Pest Control For Homeowners: All You Need To Know About Shrews In Sudbury, MA
Pest Control
When it comes to pesky pests that can invade our homes, few are as tireless as the common shrew. These small yet pesky mammals can cause a lot of frustration for the average homeowner, especially those living in the Sudbury, MA area. Not only do they scavenge and eat food left in the home, they can cause considerable damage before they move on. To make matters worse, they can also reproduce rapidly. Understanding their habits, lifecycles, and how to best handle them is essential for keeping them out of your home.
Welcome to F&W Pest Control, your go-to source for all your pest control needs in the greater Sudbury, MA area. We provide comprehensive pest control services, including residential, commercial, and industrial services for shrew removal and control. Below you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions we get about shrews and other pests.
What are Shrews?
Shrews are small but voracious mammals that belong to the Soricomorph family. They are some of the most abundant forms of small mammal life, with over 350 species scattered around the world. Typically found in areas with dense vegetation, they feed on such small creatures as insects, spiders, worms and other invertebrates. They may also feed on rodents, birds, and small reptiles.
What do Shrews Look Like?
Shrews range in size from as small as your fingernail to as large as a chipmunk, with an average length of three to four inches (7.7-10.2 cm). They vary drastically in physical appearance from species to species, but all have long snouts and velvety soft fur. In most species, the fur is gray, brown, or reddish-brown in color, with lighter fur on the underside of the body. As well, all species of shrews have four-toed forefeet and five-toed hindfeet.
What Do Shrews Eat?
Shrews are omnivorous and will feed on anything from insects and small mammals to nuts, berries, fungi, and fruits. In the wild, they also ruthlessly hunt rodents, spiders, and earthworms. In human dwellings, they often seek out leftovers and spoiled food in the pantry or garbage bins.
Where Do Shrews Live?
Shrews may live in and around human dwellings for a short time, but they’re mainly found in areas with dense vegetation, such as woodlands, gardens, parks, or agricultural fields. They also like to create subterranean burrows and tunnels where they can quickly escape predators or seek food.
Do Shrews Carry Diseases?
Shrews can act as hosts or transmitters of various diseases, though not all species carry the same diseases. The most common is Rabies, a virus endemic to the United States that can cause serious neurological and respiratory complications, and is usually transmitted through bites. Other potential illnesses include Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, and Salmonellosis, which is spread through food and water contaminated with the bacteria that causes it.
Are Shrews Dangerous?
Shrews may not be dangerous to humans, but they can cause considerable damage in the home. They are highly active creatures that wander day and night in search of food, and will readily feast on stored grain, nuts, seeds, and fruits. Given their small size, they’re also adept at sneaking in and out of any small gap, making them difficult to prevent from entering the home.
How Can I Get Rid of Shrews?
Eliminating a shrew infestation can be challenging, as they are fast-moving and may be able to create burrows that can be difficult to reach. As well, because they are considered wildlife, they can’t be removed indiscriminately without first understanding local laws. In most cases, calling pest control professionals is the best course of action as they have the equipment and experience needed to humanely and safely remove the shrew.
At F&W Pest Control, we are experts in pest control, nuisance wildlife control, and more. We use IPM (Integrated Pest Management) techniques to achieve optimal pest control with minimal use of pesticides, and always prioritize the safety of people, pets, and the environment. We serve businesses and homes of all sizes in the Greater Sudbury, MA area, and provide full consultation and wildlife removal services. If you’re dealing with a host of unpleasant pests, don’t hesitate to give us a call today.
Pest Control Near Me
Searching for an easy fix to your pest problems? Here at F&W Pest Control, our exterminators will treat an array of different pest issues including termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and more! Long-term protection is right at your reach with the help of our highly trained team of exterminators in the Greater Boston area. Don’t allow pests to take over your home, put your trust in our pest control services to ensure a pest-free home. With our help, you won’t have to spend any more free time implementing DIY extermination methods!
