Shrews
Shrews are tiny, hyperactive, insectivorous mammals with pointed snouts and tiny eyes that are occasionally encountered in homes, garages, and basements. They are not rodents but are more closely related to moles and hedgehogs. They have extremely high metabolic rates and must eat every few hours or die, which drives their frantic foraging behavior. While they rarely cause significant damage, their resemblance to mice leads to frequent misidentification. Some species produce venomous saliva that aids in subduing prey. They occasionally enter structures through small gaps and foundation cracks.
Species in This Group (1)
Key Behaviors
Shrews are voracious insectivores that consume 80 to 100 percent of their body weight daily, feeding on insects, earthworms, slugs, and occasionally mice. They are active around the clock due to their high metabolic demands. They rarely enter structures intentionally and cannot survive indoors for long. They are typically found in leaf litter, mulch, and dense ground cover adjacent to foundations. They do not gnaw or cause rodent-type damage.
Risks & Concerns
Shrews pose minimal risk to homes and humans. Some species can deliver a mildly venomous bite if handled, but they are not aggressive. They are beneficial predators that consume large quantities of pest insects and slugs. Their primary impact is the alarm caused by their mouse-like appearance when found indoors. They do not contaminate food, gnaw on structures, or reproduce indoors.
Need Help With Shrews?
If you're seeing signs of shrews in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.