When it comes to natural solutions for garden pests, few animals are as helpful as the hedgehog. Known for their charming appearance and nocturnal habits, hedgehogs are more than just welcome visitors — they are effective allies in pest management. In fact, many homeowners across Surrey are learning that hedgehogs and pest control go hand-in-hand. In this article, we explore how hedgehogs help control pests, why they thrive in Surrey gardens, and when professional pest control is still the best option.
Why Hedgehogs Are Natural Pest Controllers
Hedgehogs feed on a wide range of common garden pests, making them nature’s very own pest control experts. Their diet includes slugs, snails, beetles, caterpillars, earwigs, and even small insects that damage plants. For gardeners, this means fewer chewed leaves, healthier plants, and a reduced need for chemical treatments.
Slugs and snails, in particular, are a major problem in UK gardens. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, slugs are among the most destructive garden pests, eating seedlings and vegetable crops. Encouraging hedgehogs into your Surrey garden provides an eco-friendly way to keep these pests under control.
Why Surrey Gardens Are Perfect for Hedgehogs
Surrey’s mixture of suburban gardens, countryside, and green spaces makes it an ideal habitat for hedgehogs. Gardens with hedges, compost heaps, woodpiles, and safe hiding places are particularly attractive to them. Hedgehogs thrive in areas where there are plenty of insects and slugs to feed on, which Surrey gardens often provide in abundance.
Homeowners can make small changes to help hedgehogs, such as leaving gaps at the bottom of fences to create a “hedgehog highway.” This allows them to roam between gardens in search of food and mates, increasing their survival chances.
How to Encourage Hedgehogs in Your Garden
- Leave out shallow dishes of fresh water
- Build or buy a hedgehog house for shelter
- Avoid using slug pellets and pesticides that may poison hedgehogs
- Create wild corners with leaf litter and logs
- Provide safe access points through fences and walls
These small steps not only help hedgehogs thrive but also improve your garden’s biodiversity, reducing the need for chemical pest control.
When Hedgehogs Are Not Enough
While hedgehogs are wonderful natural helpers, they can’t handle every pest problem. Larger infestations of rats, mice, wasps, or ants often require professional attention. If you notice droppings in your loft, buzzing wasps near your roof, or persistent ants in your kitchen, DIY methods and wildlife won’t be enough. That’s where expert pest control comes in.
At Go2 Pest Control, we provide tailored solutions for Surrey homeowners. From rodent control to house insect infestations and flying insect removal, our team ensures pests are dealt with safely and effectively. If you’re facing persistent problems, don’t wait — contact us today.
Balancing Nature and Professional Pest Control
Supporting hedgehogs in your garden is a brilliant way to reduce pests naturally, while also helping an endangered UK species. However, it’s important to remember that hedgehogs cannot replace the need for professional pest control in serious infestations. The best approach is a balance: encourage hedgehogs and other natural predators to thrive, but call in experts when pests threaten your home, health, or safety.
Key Takeaways
- Hedgehogs eat slugs, snails, beetles, and caterpillars, helping to protect your garden
- Surrey gardens are ideal for hedgehogs thanks to their green spaces and biodiversity
- Encouraging hedgehogs creates a natural, eco-friendly pest control system
- Professional pest control is essential for rodents, wasps, ants, and severe infestations
- Go2 Pest Control combines expertise with local knowledge to protect Surrey homes
Want to keep pests under control while supporting local wildlife? Start by making your Surrey garden hedgehog-friendly — and if pests become overwhelming, let the experts at Go2 Pest Control handle the rest.