Cable bite on the car, eaten insulation material in the attic, loud playing noises, traces of excrement or the smell of urine - these damages and impairments could indicate stone martens. As cultural followers, such as foxes, pigeons and rats, they can appear in both gardens and houses. A targeted removal of stone martens may therefore have to be carried out in several areas. We explain what is important when it comes to defense against natural enemies.
Lifestyle
In order to take targeted action against the stone martens, their lifestyle should first be known. On the one hand, this knowledge helps to identify the stone martens and, on the other hand, it helps to put as little effort as possible into efficient defense.
habitat
Beech martens are cultural followers and prefer warm and protected accommodation. The shed in the garden, the attic, a garage or similar rooms close to people are therefore popular living spaces.
Nutrition
The stone marten's diet is very varied. Small vacuum cleaners and young birds, insects, fruit, nuts and also household waste 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 a decisive factor in how active the martens are. In addition, the young animals play, from around April to May.
Signs of stone martens
If a stone marten has entered the engine compartment, bite marks on the cables are a common result. Cable bites and bite marks can also be noticed in attics and other shelters, for example on strips, insulation material and storage containers. In addition, there are the sounds that the stone martens make while running and playing.
Natural enemies
One of the stone marten's greatest enemies is humans. Other natural enemies of the stone marten rarely occur near humans. They include, among others:
- Bears
- Wolves
- Foxes
- Birds of prey, such as eagle owls and eagles
However, cats and dogs can also have a deterrent effect on stone martens. These animals or their scents can therefore be used as a targeted deterrent.
Fragrances
One of the easiest ways to use the scents of natural enemies to ward off stone martens is in the animals' urine. Bar, wolf and fox urine are available for purchase because they are used in hunting or to deter game.
The use is also very simple:
- A few drops of animal urine are placed on a cloth or piece of cellulose.
- 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.
- The fragrances should be applied in such a way that they prevent the stone martens from entering and prevent further damage. Gaps, leaks, gnawed materials and under the hood, for example, are good places to lay out the soaked cloths.
- Beech martens change their accommodation very often and do not stay in the same shelter every day. It therefore makes sense to renew the fragrances every day or every two days in order to scare away any returnees.
This plan should be followed for at least two to three weeks in order to sustainably repel stone martens, especially in the house.
More tags
If you want to avoid the smell of wild animals or the defensive urine of bears, foxes and wolves, you can also use other ways. Your own pets or friends' animals can be of good use:
Fur
Freshly brushed out hair from unbathed cats and dogs works best. These can also be rolled up into balls, pressed or felted. This makes them much easier and quicker to remove after application.
Used cat litter
If you know cat owners, you can ask them for used litter. Packed in bags, this can also be applied in strategically useful places.
Visits
If there are no animals in the household in question, visitors can have a deterrent effect on the stone martens. It is of course ideal if cats and co. 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 martens have not yet moved in. However, experience has shown that it must be expected that the intelligent animals will see through this “charade” unless there is also a smell and at least occasional visitors.
Alternatives
Especially for allergy sufferers, the use of urine, feces or fur as well as visits from natural enemies can be ruled out. In these cases, the damage caused by stone martens does not have to be accepted. Possible alternatives include:
Find traces
An important step is to find frequently used paths. Among other things, for example, to remove markings or to close the entrances of the stone martens. A UV light helps with this. Organic traces such as urine and feces, saliva and other body fluids glow brightly under this special light. This makes them easier to detect and eliminate.
cause trouble
Playing music in the attic, walking in the garage - stone martens do not choose busy rooms as shelter. Let wind-up toys run, turn the lights on and off - these simple measures can help.
Seal entrances
The stone martens need an entrance to find their way into the attic or garage. If this is closed, there will be peace in these rooms, at least temporarily. The UV lamp can be of good use here. Because people often don't suspect that animals can squeeze through such small holes - and entrances remain undetected without a lamp.
Grid
Grids can be a deterrent, especially for the space under the hood, preventing cable bites and high repair costs. Simple solutions for this include metal doormats, a simple wooden frame covered with mouse wire or a light shaft cover.
