Hedgehogs are highly active in June, making it a great time to attract them to your garden, and leaving out a simple item can encourage them to visit regularly this summerKatie-Ann Gupwell09:25, 31 May 2026Many people love the idea of hedgehogs popping into their gardens and, as it turns out, a particular item can tempt them to return time and again. You might not realise it, but certain things attract them so, if you're keen to spot them in your garden, there's some handy expert advice worth following.‌Now is the perfect time to welcome them too, as they are especially active in June. This month represents the height of the breeding and birthing season, meaning adult males can be seen roaming and foraging during the mating rut, while females frequently give birth to their first litters of "hoglets".‌With the animals out and about, it makes sense to do your bit to look after them. Fortunately, leaving a key item outside can help ensure they pay you a visit.‌Senior Horticultural Content Manager at Fothergill's, Pim Dickson, has shared what people need to know. With the brand boasting thousands of followers on Instagram, his guidance is well worth taking on board.According to him, leaving a straightforward item outdoors can genuinely benefit them throughout the summer months. It's a task that's absolutely worth doing.Pim said: "To bring hedgehogs into your space, try building or buying a hedgehog house. Place the house somewhere safe for them to hide out and, if you have dogs, make sure it's not accessible to them.‌"It's important to note that hedgehogs dislike the heat, so a shady spot out of the sun is best. Hedgehogs have quite a large territory."They patrol at night, so ensure there are gaps at the bottom of garden fences so that hedgehogs and other small creatures can pass through with ease to roam around. They like to eat slugs, worms and small insects, and they'll be attracted by a healthy diversity of small creatures."To maintain a good population of hedgehogs and avoid the risk of poisoning them, don't use pesticides in the garden, especially slug pellets. A healthy and diverse garden ecosystem can supply all the food a hedgehog needs, but fresh water can be harder to find, so leave a shallow bowl of water out for them in the evening.‌"Strimmers can really hurt hedgehogs, so always check the area you want to cut first, keeping a particularly close look out for any areas of dense undergrowth where a hedgehog could be hiding. Leave these areas alone if you can, to attract them in and give them a safe space when they do visit."What you need to doWhat many don't realise is that leaving water out for hedgehogs can genuinely benefit them. They're susceptible to dehydration, and will search for fresh water to drink.Supplying clean water in your garden is amongst the most effective ways to support and encourage these nocturnal visitors. You simply need to follow a few guidelines when doing so, and make certain you keep the water fresh and clean the dish regularly.Article continues belowEnsure the bowls are shallow (such as a terracotta plant pot saucer) so they won't drown. Position pebbles inside so the water doesn't spill over and insects can drink safely.If you have a garden pond, hedgehogs will use it as a water source, but they tire easily and are at risk of drowning. Always ensure there are gently sloping edges, stones or a chicken wire ramp to give them a safe way out.Bear in mind that you should never leave milk out for them. This is because it can cause serious digestive problems and can prove fatal to hedgehogs.