How to Get Rid of Shrews
Do you have a shrew problem in or around your home? Schedule a service with Varment Guard today!
Shrew Identification: Wildlife Pest Control
Shrews are small rodents with pointed snouts and gray fur. They are much smaller than moles and are often seen running above ground. Shrew holes are small (about the size of a cigar) and unlike moles, shrews leave their holes open. Shrews are most active in mulch beds around homes while they hunt for insects. Don’t let shrews take over your space, contact Varment Guard for shrew removal and control services.
Keep reading to learn more about our shrew control services or check out our Wildlife Removal & Trapping page.
SHREW BIOLOGY
- Adult body length (without tail): 3 to 4 inches
- Adult body weight: 1/2 to 1 ounce
- Gestation period: about 21 days
- Litters per year: 1 to 3
- Litter size: 2 to 10 (usually 3 to 6)
- Breeding season: February through September
- Birthing season: March through October
- Age at which young are weaned: 3 to 4 weeks
- Activity period: Night
- Range: 1/5 to 1/2 acre
- Primary foods: Insects, slugs, earthworms, small animals, seeds, roots
Professional Shrew Control
Trapping
Shrews are best controlled through trapping and removal. Proper trap placement is key to successfully catching shrews.
Our experts know how to identify the best trap placement, usually within their runs or along edges commonly used for travel. These areas will yield the highest catch rates. Baiting with peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or commercial insect baits can help.
Wildlife Exclusion
To eliminate shrews that have found their way into your basement, crawlspace, or walls, Varment Guard provides exclusion services after trapping. Sealing gaps, cracks, and holes in the foundation helps prevent shrews from entering.
Shrew Pest Control: Get Help From the Experts
With Varment Guard, you get peace of mind that your shrew problem will be solved. We have the knowledge and tools needed to remove shrews from your property.
Getting help from a professional wildlife control company is the best thing you can do to keep wildlife pests away. Ready to get started? Schedule a service with Varment Guard!
We can rid you of shrews safely and efficiently!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shrew? How can I identify one in my home?
Shrews are small, mouse-like mammals with long, pointed snouts and tiny, sharp teeth. They are often mistaken for mice but are smaller, with a more aggressive temperament and a higher metabolic rate. You can identify a shrew by its frantic movements and its distinctive, musky odor. If you have a shrew in your home, it’s best to get in touch with a professional wildlife control company right away.
How do you effectively catch a shrew?
Catching a shrew needs to be done by a professional wildlife control company. Not only can catching a shrew be difficult due to their speed and size, it can also be dangerous as they are known to bite when handled. If you need help removing shrews from your property, contact us today!
Can shrews damage my home and property?
Yes, shrews can cause damage by chewing on wires, insulation, or furniture. Their sharp teeth allow them to gnaw through various materials in search of food or nesting sites. Shrews also leave behind droppings and a strong odor, which can be unpleasant.
What attracts shrews to homes and how can I prevent them from coming inside?
Shrews enter homes in search of food, such as insects and small rodents. They may also seek shelter in warm, dark areas like basements. To prevent shrews from entering, seal cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation, eliminate food sources, and maintain a tidy yard.
