Urban martens: Dealing with silent invaders in our homes and cars

Martens are small predators from the mustelid family, which increasingly appear in cities, causing damage to houses and cars. How can we effectively and humanely get rid of these uninvited guests? Discover proven methods that will help you solve the marten problem.

Martens, once mainly associated with rural areas, are becoming more adventurous in cities, searching for shelter and food. These small mammals, despite their seemingly innocent appearance, can cause significant damage to our homes and cars. Most often, they choose attics or areas under car bonnets as their shelter, where they can gnaw on cables and electrical installations and even destroy facades and insulation.

Although martens look friendly with their soft and dense fur, they become extremely noisy under the cover of night. Additionally, they leave behind droppings and food leftovers, which can pose a hygiene problem for residents. In search of a suitable place to create a nest, they can get between facades and walls of attics, causing additional damage.

Getting rid of martens from our surroundings can be challenging, especially since these animals have a tendency to hide from people and be active at night. However, there are several effective and humane methods for deterring martens. Firstly, increased human activity, that is, frequent presence in various parts of the house, especially in the attic, can discourage martens from staying there.

Another method is generating noise—turning on the radio all day or making loud noises can effectively deter unwanted guests. As a last resort, you can use live traps, which are a humane method of catching the animal and safely relocating it far from home, where it can be released into the wild.

One of the most effective ways to deter martens is to use scents that these animals do not tolerate. The smell of predators, obtained by spreading dog or cat fur in the attic, can effectively deter martens because it signals potential danger.

Another effective measure is the smell of an egg - breaking one near the house may cause the martens to avoid the area entirely. It is also worth considering using a citrus toilet block, whose intense smell is disliked by martens. These natural methods can significantly contribute to discouraging unwanted guests.