how do you get rid of shrews in the house

2 min read 14-12-2024

how do you get rid of shrews in the house

Shrews in the house? It's a frustrating problem, but solvable. These tiny mammals, often mistaken for mice, can cause unexpected issues. This guide will walk you through effective and humane ways to deal with a shrew infestation. Remember, shrews are beneficial creatures; our goal is to relocate them, not harm them.

Understanding Shrews: Why Are They in My House?

Before tackling the problem, let's understand why shrews might be invading your home. Shrews are attracted to readily available food sources, such as insects and other small invertebrates. Cracks and gaps in your home's foundation provide easy entry points. They also seek shelter from predators and harsh weather.

Identifying a Shrew Infestation

Several signs point to a shrew problem:

High-pitched squeaks or rustling noises: Shrews are active at night and their vocalizations are quite noticeable.
Droppings: Their droppings are small, dark, and rod-shaped, unlike mouse droppings.
Musty odor: Shrews can leave a distinct musky smell.
Sightings: While shy, you might catch a glimpse of a small, brown, mouse-like creature with a long snout.

Humane Ways to Remove Shrews from Your Home

Evicting shrews involves a multi-pronged approach focused on deterrents, removal, and prevention. We’ll explore these strategies in detail.

1. Eliminate Food Sources

Shrews are insectivores. Reduce their food supply by:

Controlling insects: Use appropriate insecticides (following label instructions carefully) to eliminate insects like spiders, crickets, and other invertebrates.
Cleaning up crumbs and spills: Keep your kitchen and pantry meticulously clean.
Storing pet food properly: Securely store pet food in sealed containers.

2. Seal Entry Points

Shrews are surprisingly adept at squeezing through small openings. Thoroughly inspect your home's exterior for:

Cracks in the foundation: Seal these with caulk or cement.
Gaps around pipes and wires: Fill gaps with expanding foam sealant.
Holes in screens and siding: Repair or replace damaged areas.

3. Set Up Traps (Humane Options)

While traps are necessary, we recommend only humane options that relocate shrews:

Live traps: These traps capture shrews without harming them. Release them far from your home, in a suitable habitat like a wooded area or field. Ensure you release them at least a mile away. Never release them near a neighbor's house.
One-way doors: These allow shrews to exit your home but prevent them from re-entering. Place them near possible entry points.

4. Repellents

Some natural repellents may deter shrews. However, their effectiveness is debated. Consider trying:

Strong-smelling herbs: Place sprigs of mint, rosemary, or lavender near potential entry points. The strong scent may discourage shrews.
Ultrasonic repellents: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to shrews. Their effectiveness is also debated; results vary.

5. Professional Help

If you're struggling to get rid of shrews on your own, consider contacting a pest control professional. They have expertise in removing shrews safely and effectively. Be sure to ask about their humane methods.

Preventing Future Infestations

Once you've removed the shrews, take steps to prevent future infestations:

Regular home inspections: Check for new cracks or gaps in your home's foundation and seal them immediately.
Maintain cleanliness: Keep your home clean and free of debris and food scraps.
Landscape maintenance: Keep shrubs and tall grass trimmed back from your house to reduce hiding places.

Conclusion

Getting rid of shrews in your house requires a combination of strategies. By eliminating food sources, sealing entry points, and using humane traps, you can effectively remove shrews while protecting these beneficial animals. Remember, prevention is key. Regular home maintenance and vigilance can help prevent future infestations.