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Rodents & Shrews · Pest guide

Shrews control

Insect-eaters that sometimes wander indoors. Not rodents, but often mistaken for mice.

When to call a pro

Shrews at a glance

Scientific name
Family Soricidae
Size
3 to 5 inches including tail (8–13 cm)
Appearance
Mouse-like but with a long pointed snout and tiny eyes
Where found
Leaf litter, gardens, occasionally basements and garages
  • Health riskLow
  • Property damageLow
  • Do it yourself?Usually DIY
When shrews are active Peak: Oct–Nov
  1. Jan Active
  2. Feb Active
  3. Mar Active
  4. Apr Active
  5. May Active
  6. Jun Active
  7. Jul Active
  8. Aug Active
  9. Sep Active (this month)
  10. Oct Peak
  11. Nov Peak
  12. Dec Active

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Small, fast animals with pointed snouts
  • Musky odor
  • Mouse-like sightings in fall

Call a professional when

  • Shrews living inside the house repeatedly
How to choose a pest control company

Quick prevention

  • Seal gaps around doors and foundations
  • Clear leaf litter next to the house

Our shrews guides are being researched. Meanwhile, the profile above covers the signs, the risks and when to call a professional.

Keep shrews out

  1. Seal gaps around doors and foundations
  2. Clear leaf litter next to the house

Often confused or found together

All rodents & shrews
Mice Droppings, gnawing and scratching in walls: trapping, sealing and safe cleanup. Moles Raised ridges and volcano mounds: why moles are there and what actually works. Voles Surface runways across the lawn and girdled tree bark.
Photo credits

Thank you to Ahunt for sharing this beautiful photograph and helping bring this guide to life.

Wikimedia Commons · CC0