Cable bites on the car, corroded insulation material in the attic, loud playing noises, traces of excrement or urine stench - these damage and impairments could indicate stone marten. As cultural followers, like foxes, pigeons and rats, they can appear in gardens as well as houses. Targeted driving away of the stone marten must therefore take place in several areas if necessary. We explain what is important in defense against natural enemies.
habitat
Beech martens are cultural followers and prefer warm and sheltered accommodation. The shed in the garden, the attic, a garage or similar rooms close to people are therefore popular living spaces.
nourishment
The beech marten's menu is very varied. Small suckers and young birds, insects, fruit, nuts but also household rubbish are on it.
activity
Martens are nocturnal, especially from March to September or October. In addition to the time of day, the current weather is often decisive for how active the martens are. In addition, the young animals play, from around April to May.
Signs of beech marten
If a stone marten has penetrated the engine compartment, bite marks on the cables are a common consequence. Cable bites and bite marks, for example on strips, insulation material and storage containers, can also be seen in attics and other hiding places. In addition, there are the noises that stone marten make while running and playing.
However, cats and dogs can also act as a deterrent to stone martens. These animals or their scents can therefore be used for targeted deterrence.
The use is also very simple:
fur
Freshly brushed fur from cats and dogs that have not been bathed looks best. These can also be rolled up into balls, pressed or felted. This means that they can be removed much more easily and quickly after application.
Used cat litter
Anyone who knows cat owners can ask them for used litter. Packed in bags, this can also be deployed in strategically sensible places.
Visits
If there are no animals of their own in the household concerned, visitors can act as a deterrent to the stone marten. It is of course ideal if cats and co. Then walk in the relevant areas and thus act as a defense through smell and presence.
Tip: Sound recordings are a possible alternative if the stone marten have not yet moved in. Experience has shown that it must be expected that the intelligent animals will see through this "charade", unless there is a smell and at least an occasional visit.
Find traces
An important step is to find paths that are often used. Among other things, for example, to remove markings or to close the beech marten entrances. A UV light helps here. Organic traces such as urine and feces, saliva and other body fluids shine brightly under this special light. This makes it easier for them to be discovered and eliminated.
Stir up trouble
Playing music in the attic, taking walks in the garage - stone martens do not choose lively rooms for shelter. Let wind-up toys move, switch the lights on and off - these simple measures can help.
Seal entrances
The stone marten need an entrance to get to the attic or garage. If this is locked, there is at least some time to rest in these rooms. Here, in turn, the UV lamp can do a good job. Because people often do not suspect that the animals can squeeze their way through such small holes - and entrances thus remain undiscovered without a lamp.
Grid
Grilles can act as a deterrent, especially for the space under the bonnet, and thus prevent cable bites and high repair costs. Simple solutions for this are, for example, metal doormats, a simple wooden frame that is covered with mouse wire or a light well cover.
way of life
In order to be able to take targeted action against stone marten, their way of life should first be known. This knowledge helps on the one hand to identify the stone marten and on the other hand to have to make as little effort as possible for efficient defense.habitat
Beech martens are cultural followers and prefer warm and sheltered accommodation. The shed in the garden, the attic, a garage or similar rooms close to people are therefore popular living spaces.
nourishment
The beech marten's menu is very varied. Small suckers and young birds, insects, fruit, nuts but also household rubbish are on it.
activity
Martens are nocturnal, especially from March to September or October. In addition to the time of day, the current weather is often decisive for how active the martens are. In addition, the young animals play, from around April to May.
Signs of beech marten
If a stone marten has penetrated the engine compartment, bite marks on the cables are a common consequence. Cable bites and bite marks, for example on strips, insulation material and storage containers, can also be seen in attics and other hiding places. In addition, there are the noises that stone marten make while running and playing.
Natural enemies
One of the beech marten's greatest enemies is humans. Other natural enemies of the stone marten appear rather seldom in close proximity to humans. They include, among others:- Bears
- Wolves
- foxes
- Birds of prey, such as eagle owls and eagles
However, cats and dogs can also act as a deterrent to stone martens. These animals or their scents can therefore be used for targeted deterrence. Fragrances
One of the easiest ways to use the fragrances of natural enemies to ward off stone martens is through the animals' urine. Bar, wolf and fox urine are available for sale as they are used for hunting or for so-called game deterrence.The use is also very simple:
1. A couple
Drops of the animal's urine are placed on a cloth or piece of cellulose.2. The wetted material can be placed on a plate, in a bowl or in an opened bag. This reduces the risk of surrounding materials taking on the smell or coming into contact with the urine.
3. The fragrances should be applied in such a way that they prevent the stone marten from entering and prevent further damage. Gaps, leaks, gnawed materials and under the bonnet, for example, are good places to display the soaked cloths.
4. Stone marten change their accommodation very often and do not stay in the same shelter every day. It therefore makes sense to renew the fragrances daily or every two days in order to scare off potential returnees.
This plan should be followed for at least two to three weeks in order to ward off stone marten sustainably, especially in the house.More markings
If you want to avoid the smell of wild animals or the defensive urine of bears, foxes and wolves, there are other ways of doing things. Your own pets or those of friends can do a good job:fur
Freshly brushed fur from cats and dogs that have not been bathed looks best. These can also be rolled up into balls, pressed or felted. This means that they can be removed much more easily and quickly after application.
Used cat litter
Anyone who knows cat owners can ask them for used litter. Packed in bags, this can also be deployed in strategically sensible places.
Visits
If there are no animals of their own in the household concerned, visitors can act as a deterrent to the stone marten. It is of course ideal if cats and co. Then walk in the relevant areas and thus act as a defense through smell and presence.
Tip: Sound recordings are a possible alternative if the stone marten have not yet moved in. Experience has shown that it must be expected that the intelligent animals will see through this "charade", unless there is a smell and at least an occasional visit.
Alternatives
Especially in the case of allergy sufferers, the use of urine, feces or fur and visits to natural enemies can be excluded. In these cases, however, the damage caused by stone marten does not have to be accepted. Possible alternatives include:Find traces
An important step is to find paths that are often used. Among other things, for example, to remove markings or to close the beech marten entrances. A UV light helps here. Organic traces such as urine and feces, saliva and other body fluids shine brightly under this special light. This makes it easier for them to be discovered and eliminated.
Stir up trouble
Playing music in the attic, taking walks in the garage - stone martens do not choose lively rooms for shelter. Let wind-up toys move, switch the lights on and off - these simple measures can help.
Seal entrances
The stone marten need an entrance to get to the attic or garage. If this is locked, there is at least some time to rest in these rooms. Here, in turn, the UV lamp can do a good job. Because people often do not suspect that the animals can squeeze their way through such small holes - and entrances thus remain undiscovered without a lamp.
Grid
Grilles can act as a deterrent, especially for the space under the bonnet, and thus prevent cable bites and high repair costs. Simple solutions for this are, for example, metal doormats, a simple wooden frame that is covered with mouse wire or a light well cover.
