This is how to chase stone martens out of your car
Have you ever wondered where that nasty smell in your car comes from? Or where those mysterious scratching sounds come from under the bonnet? Well, you might just be bothered by an uninvited guest: the stone marten! You don’t want this, stone martens can cause considerable damage, as they like to gnaw on the cables in your car. But don’t panic, these tips will help you chase away that little intruder.
What is a stone marten and Why Do They Choose Cars?
Although the stone marten is actually a cute-looking animal, don’t let its appearance fool you! This is because they like to seek out warm and sheltered places to nest. Unfortunately, your car is the perfect place for this. Furthermore, they love gnawing on cables and insulation material, which can lead to serious damage and expensive repairs.
How do you know if you have a stone marten in your car?
OK, so you might suspect that there is a stone marten in your car, but how do you know for sure? Well, there are a few clues you can look out for. Do you notice strange noises under the bonnet? Have you found unexplained scratches on your car cables? And does it smell like something unpleasant has been left in your car? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you have a stone marten as a guest.
How can you chase a stone marten out of your car?
Now comes the most important part, because how do you get rid of that little intruder? For this, there are several effective ways:
1. Use of Odour Deterrents: Stone martens have a sensitive sense of smell, so placing scented items such as toilet cubes or ammonia in your car can deter stone martens. A less fresh solution, is to pee in a watering can and then pour it over the car tyres.
2. Physical Barriers: You can also choose to make the way to your engine impenetrable. Installing chicken wire under your car or placing special marten repelling devices, prevent stone martens from accessing the engine compartment.
3. Ultrasonic Devices: These handy gadgets produce sound waves that irritate and scare away stone martens, but are inaudible to humans. So by placing this stone marten box in the car, you reduce the chances of unwanted visitors.
4. Dog hair: Dog hair is a common deterrent against stone martens. Placing a tuft of dog hair in a pantyhose under your car will scare away martens. This is because they hate dog hair.
5. Parking strategies: Park your car in a well-lit area or, if possible, in a locked garage to limit the access of stone martens.
Which Car Brands are Most Vulnerable?
You might be wondering if certain car brands are more susceptible to stone martens than others. Well, it seems there is no specific car brand that is immune to these invaders. Stone martens tend to go for cars that are easily accessible and offer a warm and sheltered environment, regardless of the make.
What about stone martens and electric cars?
Even if you have an electric car, there is a chance of having stone martens. Stone martens look for warm and sheltered places to nest, and the engine compartment of an electric car can be just as attractive as that of an internal combustion engine car.
While the basic issues are the same, electric cars pose some specific risks when it comes to stone martens. First, there are the high-voltage cables that are essential to the operation of the powertrain. Damage caused by the gnawing of a stone marten can not only lead to very expensive repairs, but also pose significant safety risks, such as short circuits or even fire hazards.
Electric vehicles are also equipped with sophisticated electronic systems. These are more susceptible to damage from gnawing activities. Cables and wiring of sensors, control systems and other crucial electronic components can be damaged. Thus, the risk is significantly higher in electric cars because of their reliance on these advanced technologies.
