This Common Garden Habit Could Be Harming Hedgehogs
A hedgehog rescue charity is urging people to rethink how they care for their gardens, warning that pesticides can have serious consequences for wildlife.
Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue is encouraging households to go pesticide-free, highlighting the impact these chemicals can have on hedgehogs and the wider garden ecosystem.
Why pesticides pose a risk
Using pesticides may seem like a quick solution for dealing with garden pests, but the charity says it can reduce the natural food supply that hedgehogs depend on.
Hedgehogs feed on insects such as beetles, caterpillars and worms. When pesticides are used, these food sources are reduced, making it harder for hedgehogs to find what they need.
There is also a more direct risk. Chemicals can poison hedgehogs if they eat contaminated prey.
The impact does not stop there. Beneficial insects including bees and butterflies can also be harmed, affecting the natural balance of the garden.
A simple change that can help wildlife thrive
By avoiding pesticides, gardens can become safer and healthier spaces for wildlife.
The charity suggests a number of wildlife-friendly alternatives. These include encouraging natural predators such as birds and frogs, planting a variety of native species to support biodiversity, and accepting that a garden does not need to be perfectly tidy.
According to the advice, a thriving garden can be achieved without chemicals, with a focus instead on patience and care.
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