Thanks Robert,
I was thinking rat at first also but the owner of the house says he thinks it’s Lerot or Loir.
I remember the smell of rats from my cellar in Berlin. I’m not getting that smell here.
Also it might be helpful to mention that when I hit the wall right where they are sleeping or moving on the other side, they don’t run. They freeze, wait a few moments then continue their business.
The attic space is about 5 meters off the ground so they must be climbing the rock wall on the outside.
They never come in the house except once I saw what I thought was a grey mouse scurry across the floor inside. right up the chimney.
I haven’t tried baiting yet. The picture might make it seem a bit red but they are black.
I’ll PM you.