- Symptoms that may indicate the presence of a marten in the car include: on-board computer errors, problems with starting the engine, unusual sounds, burning smell, paw prints on the hood and remains of materials under the car.
- Home methods to deter martens include placing scent cubes (e.g. citrus), bags with human hair or dog hair, cotton pads soaked in essential oils, and installing a metal mesh or shield under the hood.
- If you suspect damage caused by a marten, you should immediately go to a mechanic to check the electrical installation and the engine compartment.
Why do martens hide under the hood of a car? They are curious, nocturnal animals that like warmth. The engine, especially after driving, releases heat for a long time. It is the perfect shelter for them, especially on colder nights. It is attracted by the smell of rubber, insulation and food remains (e.g. fruit that may fall on the car). In addition, some tubing is made from plant materials, which may seem like food to animals. Moreover, martens are territorial animals. The scent of another individual that was previously under the hood provokes them to mark the area. Biting cables and wires is also one of the forms of such marking, and at the same time a way to get rid of the “foreign” smell.
The marten bit through the cables in the car. What are the symptoms
Often we don’t even realize that our car has become a warm home for a marten. After all, no one looks under the hood every time they get into a car. Therefore, if you do not open the hood regularly, pay attention to these signals:
- Unexpected on-board computer errors, e.g. engine light, ABS, ESP.
- Problems starting the car, especially in the morning, after a cold night.
- Unusual sounds, jerking, engine interruptions, uneven operation.
- A burning or rubbery smell, which may indicate a short circuit.
- Paw prints on the hood or windshield, especially on humid days.
- Remnants of materials under the car, e.g. insulation, pieces of rubber, foam.
What to do if you suspect damage?
Even a small bite can lead to a short circuit or failure of safety systems. Therefore, do not hesitate and contact a mechanic who will check the electrical installation and the engine compartment. It is also worth asking for a visual inspection, as martens often leave droppings, hair or food remains.
What doesn’t a marten like? Home remedies for deterrence
If you park your car in areas where martens may be present (forests or even city parks), it is worth installing homemade “repellents” under the hood of the car. Marten cannot stand intense odors. Placing a scent cube (e.g. citrus) in the mesh under the hood can effectively deter them. Replace every 2-3 weeks. Another way is human hair or dog hair. Animals sense the presence of a predator. A bag of hair (e.g. collected from a brush) placed under the mask may act as a deterrent. You can also use essential oils. Lavender, mint or eucalyptus have an intense scent that martens do not like. Soak cotton pads or cloths with them and place them under the mask. The last method is human hair. Although it sounds strange, for martens the smell of humans is a signal of danger. Place the bag of hair near the engine. You can also install a metal mesh or a special cover under the hood to make it difficult for the marten to access the wires.
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