Having problems with glis glis?
The Glis Glis are active for six months and hibernate from roughly October to May, depending on local climatic conditions. They are mostly active in the summer and are active on an average of 202 min in a 24-hour day, mostly at night. They prepare a den in soft soil or hidden in a cave, and rely on fat reserves to survive through the winter. During hibernation, metabolic rate and body temperature fall dramatically, and the animal may cease breathing altogether for periods of up to an hour. In years with low food availability edible dormice can hibernate longer than 11 months.
Additional Information
The Edible doormouse was accidentally introduced to the town of Tring in England through an escape from Lionel Walter Rothschild’s private collection in 1902. As a result, the British edible dormouse population is now believed to be well over 10,000 strong. They believe the population is concentrated in a 200-square-mile triangle between Beaconsfield, Aylesbury and Luton – an area known as the Chilterns. But this is outdated, the picture above was an Edible doormouse caught in the Woodcote area on the Berkshire / Oxfordshire border by shire pest solutions, and they have also been caught in Watlington, Benson, Whitchurch, Pangbourne, & Sonning Common.
Remedy:
If you suspect an edible dormouse infestation in your loft, look for key signs. Common indicators include droppings, a strong urine smell, and visible stains. You may also notice gnawed wood, metal, plastic, and electrical cables, which all pose a serious fire risk. Scratching noises, movement in the loft or wall cavities at night, and signs of nests further confirm their presence. These rodents can even damage young trees and bark.
Before Treatment Begins
Before treatment begins, take a few important steps. Leave droppings and damage untouched so your technician can carry out a full inspection. Do not block any entry holes yourself. Instead, keep a record of where you’ve spotted activity, and check whether your neighbours have noticed anything similar. After complete removal, sealing all access points becomes crucial to prevent their return.
Our Treatment Process
Our treatment process includes three visits, using traps that require daily checks. For more severe infestations, additional visits may be necessary. While this may seem time-consuming, it ensures a thorough and humane resolution to the problem.
Prevention After Removal
Once the pests are gone, prevention becomes the next focus. These rodents are territorial, so blocking all entry points is essential. This involves identifying and sealing every potential access route from the outside. Although it can be a detailed task, this approach offers a long-term, cost-effective solution.
Loft Decontamination
If droppings and urine have contaminated your loft insulation, use a biocidal spray for minor cases. In severe cases, however, replacing the insulation entirely is the best course of action. This process includes the safe disposal of old material, vacuuming the loft space, and installing new insulation. As a result, your home remains clean, hygienic, and protected.
Do Glis Glis Carry Diseases?
Anyone unfortunate enough to encounter this invasive species in their home will likely have endured sleepless nights. These pests could be described as the teenagers of the rodent world—sleeping all day, making noise all night, and proving difficult and costly to remove once they’ve settled in.
Like other rodents, Glis glis can spread diseases that are harmful to humans. Their urine, droppings, and saliva may contaminate food preparation areas, posing a serious risk of bacterial infection. Additionally, they can introduce parasites into homes, further increasing the chance of illness.
Some key health risks include:
- Leptospirosis – This bacterial infection spreads through rodent urine. It can cause flu-like symptoms, kidney damage, or liver failure in severe cases.
- Salmonella – If the pest contaminates food or kitchen surfaces, it may spread this bacteria. This can lead to food poisoning, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.
- Parasites – These rodents often carry fleas, mites, and ticks. These parasites may spread additional illnesses such as Lyme disease and typhus.
Beyond these health risks, the edible dormouse is notorious for chewing on electrical wiring, increasing the risk of fires. In some cases, they even drown in water tanks, leading to serious contamination issues that require professional cleaning and disinfection.
Legal Status of Glis Glis in the UK
Despite their name, ‘Edible Dormice’, these animals are not related to the native dormouse. More importantly, they are not a protected species. In fact, the UK classifies them as a Destructive Introduced Species under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019. Once captured, it is an offence to release them back into the wild.
