How to Get Rid of Glis Glis
Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

Glis Glis, or European edible dormice, are small nocturnal rodents that can invade homes and cause significant damage to insulation, wiring, and structures. They also create noise and leave droppings in lofts and attics. Controlling them is challenging because they are a protected species in the UK, requiring special handling by licensed professionals.

The length of time required to remove a Glis Glis infestation depends on the severity of the infestation. In many cases, it can take a few days to a week for pest control professionals to fully address the problem, including the setup of traps, removal of the animals, and sealing of entry points.

The glis glis (Edible Dormouse) are a non native species introduced into the UK in 1902 by the Rothschild family near Tring, Hertfordshire. Some of the glis glis escaped and reproduced, establishing themselves an invasive species.

Glis glis (Edible Dormouse) today can be predominantly found in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire and appear to be expanding their territory with each passing year.

No, it is illegal to remove or harm Glis Glis without a proper license in the UK, as they are a protected species. Only licensed pest control professionals, approved by organisations like Natural England, are legally allowed to capture and relocate them.

There are very strict laws about how Edible Dormouse (glis glis) must be caught and dispatched, everyone involved must work under strict Government license terms. Do not be tempted to control glis glis without recourse to a licence or use a company not working under such licence terms. Otherwise you may commit a criminal offence. 

Glis glis are agile and excellent climbers and may climb up tree branches and jump onto the roof of the house. They can enter the property through any small gaps or openings that may exist around the building, soffit or roof tiles and it is important to search for these entry locations before trapping.

A Risk Assessment is conducted to ensure the safety of residents and pets, followed by an inspection of the suspected glis glis location.

We provide a glis glis pest control service across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Hertfordshire. Contact Tony from Assured Pest Control to deal with glis glis in your house, as he holds a current Class licence CL02 to trap edible dormice (glis glis), to preserve public health and safety and prevent serious damage.

Please note: Despite our best pest control efforts, it may be initially difficult to quantify the scale of the infestation, as the glis glis may retreat into inaccessible void spaces. The fact that they are naturally territorial, neophobic (the fear and avoidance of new objects) and sessionally hibernate pose an additional challenge. If the suspected entry location is not easily accessible in the roof tiles or structural in nature, we may advise you to engage the services of a professional roofer or builder.

Licensed pest control experts will first inspect your property to assess the infestation. They will then set up Natural England approved traps in targeted areas to capture the Glis Glis and dispatch them, safely.

Glis Glis (Edible Dormouse) gain access to lofts, attics and inside ceilings by climbing up any vegetation that extends up to the roof or climbing up overhanging  tree branches  and entering the house through small gaps between roof tiles or soffits. Once in, they can navigate from the loft and into the voids behind the walls, making their way to the ceilings. I often get called out to jobs where the glis glis simply enter through the ground floor kitchen doors and hide behind the kitchen cabinets and appliances.

The following signs are indicative of a glis glis infestation in your home:

• Scurrying, scratching, banging or high pitched squeaking noises coming from the roof, ceiling, loft or attic spaces.
• Irregular shape droppings up to 1 cm long scattered across the the floor, loft or attic spaces.
• Apparent chewing and gnawing damage to electrical cables (a particular danger, as it can cause fires), insulation and water pipes (causing the risk of flooding) in the roof loft.
• Damage to fruit trees in the garden.

After Glis Glis have been removed, it’s essential to seal entry points such as gaps in roofs, walls, or eaves. Regular maintenance of attics and lofts, removing food sources, and ensuring the area is properly secured will help prevent their return. A professional pest control service can provide advice and ongoing monitoring if needed.

Glis Glis are primarily found in regions like Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire and currently spreading into Oxfordshire and London, in the UK. Homes in rural or woodland areas are more prone to infestations, as these rodents naturally live in forests but seek shelter in buildings during colder months or when food is scarce.

Yes, Glis glis (edible dormice) can and sometimes do wake up during their long hibernation (October to May) to eat stored food or if the conditions aren’t right or if the temperature’s get milder, during winter.