Large mammals
These animals are increasingly appearing near residential areas and settlements, using roofs, gaps, or container facilities as shelter and a food source. Stone martens are known to damage vehicle wiring and insulation. Foxes and raccoons rummage through garbage, introduce parasites, and soil entrances with their droppings.
Characteristics
Among the major mammal pests in Switzerland are the stone marten (Martes foina), but increasingly also foxes and raccoons. These animals deliberately seek out proximity to humans in urban and peri-urban areas – usually attracted by easily accessible food sources such as garbage containers or compost heaps. While martens prefer to cause damage in attics and vehicles, raccoons rummage through garbage dumps and enter buildings through open skylights. Foxes, originally shy, increasingly use waste disposal facilities for foraging. All three are considered potential disease carriers and cause considerable property damage, especially in densely populated areas.
Signs of an infestation
An infestation by larger mammals does not go unnoticed – unlike smaller pests, they usually leave clearly visible traces and make noise. The following signs indicate their presence:
Nighttime noise: stomping, scratching and thumping noises on roofs or in suspended ceilings
Traces at waste disposal sites: Ransacked garbage cans, garbage bags pulled out
Fecal stains:
Marten: twisted droppings with fur remnants
Raccoon: compact, stool-like excrement in fixed locations ("dung heap")
Fox: elongated, often with prey remains and very smelly
Odor: Strong, animal odors in inaccessible areas
Damage from gnawing: Cables, insulation, and insulating materials are chewed through.
Paw prints: Raccoons with a distinctive, hand-like track shape
Most Wanted
These are the species we encounter most frequently.
Further information
Integrated pest control
Häufig gestellte Fragen
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