This means all pest control work involving these rodents must comply with strict legal guidelines. At Shire Pest Solutions, our technicians are fully trained and licensed to handle the situation legally and ethically.
Why Are They So Hard to Remove?
Due to their agility, this pest can easily climb structures and squeeze through very small openings. Typically, they enter homes through gaps near rooflines, making infestations particularly difficult to manage. Additionally, they’re nocturnal and extremely territorial, so once they claim a space, they often stay unless actively removed.
Even after removing them, failure to block re-entry routes means they may return. Therefore, long-term success requires both professional removal and thorough proofing.
Call in the Experts
If you believe you’re dealing with Glis glis in Didcot, Wallingford, or anywhere across Oxfordshire, don’t delay. These rodents are noisy, destructive, and hazardous to your health and home. Fortunately, we have the tools and experience to handle them.
👉 Learn more about our pest control services in Didcot
👉 Need help in Wallingford? Click here
Get In Touch
At Shire Pest Solutions, we understand how stressful an infestation can be. That’s why we offer professional, discreet, and fully compliant pest control services tailored to your situation. Whether you’re in Oxfordshire or beyond, our team is ready to help you reclaim your home.
📞 Call us today or visit our homepage for more information.
📝 Want to learn more? Browse our blog for pest prevention tips and updates.
Request a Quote Today
Reach Us
Location :
4 Compton Close, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7HD
Email :
office@shire-pest-solutions.co.uk
Phone :
01235399073
Glis Glis FAQ
1. What is a Glis Glis?
The Glis Glis, also known as the edible dormouse, is a nocturnal rodent originally introduced to the UK in the early 1900s. They are grey with bushy tails, resembling small squirrels, and are primarily found in parts of southern England.
2. Why are Glis Glis considered a pest?
Glis Glis often nest in lofts, wall cavities, and roof spaces, causing damage by gnawing on electrical wires, insulation, and woodwork. Their nocturnal activity can also be disruptive due to loud scurrying noises at night.
3. Are Glis Glis protected in the UK?
Yes. Glis Glis are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to trap or remove them without a licence. All control must be carried out legally and humanely by licensed professionals.
4. What are the signs of a Glis Glis infestation?
Common signs include scratching or thumping noises in the loft at night, droppings, gnawed cables or wood, and sightings of the animal itself in roof spaces or attics.
5. Do you offer Glis Glis control in my area?
Yes, Shire Pest Solutions is licensed to handle Glis Glis control safely and legally. We serve areas including Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Newbury, Thame, Thatcham, and Stokenchurch. Contact us for a professional inspection and solution.
More About Shire Pest Solutions
Shire Pest Solutions is a trusted and local pest control company proudly serving homes and businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond. With a reputation built on professionalism, reliability, and fast response times, we specialise in the safe and effective removal of pests including ants, wasps, rodents, bed bugs, and more.
Our expert technicians are fully qualified and equipped with the latest tools and treatments to ensure pest problems are resolved quickly and safely—without unnecessary disruption. Whether it’s a minor domestic issue or a large-scale commercial infestation, we tailor our services to meet your needs with minimal fuss and maximum effectiveness.
Based locally, we regularly assist customers in Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Newbury, Thame, Thatcham, and Stokenchurch. Our knowledge of the local area enables us to provide rapid call-outs and treatments that are suited to the unique pest challenges of each location.
At Shire Pest Solutions, we don’t just eliminate pests—we help prevent them from returning. With transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and a dedication to customer satisfaction, we are the go-to pest control provider for homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients alike.
Get in touch today to arrange a call-out or learn more about our pest control services across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.
Professional Pest Control Services Across Oxfordshire & Berkshire
In Your
Area Today
Pest Control Oxfordshire – Our Coverage Areas
Call us today or use our online contact form to arrange a visit with one of our experienced, expert pest control technicians.