Martens (also known as stone martens) are again causing headaches for Belgian car owners. The weasel-like mammals like to sleep under car bonnets, where they gnaw through cables, resulting in costly damage.
Martens are back with a vengeance, Belgian breakdown service VAB reported. After decreasing for two consecutive years in 2022 and 2023, the number of reports received by its emergency call centre for damage caused by martens has risen by 4% between 2023 and 2024.
"Compared to ten years ago, we are counting twice as many cases of damage due to martens," VAB noted in a statement. In the past, incidents mainly occurred in spring and autumn, but they are now becoming frequent throughout the year. "It is therefore clearly an increasing phenomenon that is no longer limited to certain times of the year."
The area in which the animals are active has also grown. "The highest risk areas in our country remain specific areas of Wallonia (35% of all reports), Antwerp (17%), Limburg (14%) and Flemish Brabant (11%). We are also seeing a notable increase in the Lier-Geel region, where the number of cases has doubled and we have never before recorded so many reports."
People in the Gent-Aalter region are also more affected. Finally, after several years of absence, VAB has also seen a case of marten damage in Antwerp city centre.
Over €3,000 in damages
The animals attack insulation material on the inside of the bonnet, as well as cables and wires. Repair costs can amount to thousands of euros, especially if the braking or cooling systems have been broken.
Damage to electric vehicles also tends to be more costly. "Replacing a high-voltage cable in a hybrid car, for example, can easily cost over €3,000."
Such damage can be avoided by parking cars in well-sealed garages. Alternatively, for those in high-risk areas, VAB recommends a marten repellent device, which costs between €250 and €400, including the installation. Parking cars in a different spot can also help, as martens follow the same route.
