogs are very sensitive to smells. Often, when they encounter a new smell, they will start to produce a large amount of frothy saliva. Then, they reach to their side and spread the saliva over their spines. They often wiggle around in weird positions in order to try to cover all of these spines.
Slug pellets and pesticides
The chemicals used in these can poison hedgehogs. Try using a natural, non-lethal alternative instead, such as sprinkling crushed eggshells or coffee grounds around the plants you'd like to protect. It's illegal to use slug pellets containing metaldehyde outdoors in Great Britain.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so the best time to spot them is during the evening or night. They are most active just after sunset and before sunrise.
Rats apparently hate the smell of mint, whilst hedgehogs seem to quite like it. Peppermint essential oil sprinkled by their bolt holes, or plenty of mint planted in your garden, could work as a deterrent. Don't use rat poison. Rat poison could also poison hedgehogs, other wildlife and even your pets. Bad idea.
This decline is partly due to a loss of natural habitat, which provides both shelter and food for hedgehogs. Fencing, pesticides, garden hazards (like ponds, strimmers and netting) and development and construction also have an impact. And of course, cars are a major threat to hedgehogs, killing thousands each year.
Hedgehogs usually give birth in June and July, though the hoglet season can begin in early spring following a mild winter and stretch until autumn. The average litter size is four or five young, though can be as many as seven.
Hedgehogs typically live between two and five years, hibernating during the winter, losing around a third of their body weight. So, when they are active, they must regain their strength before their mating season in May. This means that April to May is the prime feeding season to rebuild their energy and vigour.
Signs of stress
Many hedgehogs are busy and want to try to explore but a stressed hedgehog will be much more persistent and not easily distracted. The stressed hedgehog may also twitch or shake its head nervously. It is almost as if the hedgehog is saying “Sensory overload. I can't take it anymore.”
If you hear a hedgehog scream you may well think the sound is coming from a very upset human baby. This noise is only made by hogs in severe distress and pain. The hog will be injured or maybe trapped somewhere. If you hear this noise you should definitely investigate as the hedgehog will need your help.
"Hedgehogs certainly aren't blind; their little black eyes can spot your approach in the dark from a fair distance away.
Contact your vet if your dog has multiple punctures, swelling or seems distressed after an encounter. Hedgehogs can also carry external parasites like fleas, ticks or mites, ringworm and occasionally bacterial infections such as Salmonella.