Hedgehog slug danger

10 October 1997

Hedgehog slug danger

HEDGEHOGS are less likely to be harmed by feeding on slugs poisoned by metaldehyde-based products than those containing methiocarb, German research shows.

Highlighted by Swiss metaldehyde molluscicide maker Lonza, work at the BBA, a government research institute, shows the prickly predators can safely eat more metaldehyde-poisoned slugs.

In experiments, no hedgehogs were adversely affected where metaldehyde slug pellets were used. By contrast one hedgehog died after consuming 25 slugs poisoned using methiocarb.

Further studies are said to be needed to assess the effects of hedgehogs consuming pellets directly, either stuck to the slugs or lying near them.