How to keep martens out of your attic and away from your car

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

Though martens look friendly with their soft, dense fur, they can be extremely noisy during the night. Additionally, they leave behind droppings and food remnants, posing a hygiene problem for residents. In their search for a nesting place, they can get between facades and attic walls, causing additional damage.

Getting rid of martens can be challenging, as these animals hide from people and are active at night. Several practical and humane methods can help deter martens. First, increased human activity, such as frequent presence in various parts of the house, especially the attic, can discourage martens from staying.

Another method is generating noise—turning on the radio all day or making loud noises can effectively deter these unwanted guests. As a last resort, you can use live traps, which are a humane method that allows you to catch the animal and safely relocate 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 detest. The smell of predators, obtained by spreading dog or cat fur in the attic, can effectively deter martens by signaling potential danger.

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