Stone martens in your car or loft: how to keep them out

Learn to recognise the signs of a stone marten, protect your car and loft, and see what you are better off not doing.

A stone marten creeps into a warm engine bay or under the roof tiles at night, and you only notice from chewed cables or thumping above your bedroom. Here you can read how to recognise the signs, how to keep it out and what you are better off not doing. The stone marten lives mainly on the European mainland.

The short answer

Why a stone marten picks your car or loft

The stone marten is mostly active at night and looks for a dry, sheltered place. An engine bay that is still warm after a drive, or a quiet loft with insulation, suits it well. In autumn and winter such places are probably even more attractive, but damage happens all year round. Where a marten has already been, its scent trail may attract new visitors.

How to recognise a stone marten

In or on the car

• Chewed cables, hoses or rubber parts in the engine bay
• Paw prints or dirt on the bonnet and bumper
• Prey remains, droppings or insulation material under the bonnet
• Warning lights, or a car that suddenly will not start

Always have cable damage checked by a mechanic.

In the loft or shed

• Thumping at night, often shortly after dark
• Droppings and prey remains, sometimes eggshells
• Insulation that has moved or been flattened
• Sometimes a strong smell

Not every noise is a marten. Rats, mice and squirrels also make noise. Look at the time of day and at the signs.

Protecting your car

1. Park under cover. A garage with the door closed is the simplest protection.
2. Have the engine bay cleaned. This removes scent traces from an earlier visitor.
3. Use a deterrent. An ultrasonic device with a flashing light for under the bonnet runs on 12 volts and, according to makers, switches on and off when the car moves. Treat it as an aid, not a guarantee: animals can get used to a constant signal.
4. Ask a mechanic for help if you are unsure about the connection or if there is damage.

Loft, shed and roof edge: deter first, then close up

1. Check whether anyone is there. Listen in the evening and at night and look for signs. If a mother with young may be present, wait and speak to your local authority or an accredited pest controller.
2. Deter. A battery-powered repeller with a motion sensor (range according to makers about 8 to 10 metres) makes the spot unsettling. Point it at the route the animal takes.
3. Wait and check. Have the signs been gone for a number of nights?
4. Close up. Fill holes and gaps, but leave ventilation intact. Brushes and metal combs under the roof tiles still let air through. Leave roof work to a professional.

Yard and chicken coop

Martens and foxes can also visit a chicken coop or rabbit hutch. Use sturdy mesh without large openings, close the coop well at night and do not leave feed lying around. Note: dogs, cats and rodents also hear ultrasonic devices. Do not place them near their living space.

Common mistakes

• Closing up while an animal or young are still inside.
• Relying on one product and not closing the access.
• Using products that are not approved for this purpose, such as mothballs. Use contrary to the label is not allowed and can harm pets and children.
• Never moving a device, so that animals may get used to it.
• Setting traps without knowing what is allowed.

Sprays and scent products are biocides: always use them according to the label.

What do the rules say?

Wildlife protection law may apply to the stone marten. This means that rules can also apply to deterring and closing up, especially with young or a permanent den. Rules change and differ by region and country. Check with your local authority or wildlife agency.

Checklist

• ☐ Car in a closed garage at night, or engine bay checked
• ☐ Engine bay clean, without old scent traces
• ☐ Signs in the loft checked: is there an animal or are there young?
• ☐ Deter first, close openings afterwards
• ☐ Ventilation not blocked
• ☐ Chicken coop with sturdy mesh, closed at night
• ☐ Rules checked with your local authority

Frequently asked questions

Does an ultrasonic device work against stone martens?

Makers offer it as a deterrent. The effect differs from case to case and animals may get used to it. Use it in addition to cleaning and closing up, not as the only measure.

Why does a stone marten chew cables?

This is not entirely clear. Curiosity and exploring or marking a place are mentioned. What is certain is that it can cause costly damage.

May I drive a stone marten away?

Deterring and proofing is the usual approach, but rules may apply, especially with young. Check with your local authority or wildlife agency.

When do I call a professional?

With young, with repeated nuisance, or when roof work is needed.

Summary

• Make the spot unattractive, then close off the access.
• Never close up while an animal or young may still be inside.
• Clean, park under cover and use a deterrent as an addition.
• Check the rules with your local authority.

Conclusion

You keep a stone marten out with a combination: cleaning, deterring and closing up, in that order. This limits damage without harming the animal.

More information

Your local authority or wildlife agency, your national agency for biocide approval, and a mammal society in your country.

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Diersoort:Ongedierte Kennisbank Praktisch Seizoensverzorging

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