To clean or not to clean

[Dubi]

Around late April/early May I had a hog move into one of my boxes and build a nest, but he/she has now moved on. (No activity over the past 3-4 weeks). The box is filled with nesting material. Would welcome thoughts on whether I should leave the nest be or whether to clear out to encourage others. Thank you.

[Nic]

Hi Dubi

If you’re certain the hog box is empty, then I would clean it out – not least to get rid of any potential parasites and their eggs. It’s best to use boiling water which should kill any parasite eggs hidden in the cracks and joints.

You will need to dispose of the old ‘bedding’ and it’s best to just put a handful of fresh bedding in the box and leave more in the surrounding area.

More information: https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/cleaning-out-boxes/

Good luck – hope you get a new tenant in the newly cleaned hog house.

[Dubi]

Thanks Nic! I’ll do exactly that. And yes, quite sure about the status over the last few weeks (have a trail cam monitoring it).

[Author]

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