Ticks, Fleas and Parasites in Hedgehogs

Understanding parasites in hedgehogs

Hedgehogs can carry a variety of external and internal parasites. Some are commonly found on wild hedgehogs, while others can cause significant illness, discomfort or even become life-threatening if left untreated.

Finding a parasite on a hedgehog does not automatically mean the animal needs rescuing. However, a heavy parasite burden, visible wounds, weakness or other signs of illness should never be ignored.

At CapesWildlifeRescue, we assess hedgehogs individually to determine whether parasites require treatment and whether an underlying health problem may also be present.

Please never apply flea treatments, pesticides or other medication to a wild hedgehog without veterinary guidance.Products intended for cats, dogs or other animals may be unsuitable or toxic to hedgehogs.

1. Ticks

Ticks are small, blood-feeding parasites that attach to the skin of their host. They are often found around a hedgehog's face, ears, legs and underside, although they can attach elsewhere.

What do ticks look like?

Ticks may initially appear as small, dark or greyish lumps attached to the skin. As they feed, they can become swollen and easier to see.

A tick is attached to the skin rather than simply moving through the spines or fur.

Are ticks dangerous?

A small number of ticks may be found on an otherwise healthy hedgehog. However, numerous ticks can contribute to blood loss, skin irritation and debilitation, particularly in a young, underweight or already unwell animal.

Ticks may also transmit infectious organisms.

What should I do?

Do not pull, squeeze or crush ticks.
Do not apply petroleum jelly, oils, alcohol or other household products in an attempt to remove them.
Do not use tick treatments intended for cats or dogs.
Contact a wildlife rescue or veterinary professional if the hedgehog has numerous ticks, appears weak or has irritated or damaged skin.

A professional can determine whether removal is necessary and whether the hedgehog needs further examination.

2. Fleas

Hedgehogs can carry fleas, including the hedgehog flea, Archaeopsylla erinacei.

What do fleas look like?

Fleas are small, dark, fast-moving insects. They may be difficult to see clearly because they move quickly through the spines and around the skin.

Finding a flea on a hedgehog does not necessarily mean the animal has a severe infestation.

Do all hedgehogs need flea treatment?

No. A few fleas on an otherwise healthy hedgehog do not automatically require treatment.

Unnecessary treatment can expose wildlife to chemicals without providing a welfare benefit. Fleas may be more concerning when present in large numbers or alongside skin damage, anaemia, poor body condition or other illness.

What should I do?

Do not use household flea sprays, powders, spot-on treatments or shampoos on a wild hedgehog.

If the hedgehog is weak, heavily infested or showing signs of illness, seek advice from a wildlife rescue or veterinary professional. Treatment should be selected according to the animal's condition and appropriate veterinary guidance.

3. Mites and skin parasites

Mites are microscopic or very small parasites that may affect a hedgehog's skin and spines.

Some mite infestations can contribute to itching, irritation, scaling, hair loss or loss of spines. Similar signs can also occur with fungal infections, bacterial skin disease, trauma or nutritional problems.

Signs to look out for

Excessive scratching or rubbing.
Flaky or crusted skin.
Areas of hair or spine loss.
Redness, irritation or wounds.
Changes in the condition of the skin around the face, ears or body.

These signs cannot reliably identify a specific parasite on their own. Veterinary examination and, where appropriate, skin sampling or microscopy may be needed to establish the cause.

What should I do?

Avoid applying creams, oils or parasite treatments without professional advice. If the hedgehog has widespread skin changes, significant spine loss or open wounds, arrange a prompt assessment.

4. Fly eggs and maggots

Fly eggs and maggots on a hedgehog are an urgent welfare concern.

Flies may lay eggs on wounds, damp or contaminated areas, or around the face and underside. The eggs can hatch into maggots, which may invade damaged tissue and cause a condition known as myiasis.

What are the warning signs?

Small clusters of white or cream-coloured eggs.
Tiny moving maggots on the skin, around the eyes, ears, mouth or underside.
Wounds that appear wet, dirty or deteriorating.
A foul smell or damaged tissue.
Weakness, lethargy or reduced responsiveness.

Fly eggs can be difficult to distinguish from other material, and maggots may hide within wounds or body folds.

What should I do?

Contact a wildlife rescue or veterinary practice immediately.
If safe to do so, gently place the hedgehog in a secure, ventilated box lined with a towel.
Keep it somewhere quiet and comfortably warm while arranging professional help.
Do not bathe the hedgehog, apply insecticides or attempt to treat wounds yourself.
Do not delay seeking help while trying to remove every egg or maggot.

