Shrew Control

Size: 1.2 – 2 inches
Weight: 0.07 – 0.1 oz
Litters: 1 – 2 per year, with up to 8 young per litter
Breeding Seasons: Spring and summer

American pygmy shrews are found in northern forests across North America, inhabiting dense underbrush, leaf litter, and mossy areas where they can find ample cover. These tiny creatures have a voracious appetite due to their high metabolic rate, consuming insects, small invertebrates, and seeds nearly equal to their body weight each day. Unlike many other small mammals, pygmy shrews do not burrow but instead use natural crevices, fallen logs, and dense vegetation for shelter. They are solitary and territorial, with activity levels that peak both day and night as they continuously hunt for food to meet their energy demands.

Size: 3 – 4 inches
Weight: 0.1 – 0.2 oz
Litters: 2 – 3 per year, with 4 – 10 young per litter
Breeding Seasons: Spring through late summer

Cinereus shrews are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and sometimes suburban areas, where they thrive in dense vegetation and moist environments. They are highly active and have a rapid metabolism, requiring them to eat frequently throughout the day, primarily consuming insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. These shrews are known for their distinctive musky odor, which likely serves as a deterrent to predators. They do not dig extensive burrows but instead use natural ground cover, such as leaf litter and fallen logs, for shelter and protection. Cinereus shrews are solitary, except during the breeding season, and are most active during twilight and nighttime hours.

Size: 3.5 – 5 inches
Weight: 0.5 – 1 oz
Litters: 2 – 3 per year, with 4 – 7 young per litter
Breeding Seasons: Spring through early fall

Northern short-tailed shrews are common across eastern North America, favoring moist habitats like forests, grasslands, and wetlands. These shrews have a distinctive short tail and velvety, dark fur, which helps them move easily through narrow burrows. Unlike most shrews, they have venomous saliva, which enables them to immobilize and consume larger prey, such as insects, small mammals, and even amphibians. Their high metabolism requires them to eat frequently, often consuming up to three times their body weight in food daily. Northern short-tailed shrews build shallow burrows and utilize leaf litter, logs, and rocks for cover. They are mostly solitary, except during mating seasons, and are active both day and night.

Size: 5 – 6 inches (including tail)
Weight: 0.3 – 0.4 oz
Litters: 1 – 2 per year, with 3 – 10 young per litter
Breeding Seasons: Late spring through summer

American water shrews are typically found near streams, ponds, and wetlands in North America, where they inhabit dense, moist vegetation along water edges. These shrews have water-repellent fur and fringed feet that allow them to swim and dive easily while foraging for aquatic insects, small fish, and crustaceans. They have an exceptional ability to locate prey underwater, thanks to sensitive whiskers that detect vibrations and movements. Their high metabolism means they must feed frequently, and they are known to dive for short periods to capture prey. American water shrews are solitary and establish territories along water bodies, creating small burrows and shelters under rocks, logs, or dense vegetation. They are mainly active during twilight hours and at night.