Imagine this: you wake up one morning and discover that your attic has been ransacked by a marten. Chewed electrical cables, torn insulation, a pungent odor… This scenario, unfortunately, is a reality for many homeowners. Martens and beech martens, with their inquisitive instinct and agility, can cause considerable damage. Fortunately, there are natural solutions to keep these pests away and preserve your peace of mind, without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Understanding the Habits of Martens and Beech Martens
Before addressing the solutions, it is crucial to understand the habits of these animals to act effectively. Martens and beech martens are carnivorous mammals belonging to the mustelid family. They are distinguished by their long and slender body, short legs, and bushy tail. Their sharp claws and flexibility allow them to easily access hard-to-reach places, such as attics or gutters. These animals are found in mainland France, as well as in Europe and Asia.
Diet and Access to Food
These animals are omnivores, but they have a preference for meat. Their diet includes small mammals like rats and mice, birds, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and insects. In a domestic environment, they may be attracted to leftover food, poorly closed garbage cans, and pet food left outdoors. The marten, for example, is known for its fondness for chickens and eggs, while the beech marten is attracted to fruits and vegetables.
Territory and Behavior
Martens and beech martens are solitary and territorial animals. They mark their territory with odorous secretions and are aggressive towards intruders. Their activity is primarily nocturnal, which explains why they are rarely seen during the day. A female marten can have a territory of 1 to 3 km², while a male can cover a much larger area.
Causes of Nuisances
Martens and beech martens approach homes for several reasons: searching for food, a safe shelter, and a suitable place to reproduce. Their nests are often located in attics, lofts, and cellars, which explains their intrusions into these spaces. These animals may also be attracted to the warmth and security offered by houses.
Natural Solutions to Keep Martens and Beech Martens Away
There are a multitude of natural solutions to repel martens and beech martens without resorting to harmful chemicals. These techniques exploit the animals' senses of smell, sight, and hearing to deter them from approaching. Among the natural solutions are olfactory repellents, visual and sound repellents, obstacles and barriers, and exclusion techniques.
Non-Aggressive Deterrent Techniques
Olfactory Repellents
Martens and beech martens have a highly developed sense of smell. Exploiting this characteristic is an excellent way to keep them away. Here are some natural options:
- Essential Oils: Citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, and clove oil are effective natural repellents. They can be used as a spray, in diffusers, or by soaking wipes. For example, citronella is known for its strong and unpleasant odor for martens and beech martens.
- Natural Products: Ground black pepper, garlic, ground coffee, and hot peppers can also deter animals. Simply scatter them around sensitive areas or place them in sachets. Ground coffee, for example, can be placed near entry points to repel animals.
- Commercial Products: The market offers specialized products based on specific perfumes and scents, such as dog hair or predator urine. These products can be effective, but it is important to choose biodegradable options without harmful chemical components. Studies have shown that predator urine, such as fox urine, can be particularly effective in keeping martens and beech martens away.
Visual and Sound Repellents
Martens and beech martens are sensitive to light and sound. These elements can be exploited to deter them from approaching.
- Light: Automatic or motion-activated lighting can prevent them from approaching at night. However, it is important to choose energy-efficient bulbs and limit light pollution. Motion-activated LED lamps can be an effective and economical solution.
- Sounds: Ultrasound, whistles, and predator noises can be used to scare them away. Specific devices are available commercially. It is important to ensure that the sound is not too disturbing to the environment. Studies have shown that ultrasound can be effective in repelling martens and beech martens, but it is important to choose suitable devices and install them correctly.
Obstacles and Barriers
Prevention is essential to avoid intrusions. It is important to limit access to sensitive areas, such as attics and gutters. Installing fencing, roof coverings, and gutter guards is an effective strategy to protect your home.
- Fencing and Enclosures: Thin and solid fences can prevent animals from accessing sensitive areas. It is important to choose resistant fencing and install it correctly. A fine-meshed fence with a height of 1.50 meters is generally recommended to prevent access by martens and beech martens.
- Roof Coverings: Adapted roofing materials can prevent intrusions. It is important to ensure that the materials used are not likely to attract animals. Well-fitted tiles or slates can be a good solution.
- Gutter Guards: Specific solutions exist to prevent access to gutters. It is important to choose robust and weather-resistant covers. Metal grilles or plastic covers can be installed to prevent animals from entering the gutters.
Exclusion Techniques
Once animals have found an entry point, it is crucial to block it to prevent them from entering again. It is important to carry out a thorough inspection to identify all potential entry points, such as cracks in the walls, holes in the foundations, and openings around windows and doors.
- Blocking Entry Points: It is important to identify the entry points and block them with resistant materials, such as concrete, wire mesh, or metal. Concrete caulk is an effective solution for filling cracks and holes in walls and foundations.
- Repairing Cracks and Holes: It is important to seal openings in walls and foundations to prevent animals from entering. Metal plates or wire mesh can also be used to fill openings.
- Protecting Windows and Skylights: Grilles and specific protections can prevent access to windows and skylights. Steel or aluminum grilles are generally used to protect windows and skylights from intrusions.
Prevention Techniques
To prevent martens and beech martens from settling in your garden, it is important to limit the attraction factors and make your environment less welcoming for these animals.
- Remove Food Sources: Store food safely, do not leave waste outdoors, and do not leave food accessible to animals. A self-closing garbage can be an effective solution to prevent martens and beech martens from accessing waste.
- Eliminate Hiding Places: Pruning trees, cleaning piles of wood, and eliminating waste. A well-maintained and clean garden is less attractive to martens and beech martens.
- Reduce the Risk of Intrusion: Close windows and doors, use security locks, and prevent access to sensitive areas. Installing an alarm system can also deter intrusions.
Trapping
If deterrence techniques are not sufficient, trapping may be a solution. It is important to choose suitable traps and use them with caution. Trapping should be considered a last resort and it is important to respect the legislation in force.
Traditional Traps
Cage traps and glue traps are traditional methods. However, these traps present risks for non-target animals. It is important to use them with caution. Glue traps, in particular, can be very dangerous for animals, as they can get stuck and seriously injured.
More "Humane" Traps
Catch and release traps and cage traps with emergency exits are more "humane" options. These traps allow you to capture the animal without causing it harm and release it into a safe environment. Cage traps with emergency exits are generally considered the most humane trapping method, as they allow the animal to escape once captured.
Precautions to Take
Before using a trap, it is important to learn about local laws and regulations on trapping. Certain permits may be required. It is important to treat captured animals responsibly. It is recommended to contact a wildlife control professional for advice and assistance in the trapping process.
Alternative Solutions
If you are not comfortable with deterrence or trapping techniques, you can contact professionals or animal welfare associations for assistance. There are qualified professionals and local associations who can advise you and offer solutions tailored to your situation.
Calling Professionals
Professionals in pest control and wildlife removal can intervene to help you keep martens and beech martens away. They can offer solutions tailored to your situation and environment. A professional can help you identify entry points, implement effective deterrent techniques, and perform the capture and release of animals if necessary.
Animal Welfare Associations
Local animal welfare associations can advise you and offer alternative solutions to solve the problem. They can also intervene to capture and release animals into a safe environment. Animal welfare associations can provide you with information and advice on prevention and deterrence methods, and can help you find more sustainable and less invasive solutions than trapping.