Get Rid of Shrews

Overview

Learn How to Get Rid of Shrews

a shrew sitting on a grassy area outdoors

Shrews are tiny mammals that look like a mouse or mole but in fact are not even rodents. These ferocious little predators rarely infest homes or other structures but when they do can cause big issues. Shrews have been known to attack family pets, contaminate food with feces and urine, and emit an awful stench.

What Does a Shrew Look Like?

a shrew stretched out to full length, on a white background

Shrews are small mammals measuring about 3-5 inches in length. They have small eyes, dense brown/gray fur, an elongated snout, and a scent gland that produces a pungent odor. The shrew has small, sharp teeth that usually have dark pigmentation at the tips. These pint sized predators have a voracious appetite, eating at least their own body weight everyday. While shrews primarily eat insects, they have also been known to eat mice, snakes, birds, and other shrews when the opportunity presents itself. Three species of shrew found in the United States are venomous (the venom is not fatal to humans, but can cause a reaction). The feces of a shrew are corkscrew shaped.

In What Regions are Shrews Found To Be a Pest?

Shrews are found all over the world. In the United States there are at least 30 species of shrews, several of which can become a nuisance. There are reports from all over the country from homeowners and businesses that have had shrews infest their property.

How To Get Rid of a Shrew Infestation:

In most situations, shrews that manage to get inside of a home or building will find their way out as soon as possible. Otherwise they may die within one to two days of entering if they cannot find the resources to sustain themselves. In cases where shrews have been able to find food and water they can quickly overrun a property. The smell alone will drive humans out.

Live trapping is not really a viable option for shrew control because shrews are very wary and not easily lured into an enclosed trap. Baits are not a great option either because shrews are not generally attracted to the food base in rodent baits. The best option would be to use mouse snap traps with an expanded peddle. The traps can be baited with small bits of meat or tuna fish and placed where shrew activity has been noticed. Rat-sized glue boards can be used in places where snap traps are prohibited.

Pro Tip
Caution should be used when dealing with shrews. Shrews have been known to attack family pets and will bite humans if handled

Products for Shrew Control and Removal:

The Victor M325 is a "traditional" mouse trap with a little something extra. The original wood-based wire snap trap now has an expanded scented plastic trip pedal. The Victor M325 mouse trap is made with FSC certified wood. The trap measures 4"L x 1 3/4"W.

TRAPPER Rat Glue Boards capture rodents (or rodent sized animals) without poison. The glue boards are ideal to use in food plants, kitchens, restaurants, food processing plants, hospitals, residences, zoos and other sensitive areas where the use of poison or traps is prohibited or discouraged.