Ticks
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We have at least five regular hedgehog visitors each night. It’s hard to tell how many because they all look similar! Since they’ve emerged from hibernation this year several have got at least two ticks, and one has a very heavy tick burden. Is it okay to use Ivomec intended for cavies on hedgehogs?
Hi MorganleFaye
It’s lovely to hear that you have lots of hedgehogs visiting.
It isn’t unusual for them to have ticks and a few ticks are probably not much of a problem to them. Also, if they are clearly visible they are likely fairly big and so likely to drop off soon.
However, if you are feeding in i.e. a wooden hedgehog box it’s really important to clean it out and sterilise with boiling water. The hedgehogs often drop big ticks, which then lay eggs, in such places and the boiling water should kill them and any very small ticks. If there are a lot of ticks in your area, fairly frequent repeats of that would be a good idea – pay special attention to any joints or cracks in the wood. (With plastic just clean out as well as you can without boiling water.) Hopefully that should help the hedgehogs from becoming re-infested.
Re. the hedgehog with the heavy tick burden, it sounds like it would be a good idea to contact your local carer and take their advice. Hedgehog carers are often very good at safely removing ticks individually. It’s best not to use chemicals at all on or near hedgehogs, but leave it to the experts if necessary.
You will be able to get contact details of your nearest carers from BHPS on 01584 890801
Good luck. I hope all goes well with all the hedgehogs.
Happy hog watching!
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