Wildlife Experts Warn Against Using This Common Halloween Decoration – It Will Put Birds And Hedgehogs At Risk

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Wildlife experts quoted by Ideal Home warn that stretchy synthetic spider-web decorations used outdoors can trap birds, bats and small mammals, including hedgehogs. They advise keeping the webbing indoors and choosing solid outdoor decorations; the report does not provide data measuring how often animals are harmed.

Wildlife experts are warning people against hanging stretchy synthetic spider-web decorations outdoors this Halloween, saying the material can entangle birds, bats and small mammals such as hedgehogs. In a report published by Ideal Home, experts advised using solid decorations instead and keeping artificial webbing indoors, where wild animals are less likely to encounter it.

Lucy Taylor, a wildlife expert at Vine House Farm, told Ideal Home that synthetic web decorations can be made from tough, stretchy plastic that wraps around animals rather than breaking apart. Mosh Latifi, co-owner of EcoCare Pest Management, said fine fibres can catch an animal’s wing, foot or leg; struggling may tighten the strands further. The experts identified birds, bats and small mammals as potential victims.

The report describes two types of outdoor decoration: spray-on webbing and larger, stretchy or netted webs. Latifi said dried spray-on material presents less risk of entanglement than stretchy webbing, but may still coat insects or remain among shrubs. He compared larger netted decorations to garden netting, warning that openings large enough for an animal’s head, wing or leg can create a trapping risk, particularly when the decorations are placed over hedges or left up for weeks.

Experts also raised concerns about animals ingesting plastic or mesh, which Taylor said could cause choking or an internal blockage. She added that birds use natural spider silk in nest building and may not distinguish artificial material from real webs. The report provides expert warnings, but no figures on how many animals are affected or how the risk compares with other Halloween decorations.

How Outdoor Webbing Can Trap Animals

The warning concerns a decoration that is designed to stretch and cling to surfaces, qualities that can also make it difficult for a small animal to escape. According to the experts, an animal caught in the strands may worsen its situation by struggling, while the material can be hard to bite or tear through. Removing outdoor webbing can reduce the chance that another animal becomes trapped.

The advice is particularly relevant to decorations placed on hedges, shrubs and other outdoor areas used by wildlife. Choosing solid props rather than loose or netted materials can let households decorate without putting the same kind of entanglement material in an animal’s path. The scale of harm is not quantified in the report, so the warning is about a recognized hazard rather than a measured estimate of incidents.

The Difference Between Web Decorations

Artificial spider webs have been the subject of seasonal wildlife warnings, according to the Ideal Home report. It notes that spray-on webbing designed for hedgerows has drawn warnings in previous years, while larger plastic web decorations appear to be popular this season. The report does not provide sales figures or evidence establishing how much their use has increased.

The experts distinguish between the products rather than treating all artificial webs as equally hazardous. Latifi said dried spray-on webbing is less likely to cause entanglement than stretchy cotton-style webbing or larger netted webs, although he said spray material can still affect insects and remain in vegetation. Taylor’s advice is to reserve fake webs for indoor use and to avoid outdoor decorations made from plastics, ropes, ribbons or string that could catch wildlife.

“Wildlife can easily become caught in fake spider web decorations commonly used around Halloween, especially the artificial cobwebs.”

— Lucy Taylor, wildlife expert at Vine House Farm, quoted by Ideal Home

How Many Animals Are Affected

The report does not give incident totals, research findings or a comparison of risk between different decoration types. It also does not establish how widespread outdoor fake-web use is this year. The experts describe ways animals could become trapped or ingest material, but the likelihood of an incident at a particular home is not quantified.

The report’s practical advice is to contact a local wildlife rescue or organisation, such as the RSPCA, if an animal is caught. Whether a person should attempt any intervention depends on the animal’s condition and the guidance of rescuers; the source does not provide a universal procedure for every species or situation.

Safer Decorating and Rescue Advice

For Halloween displays, the experts recommend keeping synthetic webs inside the home and using solid outdoor decorations instead of loose netting, string, ribbons or similar materials. Taylor also advised bringing decorated pumpkins indoors at night, saying they can make some wildlife unwell if eaten. The report does not specify which wildlife species or pumpkin preparations are involved.

If someone finds an animal caught in webbing, Taylor’s first advice is to contact a local wildlife rescue or the RSPCA rather than immediately trying to release it, since injuries may not be obvious. If a rescuer advises a person to help, Latifi said to stay calm, keep distance at first and avoid pulling the strands, which may tighten. He suggested thick gloves and, for a larger animal, wrapping it loosely in a towel; if the animal cannot be freed safely or appears injured, he advised placing it in a ventilated box in a quiet place and calling for help again. After an animal has been removed by rescuers, Taylor said to take down remaining outdoor web decorations.

Key Questions

Which Halloween decoration are wildlife experts warning about?

They warn about stretchy synthetic spider-web decorations, especially larger netted webs placed outdoors. The report says these can catch animals’ heads, wings or legs.

Which animals could be at risk?

The experts named birds, bats and small mammals such as hedgehogs. The report also mentions possible risks to insects and foxes, including exposure to or ingestion of artificial material.

Are spray-on fake webs as risky as stretchy webbing?

Latifi said dried spray-on webbing is less of an entanglement risk than stretchy or netted decorations. He cautioned that it may still coat small insects or remain in hedges and shrubs.

What should I do if I find an animal tangled in fake webbing?

Contact a local wildlife rescue or the RSPCA for advice before trying to free it, as injuries may not be visible. If a rescuer advises intervention, do not pull the strands; follow their instructions and seek further help if the animal is injured or cannot be freed safely.

What outdoor Halloween decorations are safer alternatives?

The experts recommend solid decorations rather than plastic webbing, netting, ropes, ribbons or string that could entangle animals. They suggest using fake webs indoors.

Source: rss