Pest mammal · Martes foina
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.
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.
Questions fréquentes
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.
Problème de stone marten ?
Intervention sous 24h — résultat garanti.