Fly strike can progress rapidly and may be life-threatening. Even if only a few eggs are visible, there may be more hidden elsewhere.

5. Internal parasites: lungworm and intestinal worms

Hedgehogs can carry internal parasites, including lungworms and intestinal worms. Some infections cause few obvious signs, while heavier burdens can contribute to significant illness.

Lungworm

Lungworm infection can affect the respiratory system and may cause:

Coughing or repeated sneezing.
Noisy or laboured breathing.
Nasal discharge.
Reduced activity or weakness.
Poor body condition or weight loss.

These signs are not specific to lungworm. Respiratory infections, trauma and other conditions can produce similar symptoms, so examination and appropriate testing may be required.

Intestinal parasites

Some intestinal parasites can cause digestive problems or contribute to poor condition. Possible signs include:

Weight loss or failure to gain weight.
Reduced appetite.
Diarrhoea or abnormal droppings.
Weakness or dehydration.
A generally poor body condition.

A hedgehog can carry internal parasites without showing obvious symptoms, so a single sign does not confirm an infestation.

How are internal parasites diagnosed?

A veterinary professional may recommend faecal examination, microscopy or other diagnostic tests based on the hedgehog's signs and clinical findings.

Treatment depends on the suspected or confirmed parasite, the animal's condition and the veterinary assessment. Medication should not be given simply because a hedgehog has been found outdoors or appears thin.

6. Why you should never treat a hedgehog yourself

Products designed for domestic pets are not automatically safe for wildlife.

Incorrect products or doses may cause toxicity, skin damage or other complications. A hedgehog that appears to have fleas may also have an underlying illness that needs attention.

Please avoid:

Cat or dog flea and tick products unless specifically prescribed or directed by a veterinary professional.
Household insecticides and flea sprays.
Essential oils and other home remedies.
Human medicines or leftover veterinary medication.
Worming products given without an appropriate assessment.
Bathing or immersing the hedgehog in an attempt to remove parasites.

If you have already applied a product to a hedgehog, contact a veterinary professional promptly and provide the product name, ingredients if available, approximate amount used and time of application. Do not apply additional products or attempt to wash it off unless instructed to do so.

7. Can parasites be passed to people or pets?

Some parasites are host-specific, while others may affect or bite other animals. Risks vary according to the parasite and the circumstances.

For sensible hygiene:

Wear suitable disposable gloves when handling an injured hedgehog.
Wash your hands thoroughly after contact.
Keep hedgehogs and their bedding away from food preparation areas.
Clean and disinfect equipment according to appropriate wildlife-care protocols.
Keep domestic pets away from hedgehogs and contaminated bedding.
Seek medical or veterinary advice if you have a specific concern about exposure.

Never use domestic pet parasite treatments on a hedgehog simply to protect your pets.

8. When does a hedgehog need rescuing?

A hedgehog does not necessarily require admission just because you spot a tick or flea. The urgency depends on the number and type of parasites, the animal's overall condition and any associated injuries or illness.

Seek prompt professional advice if the hedgehog:

Has a heavy tick or flea burden.
Has fly eggs or maggots present.
Has open wounds, inflamed skin or significant spine loss.
Is unusually weak, thin or lethargic.
Is struggling to walk or breathe.
Has persistent diarrhoea or other signs of illness.

Fly eggs, maggots, severe weakness, breathing difficulties or significant wounds warrant urgent attention.

If you are unsure, take a photograph from a safe distance and contact a wildlife rescue for guidance rather than attempting treatment yourself.

Can CapesWildlifeRescue help?

CapesWildlifeRescue assesses and rehabilitates hedgehogs that are sick, injured or otherwise in need of assistance, subject to our facilities and current capacity.

Where parasites are suspected, the hedgehog may require examination, diagnostic testing and an appropriate treatment plan. Our aim is to address the animal's welfare needs and support recovery wherever possible.

Please contact us before bringing a hedgehog to the rescue. All admissions must be discussed and authorised in advance.

When contacting us, please explain:

Where the hedgehog was found.
Whether you have seen ticks, fleas, mites, fly eggs or maggots.
Whether there are visible wounds or skin changes.
Whether the hedgehog is eating, moving and behaving normally.
Whether you have applied any treatment or medication.

These details help us assess the urgency and advise you on the safest next steps.

The most important thing to remember

Parasites are not all the same, and not every hedgehog needs treatment simply because a parasite is present. However, heavy infestations and associated signs of illness can be serious.

Never apply medication or attempt to treat a wild hedgehog without appropriate professional advice. If you see fly eggs, maggots, severe weakness, breathing difficulties or significant injuries, seek urgent help.