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Tiny Dormice Terrorize UK Homes: The Glis Glis Crisis
2 Feb
Summary
- Glis glis, or edible dormice, were introduced to Britain over a century ago.
- These rodents are destructive, chewing wires and causing internet outages.
- Glis glis are a protected species, requiring licensed experts for removal.
European edible dormice, or 'glis glis', once a Roman delicacy, have become a significant domestic pest in Britain after being introduced over a century ago. These rodents are notorious for their destructive habits, including chewing through electrical wiring and gnawing at wood, leading to substantial damage and even widespread internet disruptions. Reports from 2018 estimated their population at around 23,000, with recent estimates exceeding 30,000 in the Chilterns area.
These creatures, larger than typical house mice and capable of producing many offspring annually, pose a costly challenge for homeowners. Compounding the issue, glis glis are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, meaning their removal or trapping can only be legally undertaken by licensed experts, with costs ranging from £190 to over £500.
Originating from Mediterranean climes, the glis glis's presence in Britain is attributed to Lionel Walter Rothschild, who brought them to his Hertfordshire estate in 1902. Some escaped and began breeding, establishing a localized pest problem. The rodent's reemergence as a widespread menace continues to cause concern, particularly in older homes with cavity walls.
