30/10/2026
The Hidden Dangers of Flystrike in Hedgehogs
We're seeing a lot of little hogs coming into our care at the moment, many of them desperately needing help.
This little one is a perfect example of why it's so important to thoroughly check every hedgehog, even when they don't appear to be particularly poorly but out in the daylight.
At first glance, this little hog didn't look too bad, but on closer inspection, we discovered it was absolutely riddled with flystrike.
What is flystrike?
Flystrike occurs when flies lay their eggs on a hedgehog, often around wounds, damp or soiled areas, or on hedgehogs that are already weak, injured or unwell.
The eggs look like tiny grains of rice and can be found clustered between the spines, around the face, underneath the body and in other areas that are easily missed.
In warm conditions, these eggs can hatch within hours, turning into maggots that begin feeding on the hedgehog's tissue. This can cause horrific injuries, severe infections and immense suffering. If left untreated, flystrike can quickly become fatal.
One of the most frightening things about flystrike is how easily it can go unnoticed. A hedgehog may appear relatively bright and alert, with no obvious signs of injury, yet underneath its spines there could be hundreds of fly eggs or maggots. By the time a hedgehog begins showing obvious signs of distress, the damage can already be extensive.
This is why we cannot stress enough how important it is to have any hedgehog found out during the day, behaving unusually or appearing unwell properly assessed.
Every hedgehog that comes into our care is carefully examined because appearances can be incredibly deceiving. What looks like a relatively healthy little hog can actually be fighting for its life.
Flystrike is a medical emergency.
If you find a hedgehog with fly eggs or maggots, please seek help from a hedgehog rescue or veterinary practice immediately. Do not wait to see if the hedgehog improves, as every hour can make a difference.
Please do not attempt to treat flystrike yourself using household sprays, insecticides or home remedies, as these can cause further harm.
Flystrike is one of the most distressing conditions we encounter in rescue. The suffering it causes can be devastating, and sadly, despite our best efforts, not every hedgehog survives.
This little one is a reminder that just because a hedgehog doesn't look particularly poorly, it doesn't mean everything is fine.
Please help us raise awareness of flystrike. Recognising the signs and getting help quickly really can mean the difference between life and death.
