Dogs are among the enemies of martens because they are in most cases larger and also territorial animals. With a dog at home, you don't have to worry about martens. But can you just use dog hair against martens?
Does dog hair work against martens?
Dog hair can be used as a natural defense against martens, as martens perceive the smell of dogs as enemies. Place plenty of dog hair at entrances or in the car and replace it regularly. For a more effective defense, combine the hair with other marten unpleasant smells such as cat urine.
The fine sense of smell of martens
Martens have an extremely fine nose, which helps them find food and also locate enemies. You can use the latter in the fight against martens. If martens smell an enemy, they usually avoid it.
Enemies of martens
The enemies of martens include foxes, cats, bears and dogs, in principle all animals with sharp teeth that are larger and/or stronger than martens. If it smells like an enemy, the marten will run away. Instead of buying a fox, you can buy fox urine (€16.00 on Amazon) or other odor preparations from specialist retailers - or use urine and hair from cat or dog owner friends.
Using dog hair against martens
Martens don't like the smell of dogs, but they are very loyal to their territory and are reluctant to be driven away. This means that if you want to try to scare away a marten with dog hair, you should do it right. Here are a few tips:
- Put dog hair out at all entrances if possible.
- Don't skimp on hair - it can't be too much here.
- Change the dog hair regularly as the smell will disappear.
- Combine the dog hair with other smells that martens don't like, such as cat urine, citrus fruits or petroleum.
- Be persistent. Just because the marten hasn't been there for a week doesn't mean it's gone, because martens always come back.
Tip
Dog hair can also prevent martens from settling down for a nap in the car
Further measures against martens
In addition, close all entrances if you are sure that the marten is not in the house and install climbing barriers on gutters and other entry points. Sounds can also be used against martens because, in addition to their fine noses, they also have very sensitive hearing.
Tip
It is forbidden for laypeople to catch or even kill martens, especially during the closed season when martens are raising their young.
