Participant Information Sheet

Before you take part, look through the project details before giving us your consent

Purpose of the study

This study aims to investigate whether rodent bait boxes effectively protect hedgehogs from rodenticide exposure.  We will investigate whether hedgehogs can enter bait boxes directly or may be exposed indirectly by eating slugs that have entered the boxes. The study consists of three related projects, and you are welcome to take part in one, two or all three.

Requirements

You may take part if you:

• live in or near Reading, Wokingham or Bracknell; and

• have access to a private garden.

We will provide and deliver all of the equipment needed for the study.

Study 1 – Hedgehog visits to bait boxes

Timing

• July–August 2026

• We ask participants to monitor the bait box for at least 1 month.

What you'll do

• Place a bait box containing a non-toxic bait in your garden (within 2 metres of a building).

• Install a footprint tracking plate and ink pad inside the bait box.

• Check the footprint plate each day and replace it if footprints are present.

• Upload a photo of the footprint plate and complete a short online form each day.

Study 2 – Slug visits to bait boxes

Timing

• September–October 2026

• The survey lasts 4 days.

What you'll do

• Place a bait box containing a harmless food bait mixed with a biomarker in your garden for 3 days.

• Replace the bait box with a beer-filled slug trap for 1 day.

• We will collect the trapped slugs and assess how many previously entered the bait box using a UV light.

Study 3 – Slug deterrent study

Timing

• September–October 2026

• The survey lasts 4 days.

What you'll do

• Follow the same procedure as Study 2.

• You will be randomly assigned one of four treatments:

(i) No deterrent (control)

(ii) Spearmint oil

(iii) Copper tape

(iv) Coffee grounds

If assigned a deterrent, simply apply it around the bait box following the instructions provided.

Your rights

• Right to withdraw from participating at any time if you change your mind.

• Your private information will be kept confidential and only accessed by the research team.

• Your name and contact details will not appear in any reports or publications.

Data management

What data we collect: We'll collect slug and mammal survey data from you.

Personal information: We will collect your name, address and email during this study.

Storage and security: Data will be stored on password-protected university systems and/or encrypted drives, accessible only to members of the research team. Personal data will be deleted upon the completion of the student's PhD.

Risks to you?

The risks associated with this study are minimal. 

Participants should take care when handling bait boxes and rodenticides to avoid minor cuts or contact with soil and insects. It is recommended to wear gloves when checking or cleaning bait boxes and to wash hands afterwards. Care should also be taken when placing or retrieving bait boxes outdoors to avoid slipping or tripping hazards. 

As with all online projects, there is a very small risk of a data breach. However, all data will be stored securely and handled in line with the University of Reading’s data protection policies. 

Any questions? Contact us at slugsandhogs@reading.ac.uk