The stone marten remains classified as a species likely to cause damage (ESOD) in the majority of French departments. The ministerial decree of August 10, 2026, published in the Official Journal on August 21, 2026, sets the three-year framework 2026-2029 for trapping and the destruction of this species. Choosing an appropriate stone marten trap requires knowledge of this recent legal framework, the types of authorized devices, and documented baits. The following seven points cover every aspect of the subject, from equipment to prevention.
1. Non-lethal cage traps: the reference device for individuals
Cage traps are the only devices allowed without a trapper’s permit in most situations. Their principle is simple: a toggle mechanism closes a metal door when the animal steps on the trigger plate or pulls on the bait.
The most common size is about 80 cm long with a cross-section of around thirty centimeters. Double-entry models exist and increase the likelihood of capture, as the stone marten perceives an escape route and is less hesitant to enter. A stone marten trap available at Brico Dépôt allows you to obtain a standard cage model suitable for this use.
Main limitation: the stone marten is a wary animal. If the cage emits a new or human metallic smell, it will avoid it. Rubbing the walls with dirt or dead leaves before the first use reduces this risk.
2. Effective baits: egg, grape, and pieces of raw poultry
The bait directly influences the capture rate. Three categories of baits are documented as attractive to the stone marten: the whole egg placed at the bottom of the cage, fresh or dried grapes, and pieces of raw poultry.
The egg remains the most used because it matches the opportunistic diet of the stone marten and does not decompose as quickly as meat. Grapes work particularly well in late summer and autumn when stone martens consume more fruit. Raw poultry (chicken offal, neck, skin) emits a strong smell that carries far, but also attracts other animals, which can complicate the trap’s selectivity.
Placing the bait behind the trigger plate (and not on top) forces the animal to move further into the cage, which ensures reliable closure. Changing the bait every two or three days prevents it from losing its olfactory power.
3. Trapping regulations: the 2026-2029 three-year framework
The ministerial decree of August 10, 2026, updated the list of ESOD for the period 2026-2029. The stone marten is listed in 69 departments according to Animal Cross analysis. In departments where it is not classified as ESOD, trapping by individuals is prohibited.
Before the publication of this decree, a legal void had suspended all stone marten trapping operations across the national territory, including for individuals. This point is often overlooked: the legality of trapping directly depends on the validity of the current three-year decree.
Lethal traps (X traps, snares) require a trapper’s permit issued by the prefecture after training. Field reports vary on the relative effectiveness of lethal traps compared to cages, but the administrative constraint remains a barrier for most individuals.
4. Protecting the chicken coop from stone marten intrusions
The stone marten enters a chicken coop through openings five to seven centimeters in diameter. Any passage larger than five centimeters must be sealed with fine mesh wire or a metal plate. Simple chicken wire, which has too large a mesh, is not sufficient.
Vulnerability points to check:
- Unscreened ventilation openings or those equipped with wire that has been deformed over time
- The bottom of doors if there is a gap between the ground and the panel
- The junctions between the roof and walls, especially on aging wooden chicken coops
Setting a cage trap in close proximity to the chicken coop, along a wall or fence, increases the chances of capture. The stone marten follows regular routes and runs along vertical structures.
5. Protecting the attic: identifying and sealing access points
The attic is the preferred nesting place for the stone marten in peri-urban areas. Nocturnal noise nuisances (running, scratching) and characteristic droppings (eight to ten centimeters long, black, sometimes containing pits or hairs) indicate its presence.
Sealing access points is more durable than repeated trapping. Identifying entry points requires a methodical inspection: shifted tiles, damaged gutters, unsealed technical ducts. Tree branches touching the roof serve as access bridges and should be trimmed.
The ideal time to seal access points is between late summer and early autumn when the stone marten and its young have left their shelter. Sealing access points during the nesting period risks trapping the young inside.
6. Prevention and detection: act before installation
Detecting the presence of a stone marten before it causes damage allows for earlier intervention. Droppings remain the most reliable indicator. Scratch marks on gutters or wooden beams confirm regular passages.
Concrete preventive measures:
- Do not leave household waste accessible outside, especially food scraps
- Install an infrared camera aimed at suspicious areas to confirm the species (the stone marten is distinguished from the pine marten by its white throat bib)
- Check the waterproofing of the attic and chicken coop every autumn
Early detection avoids the systematic need for trapping and the associated administrative procedures.
7. Alternative control methods: repellents and ultrasound
Several non-lethal methods aim to keep the stone marten away without capturing it. Ultrasonic devices emit frequencies intended to disturb the animal. Field reports vary on this point: some users report temporary effectiveness, while others see no measurable effect after a few weeks.
Olfactory repellents (naphthalene, white vinegar, dog hair) are regularly mentioned in forums, but no reliable data confirms their medium-term effectiveness. The stone marten seems to adapt to them quickly.
On the other hand, the combination of physical prevention and occasional trapping produces the most consistent results. Sealing access points, eliminating food sources, and setting a cage trap when the animal is already established form a more reliable complementary approach than relying on a single type of device.
The choice of a stone marten trap depends on the context: type of building, department of residence (check the ESOD classification 2026-2029), level of observed damage. Before any installation, consulting the current prefectural decree remains the first step to act legally.
