What are ticks?
Ticks are external parasites, also called ectoparasites. They are eight-legged arachnids commonly encountered in grassy or wooded areas.
Why hedgehogs encounter them
Hedgehogs move close to the ground and can pick up ticks as they travel. An unwell animal that moves slowly or lies still may give ticks more opportunity to attach.
Ticks come in different sizes and colours. The rescue has seen blue-grey, white, and dark ticks, including very small ones that are easy to miss.
Ask before attempting removal
The number of visible ticks does not tell the whole story about a hedgehog’s health. A rescue can advise whether the animal needs further assessment.
Hedgehog spines can make safe removal difficult. The rescue uses appropriate equipment and experience to remove ticks and check the hedgehog’s condition.
Please don’t apply pet flea or tick products, oils or other household treatments.
If a hedgehog looks weak, injured or otherwise unwell, seek advice promptly rather than focusing only on visible ticks.
All common issues
