These days, homeowners should take a close look: In the cold season, lots of martens are looking for territory. Attics are one of their favorite places. However, homeowners often don't notice the uninvited guests for a long time. This is because the marten is a shy, nocturnal animal.

This makes it all the more important to correctly interpret the signs of its presence. These include scratching and pattering noises, as well as the remains of carrion, urine and droppings. Immediate action is required at the first signs. This is because the animals bite and dig tunnels in the insulation of the roof. Heat escapes through the tunnels; moisture can penetrate and promote mold. It is therefore important to find out early on what helps against martens.

How to chase away martens in the roof

Noise has proven to be an effective means of scaring martens away. The small predators do not like loud noises. For example, you can set up a radio and turn it up loudly during the day when the animals are sleeping. Sometimes it is enough to knock on the ceiling from time to time to chase martens away in the short term.

What helps against martens in the long term?

To solve the problem permanently, you have to make sure that the animals can no longer return to the house. This includes not allowing branches to grow closer than two meters to the roof surface and regularly cutting back greenery on the façade! Trellises should be installed in such a way that the marten cannot reach the roof surface via them. Scratches on gutters, façades or trees can provide information about where the marten got into the roof.

Important: Only close the loopholes and passages when the marten is no longer in the roof truss. Otherwise the trapped animal will starve to death in agony. If none of this helps, the only option is to call in a professional. Only hunters with the appropriate permits are allowed to trap or even kill the animal. The Lower Hunting Authority at the district administration will help those affected in their search.