Anyone who has ever discovered bitten cables, torn-out insulation mats, or shredded hoses under the hood knows the problem: Martens love cars.
But why is that? Why do the animals specifically bite into cables, wires, and insulation?
This article explains the scientific background – and shows how to effectively protect your car.
Why do martens attack cars at all? The most important reasons
1. Territorial behavior – the main reason
Martens are highly territorial. Especially during mating season, the animals intensely mark their territories.
When a car is parked in another territory, the following happens:
- A marten leaves scent marks in the engine compartment.
- The car drives on and is taken to a foreign territory.
- There, another marten smells the foreign scents.
- This leads to aggression and stress reaction.
- The marten attacks everything that smells like an "intruder" – especially cables & insulation.
➡️ So it's not about food, but about territorial conflicts.
2. Warmth attracts martens
The engine compartment offers:
- Warmth
- Darkness
- Protection
- dry environment
An ideal retreat for martens, especially at night or in winter.
There they feel safe – and often start playing or gnawing.
3. The material smells attractive
Many cable sheaths consist of:
- fish oil
- corn starch
- animal fats
- Soy or vegetable oils
These biological components are odor-attractive to martens and encourage chewing.
➡️ Scientifically proven: bioplastics can rather attract rodents and martens.
4. Stress, play drive, and curiosity
Martens are:
- curious
- playful
- responsive
They nibble, tug, and tear at everything that is flexible:
- Cable
- Hoses
- Insulating materials
- Rubber seals
- Insulations
These objects feel similar to prey for martens – triggering their hunting instinct.
5. Noises & vibrations
Light engine noises, residual heat, or vibrations can activate or irritate martens.
Some studies suspect that residual noises act as movement stimuli for the animals.
What damage do martens cause?
Typical damages:
- chewed-through ignition cables
- destroyed insulation mats
- defective hoses (coolant, power steering)
- damaged wiring
- short circuits
- expensive consequential damage to the engine
A marten bite can quickly cost hundreds to thousands of euros.
✔️ Conclusion
Martens don\'t attack cars out of malice – but because of territorial behavior, curiosity, warmth, and material odors.
