Glis glis pest control

Glis glis are a non-native species thought to have been introduced to Britain in 1902 near Tring, Hertfordshire, by Lord Rothschild who brought them for his private collection. Some of them escaped and have been breeding in the wild ever since. Evidence suggests that the species is very sedentary and has a small home range of about 30miles radius of Tring.

The edible dormouse is named after the ancient Roman practice of eating them. They were considered a delicacy and were raised and fattened up in special earthenware jars before being prepared for consumption, often roasted and served with honey and poppy seeds.

Glis glis can be identified by several signs including gnaw marks and damage to property, small dark droppings and scratching and scurrying sounds coming from a loft or cavity. You might also notice evidence of nests made from shredded materials.

Often mistaken for grey squirrels, Glis glis have a body length of 15-18cm with greyish brown coat and white underside, long bushy tail and dark area around the eyes. Weighing 80-250g, larger individuals can be the same size as a medium rat.

They are nocturnal animals and feed on fruit, nuts and invertebrates and hibernate from around October to May. When sitting on their hind legs feeding, unlike squirrels, the tail of a Glis glis will lay flat.

Before your Glis glis pest control visit, there are a few important steps you can take to help ensure the treatment is effective:

• Leave any droppings or visible damage untouched – please do not clean or remove droppings, gnaw marks, or damaged materials. These signs help our technician accurately assess Glis glis activity and identify entry points and nesting areas.
• Do not block or seal any suspected entry holes – blocking access points before inspection can cause Glis glis to relocate within the property or create new entry routes, making control more difficult.
• Keep a simple record of sightings or noises – make a note of where and when you see or hear Glis glis activity, particularly at night. This information helps us understand movement patterns and the extent of the infestation.
• Speak with neighbouring properties if possible – Glis glis often move between buildings. Knowing whether nearby homes have experienced similar activity can be valuable when planning effective, long-term control.

Without professional proofing, re-infestation is common. Our service focuses on prevention, not just removal, to protect your home long-term.

Like other rodent species, Glis glis can pose health risks through contamination from urine, droppings, and saliva. Their presence can also introduce fleas, mites, and ticks into the property, increasing the risk of secondary infections.

Potential health concerns associated with Glis glis infestations include:

• Leptospirosis – Transmitted through contact with urine-contaminated surfaces or water, this bacterial infection can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, lead to liver or kidney damage.
• Salmonella – Spread via contaminated food preparation areas or surfaces, resulting in stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
• Parasite-related illnesses – Fleas and ticks carried by Glis glis may transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and typhus.

In addition to direct health risks, Glis glis can contaminate stored food, water sources, and living areas, creating ongoing hygiene concerns for both residents and pets if the infestation is not properly managed.

In the Autumn Glis glis search for suitable sites to hibernate for the winter. This is when many problems occur as they make their way into loft spaces, attics and wall cavities. They can also cause a lot of noise and disturbance during the summer mating season as they scurry across loft and cavity spaces.