Shrews

Shrews are smaller than mice with pointed snouts, tiny eyes, and velvet-like fur. They move quickly and are most active at night and dawn/dusk.

While not aggressive toward humans, shrews have venomous saliva and can bite if handled. They may also conflict with pets and damage gardens while hunting.

Abundant insect populations, moist soil conditions, dense ground cover, and available shelter attract shrews. They're drawn to areas with plenty of invertebrate prey.

Reduce ground cover, remove leaf litter, maintain yard cleanliness, seal building entry points, and manage insect populations to discourage shrew activity.

While shrews primarily eat insects, they may disturb plant roots while hunting and create surface tunnels in gardens. Their damage is usually minimal compared to other rodents.

Shrews occasionally enter buildings seeking prey or shelter, especially in cold weather. They can squeeze through very small openings.

Install barriers around garden beds, use hardware cloth beneath mulch, reduce moisture, and maintain clear areas around garden perimeters.

Commercial repellents have limited effectiveness. Habitat modification and exclusion methods provide more reliable long-term control.

Yes, shrews help control pest populations including insects, slugs, and snails. Their presence can be beneficial in gardens if properly managed.

Initial control measures can be implemented within a few days, but establishing effective prevention may take several weeks of monitoring and maintenance.