debseal Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 My husband I and moved in to our French home a month ago, only to discover a family of beech martens (we think) had beaten us to it.They live in the roof space to which we have no access as the ceilings are pitched into the eaves, like an inverted V.They make an enormous amount of noise and - worse - smells and are obviously making a right old mess of our insulation.We'd rather not harm them, if possible, just discourage them from staying. Obviously, we can block their access in. Our current problem is that we don't wan't to stop them getting out first and we don't know how many we've got.So what do we do? Has anyone encountered this problem and won? Is there a French equivalent of the English town council to come and sort it out or are we on our own?All help pathetically gratefully received. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 The following threads about unwanted houseguests should give you a starting point:http://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/775373/ShowPost.aspxhttp://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/736457/ShowPost.aspxhttp://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/692062/ShowPost.aspxhttp://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/566105/ShowPost.aspxhttp://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/857690/ShowPost.aspxhttp://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/813632/ShowPost.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debseal Posted June 22, 2007 Author Share Posted June 22, 2007 Thaks for that Clair. I obviously didn't look hard enough for long enough to see we're not alone.Now, what's French for 'pest man' with special spray, I wonder??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Careful, some of these beasties are protected species...On one of the above threads, I mention moth balls. Worth a try! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana (ex tag) Posted June 23, 2007 Share Posted June 23, 2007 The edible doormouse is a lovable little creature really. Can't you leave them where they are? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debseal Posted June 24, 2007 Author Share Posted June 24, 2007 So far as I know, the edible doormouse is un loir? These are more like weasels. Like you, I'm a nature lover but especially the smells all through the bedrooms and bathroom - of decomposing corpses (dinner) and noxious poo and wee which stain your ceilings as well - and the noise all night long and the potential damage to our wiring and insulation, it's too much I'm afraid even for an animal lover like me.Once we've solved the problem this time, we'll block all possible ingress to make sure they can never get in again. Then, hopefully, we can enjoy seeing them outdoors where they belong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debseal Posted June 24, 2007 Author Share Posted June 24, 2007 Yes Clair, I just discovered that yesterday when I was trying to buy mothballs! For future reference, you can no longer buy mothballs with napthelene - now illegal in France. So mothballs are out and no other 'repulsif' exists as they are a 'regulated' species. Apparently I have to call the President of my local Chasse which doesn't sound very promising for the poor things' future. I hope in this case, regulated means protected. Can find no other avenue to explore though so will go in to the Mairie tomorrow to get the number...Fingers crossed it's a humane solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted June 24, 2007 Share Posted June 24, 2007 [quote user="debseal"]Yes Clair, I just discovered that yesterday when I was trying to buy mothballs! For future reference, you can no longer buy mothballs with napthelene - now illegal in France. So mothballs are out and no other 'repulsif' exists as they are a 'regulated' species. Apparently I have to call the President of my local Chasse which doesn't sound very promising for the poor things' future. I hope in this case, regulated means protected. Can find no other avenue to explore though so will go in to the Mairie tomorrow to get the number...Fingers crossed it's a humane solution.[/quote]They are still available but, like glue in England, are only sold over the counter.I have bought several bags of boules anti-mites in a droguerie (ironmongers). The smell took me right back to my grandmother's house, if you see what I mean! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugsy Posted June 24, 2007 Share Posted June 24, 2007 debseal, you could always try bombarding them with some Des O'connor songs, played at full volume. That should cause a quick evacuation................................[Www] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debseal Posted June 25, 2007 Author Share Posted June 25, 2007 Unfortunately, the quick evacuation would be me!And I DO love all birds and animals. I just don't want them leaving decomposing corpses and poo in my roof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugsy Posted June 25, 2007 Share Posted June 25, 2007 [:D][:D][:D]Just had a thought, I wonder if one of those ultra-sonic devices would work. You can get one from some bricolages and they are designed for various creatures. Does not harm them but just irritates them away (bit like my tinnitus....[:D]) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paris Posted July 2, 2007 Share Posted July 2, 2007 About 2 years ago our house, together with that of our neighbour, was reroofed by our local French artisan. Shortly after our arrival for the summer holidays, monsieur brought the bill round. He informed us that in the course of reroofing he had discovered martens in our grenier. I was not unduly surprised as I had heard some rather nasty scampering overhead on our last visit! Monsieur said, while illustrating with his hand, that he had sprayed them and they should cause no further trouble! If they returned, just ring him and he would come and spray the grenier again. Our neighbours were then on holiday, but on their return they discussed those martens with us - they are deemed most undesirable, as they can give you fleas. Our property is in an area where the flora and fauna are listed, observed, etc. but clearly beasts in the 'wrong place' have to go.Julia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris pp Posted July 2, 2007 Share Posted July 2, 2007 ""Our property is in an area where the flora and fauna are listed, observed, etc.""I'm a bit confused by that, Julia, where are you and can you explain? I'm also slightly alarmed by the "while illustrating with his hand, that he had sprayed them and they should cause no further trouble!"" Sprayed with what I wonder?Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana (ex tag) Posted July 2, 2007 Share Posted July 2, 2007 Chris it is perfectly clear that the b u g g e r exterminated them with poison. What else would you expect? He sees them as a pest like every other living thing in the French countryside that is not edible. They are great little creatures and whilst being noisy dont seem to do too much damage really. Saw a dead one not long ago: lovely dark markings down the side of the face and a great furry tail. Surprisingly heavy too. No wonder the Romans enjoyed them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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