Shrews typically do not live more than two years, but in that time they are busy growing their population. A single shrew can birth up to 30 young per year, varying between species. They are about four inches long with a four-inch tail, weighing around an ounce. They are very active critters, as their high heat loss in their small bodies forces them to move around constantly. They feed during the night or day to meet their metabolic needs. They are tenacious predators, constantly looking for food. The short tail shrew is a venomous species of shrew whose saliva subdues mice and causes painful bites to humans.

Shrews are not constricted to rural areas, they frequently appear in urban and suburban settings, as well. They like residential landscaping, as well as natural vegetation that supports populations of its prey. Shrews prefer beetles, grasshoppers, larvae, wasps, crickets, spiders, snails, worms, slugs, centipedes and millipedes. If they were in dire need of food, shrews will also eat small birds, mice, small snakes and even other shrews. Their sharp teeth are ideal for ripping flesh and cracking the exoskeletons of bugs.

Shrews are very aggressive, and they become a problem more times than not when they live near buildings. They fall into window wells, attack pets when they’re let outside, attack birds or chipmunks at feeders and can even contaminate foods with their feces and urine if they make it into a home. If improperly handled by humans, they will surely bite.

 If you have a shrew problem, removing it as soon as possible is extremely important. They can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time and can harm your family and pets. Contact the professional humane shrew removal team at Solidified Pest Control today!