Little weasels and ermines actually belong to the beneficial insects, since voles and moles are on their menu. However, if they visit the shed or an animal enclosure, they become uninvited guests.
In a nutshell
- Little weasels and ermines are small predators
- in addition to mice of all kinds and moles, they can also steal young animals from enclosures
- Garden visits of the shy animals from dusk
- can only be driven out with long-term measures
weasel
Stoats (Mustela erminea) and little weasels (Mustela nivalis) are two different species of animals belonging to the mustelid family. The nimble, slim and skilled predators feed on rats, shrews, voles or moles. But they don't stop at young chickens, birds or rabbits either. Therefore, from the point of view of the two martens, an animal enclosure is an ideal source of food.
recognize weasels
The typical characteristics of Mustela nivalis are:
- Head body length 11-26 centimeters, elongated body
- short tail
- flat head with close fitting ears
- brown spot at the corner of the mouth
- jagged line between the brown upper part of the body and the white lower part of the body
recognize ermine
The typical characteristics of Mustela erminea are:
- Head body length 17-33 centimeters, elongated body
- short tail with black fur at the end
- brown fur on upper body
- white winter fur
The most striking feature of the ermine is the dark tip of the tail.
drive away weasels
Although the little robbers are also active during the day, they only enter the garden at dusk because they are very shy of people. The defensive measures used help against both animals, although they belong to different animal species.
fragrances
Since the predators smell very well, they avoid scents they don't like. To keep them away from your garden, you should place the scent sources as far as possible along the paths of the animals. Help against weasels and ermines
- a cloth soaked in an essential oil
- crushed toilet blocks
So that the martens recognize that they are not wanted in the garden, you should renew the scent every two to three days and put it out again and again over a longer period of time.
Weasels are sensitive to certain scents or herbs, e.g. B. Lavender.
A long-term measure to drive away weasels and ermine are the following herbs, which also have a preventive effect:
- citronella
- lavender
- mint
- juniper
Notice: Commercial repellent sprays are not so well suited for the garden, as the smell they spread dissipates very quickly.
hair
If the little predators visit the garden shed, the garage or even come into the house, Haare helps against the uninvited guests. Proceed as follows:
- Remove human, dog or cat hair from the respective brush
- put in a thin cotton bag
- place at the passages or entry points of the small predators
- Replace hair every three days
Used properly, dog hair also helps keep weasels away.
Marten-unfriendly soil
Since the underside of the marten paws is very sensitive, they avoid paths that cause them pain or are uncomfortable for them. You can take advantage of this, for example, by
- sharp stones,
- wiry braids or
- prickly branches
lay out on the paths or in front of entry points.
Notice: You should avoid materials that can injure martens. On the one hand, it is not necessary to kill the animals, on the other hand, they are protected in most federal states.
noise and light
The small predators are so disturbed by noise and/or light that they avoid these places. However, the animals are also very clever and quickly realize how they can avoid this nuisance. You should therefore ensure variety in these defensive measures.
Even though weasels and stoats are mainly active during the day and at dusk, they still don't like light.
Proven sources of light and noise when used against troublemakers such as little weasels and stoats are:
- human communication (no monotonous radio voice)
- flashing, blinking or reflective objects (e.g. CDs)
- music
- high frequency tones
- motion detector
- spotlight (high brightness)
Notice: Since the animals quickly recognize that the noise is artificially generated (e.g. from the radio), you should combine these measures with smells.
water
Little weasels and ermines don't like an unexpected night shower. A lawn sprinkler with a motion detector is therefore ideal for scaring away the animals. But you can also use a normal sprinkler with a timer.
The use of water is an effective tool against uninvited guests in the garden.
Although you will see success with this measure after a few nights, you should keep it for a longer period of time. Because the martens are extremely location-loyal animals and like to come back when the situation has calmed down again.
Keep weasels away from the enclosure
If the two martens are after animals that are kept in an enclosure, you should tighten up the measures to protect the livestock. Since the weasels can fit through underground passages with a diameter of two centimeters and squeeze through the smallest cracks and crevices, you should use the enclosure
- seal off hermetically
- close all possible entrances
- Create a marten barrier (“uncomfortable ground”)
frequently asked Questions
Does the ermine hibernate?The Great Weasel does not hibernate. Since it has high energy requirements even in winter, it has to eat at least two mice a day.
Is my car at risk?The typical marten that can cause major damage under the hood is the stone marten. Ultrasonic devices help against this species of marten as well as against weasels and ermines.
What do I do if a female with cubs settles in the garden?If you do not want the family in your garden, you can find out about resettlement from the nature conservation association or animal welfare.