Pest mammal · Martes foina · Last updated 24 August 2026
Stone marten
The stone marten (Martes foina) settles in attics, lofts and false ceilings, and chews car cables and hoses. A protected species in Belgium, it is managed through deterrence and exclusion — never capture or direct elimination.
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Nocturnal and territorial, the stone marten enters through an opening of 5 to 6 cm. In attics, its comings and goings, droppings and prey stashes generate noise, odours and insulation damage. Under car bonnets, it severs hoses and wiring — an expensive repair bill. As the stone marten is protected by the Belgian law of 12 July 1973, intervention relies on sealing access points, installing repellents and securing sensitive areas, without harming the animal.
Identify
Signs of infestation
- Scratching, rolling and stamping noises at night in the attic (more vigorous than rodents)
- Roof insulation torn out and balled up for nesting
- Chewed cables or hoses under a vehicle's bonnet (a distinctive sign of stone marten in suburban areas)
- Five-toed prints (3 to 4 cm wide) on dusty or muddy surfaces
Where it's found
The stone marten (Martes foina) occupies the attic, the gap between roof and insulation, and outdoor spaces (garage, shed). Nocturnal, it enters through openings as small as 6 cm. In towns, it readily shelters under parked cars' bonnets. Present year-round, with a peak of activity in March-April (breeding season).
Impact
Associated risks
Cable fire risk
The stone marten systematically gnaws electrical cables in the attic. Exposed 230V wires in the insulation mean an immediate fire risk. Urgent intervention recommended.
Vehicle damage
It gnaws coolant hoses, brake cables and high-voltage wires. A vehicle with perforated hoses can break down while driving. Average repair cost: 500 to 2,000 euros.
Protected status
The stone marten is a protected species in Belgium (Bern Convention). Only deterrence and exclusion are legal. Lethal trapping without a regional exemption is prohibited and subject to a fine.
Good practice
Prevention
- 01Seal every roof entry point with galvanised mesh, 5 cm gauge (foam alone is breached within minutes)
- 02Fit metal conduits over electrical cables in the attic (not plastic conduits, which get gnawed through)
- 03Attic repellent (phenolic granules): temporary effectiveness, needs renewing every 3 months
- 04For vehicles: under-bonnet repellent spray and a marten-proof mesh (a temporary field solution)
Frequently asked questions
What you're asking
How do I know if a stone marten is living in my attic?
Typical signs are running and scratching noises at night (especially at dusk and dawn), twisted droppings 8 to 10 cm long with a strong smell, prey or fruit remains, and tracks in the insulation. The stone marten is noisier than a rodent and active up high.
Can you kill or capture a stone marten in Belgium?
No. The stone marten is a protected species under the law of 12 July 1973. Capturing or directly eliminating it is prohibited without a specific regional derogation. The only legal, lasting approach is exclusion: locating and sealing the access points, then securing the building against any return.
How do I protect my car from marten bites?
The stone marten marks its territory under bonnets and severs hoses and cables. Effective solutions combine cleaning the scent markings, fitting cable protection, repellents and, where possible, parking in an enclosed space. In high-pressure areas, an ultrasonic device under the bonnet completes the setup.
Rodent Control
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