Glis Glis (Edible Dormouse) Control in Hertfordshire
If you’ve been hearing mysterious scratching or running noises in your loft at night, particularly if you live in St Albans, Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Hatfield or the surrounding parts of Hertfordshire, there’s a possibility you may have Glis glis, also known as the edible dormouse, living in your property.
Unlike rats or squirrels, Glis glis are a protected non-native species that require specialist handling. At Summit Pest Control, we are licensed by Natural England to carry out the legal trapping and management of Glis glis infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glis glis?
Glis glis (the edible dormouse) is a small, grey, squirrel-like mammal native to mainland Europe.
It has:
- Silvery-grey fur.
- A bushy tail.
- Large dark eyes surrounded by distinctive black rings.
- A body approximately 150mm (6 inches)
- A bushy tail approximately 125mm (5 inches)
Many homeowners initially mistake Glis glis for juvenile squirrels because of their appearance.
Are Glis glis native to the UK?
No.
Glis glis are not native to Britain.
They were deliberately introduced into Tring Park, Hertfordshire, in 1902, when a small population escaped from a private collection.
Over the following decades they spread across parts of Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and neighbouring counties. Although their range remains relatively limited, Hertfordshire continues to be one of the UK’s main hotspots for Glis glis activity.
Because of this, homeowners in areas surrounding Tring, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Watford and Hatfield are among the most likely in the UK to encounter them.
Why are Glis glis a problem?
Although relatively small, Glis glis can cause surprisingly extensive damage to homes and outbuildings.
Common problems include:
- Chewing electrical wiring.
- Gnawing roof timbers and woodwork.
- Damaging loft insulation.
- Contaminating loft spaces with droppings.
- Damaging stored belongings.
- Creating persistent noise at night.
- Entering wall cavities and roof voids.
Like many rodents, their teeth grow continuously, so they must constantly gnaw hard materials to keep them worn down.
This can create expensive repairs and, where electrical wiring is involved, potentially increase fire risk.
How do I know if I have Glis glis?
Because Glis glis are strictly nocturnal, most homeowners first notice them after dark.
Typical signs include:
- Running or scratching noises in the loft overnight.
- Activity inside ceilings or wall cavities.
- Gnaw marks on timber or cables.
- Droppings in loft spaces.
- Damage to insulation.
- Nesting material in roof voids.
Since they spend much of the day asleep, it is unusual to actually see the animals themselves.
When are Glis glis most active?
Glis glis spend much of the year hibernating.
In fact, their German common name translates as “Seven Sleeper”, reflecting their unusually long hibernation period.
Typically they:
- Hibernate from around October until April.
- Become active during spring and summer.
- Are almost exclusively active after dark.
This seasonal behaviour often explains why noises suddenly begin during warmer months before disappearing again in winter.
Can I remove Glis glis myself?
No.
Unlike many other pest species, Glis glis are subject to legal controls.
Handling or trapping them requires compliance with wildlife legislation, and removal must only be carried out under the appropriate licensing arrangements.
Attempting DIY trapping may not only prove ineffective but could also breach wildlife regulations.
Professional Glis Glis Control
How can Summit Pest Control help?
Summit Pest Control is authorised to carry out Glis glis control under a Natural England Class Licence (CL02).
Our service includes:
- Professional inspection of your property.
- Identification of Glis glis activity.
- Advice on the extent of the infestation.
- Development of an appropriate trapping programme.
- Ongoing monitoring where required.
- Advice on preventing future access.
Every property is different, so we tailor our recommendations to your individual situation.
Preventing Future Infestations
Following successful control, we may recommend proofing measures to reduce the likelihood of Glis glis returning.
These can include:
- Sealing roof access points.
- Repairing damaged roof tiles.
- Closing gaps around eaves and soffits.
- Trimming overhanging tree branches that provide roof access.
- Repairing damaged vents or roofline features.
Preventative proofing is often the most cost-effective long-term solution.
Why choose Summit Pest Control?
Homeowners across Hertfordshire choose Summit Pest Control because we offer:
- ✔ Natural England licensed Glis glis trapping.
- ✔ Experienced, knowledgeable technicians.
- ✔ Professional surveys and inspections.
- ✔ Tailored trapping programmes.
- ✔ Practical proofing advice.
- ✔ Fast response throughout Hertfordshire.
Because Glis glis are relatively uncommon across most of the UK, it is important to use a pest control company with experience of this specialist species.
Areas We Cover
We provide Glis glis control throughout the affected areas of Hertfordshire, including:
- St Albans
- Hemel Hempstead
- Watford
- Hatfield
- Harpenden
- Tring
- Berkhamsted
- Radlett
- Kings Langley
- Welwyn Garden City
- Surrounding towns and villages
Contact Summit Pest Control
If you’ve heard unexplained noises in your loft or suspect Glis glis are present in your property, early action can prevent significant damage to wiring, timber and insulation.
Call Summit Pest Control today on 0800 4148 007 to arrange a professional survey and licensed Glis glis control anywhere in St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Hatfield or across Hertfordshire.
