A Complete Guide To Evaluating And Understanding What Do Shrews Eat
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Are you an east coast homeowner living in the town of Burlington, Massachusetts, with an infestation of shrews that are wreaking havoc in your home? Have you ever stopped and wondered exactly what these small rodents are eating? Well, if so, you are definitely not alone! Understanding and evaluating what do shrews eat is key to properly managing a shrew infestation.
It is important to note that the type of shrew you have living in your home can significantly impact what they are eating. The two most common species of shrew that are found in Burlington are the pygmy shrew and the masked shrew. Both species vary in size and diet, so understanding what kind of shrews you are dealing with is very important when trying to evaluate what food sources they may be consuming.
In this guide, we will explore the diet of both species of shrews that can be found in Burlington, as well as some of the best methods of removal, and what you can do to make sure that you discourage these small rodents from returning. Read on to find out more about what do shrews eat and how you can best handle the situation.
Introduction to Shrews
Before we get into the specifics of what do shrews eat, it’s important to get a little bit of background information on the species that you may be dealing with in your home.
Pygmy Shrews
The pygmy shrew is the smallest species of shrew that can be found in Burlington, Massachusetts. They average a length of around three inches and weigh between four to seven grams.
Their diet consists of insects, grubs, spiders, worms, centipedes, snails, slugs, amphibians, and small rodents. These shrews are active during the day and night, which makes them an ideal species to live around Burlington due to the moderate climate.
Masked Shrews
The masked shrew is slightly larger than the pygmy shrew and can reach a length of four to five inches and weigh between four to nine grams. This species of shrew is found throughout North America and is present in many areas of Massachusetts, including Burlington.
Their diet consists of insects, spiders, slugs, worms, amphibians, centipedes, and small rodents, as well as some plant material. The masked shrew is an active species and is diurnal, meaning it is usually most active during the day.
What Do Shrews Eat?
Now that we have a better understanding of the two species of shrews that can be found in Burlington, Massachusetts, let’s take a closer look at what exactly these small rodents are eating.
Pygmy Shrews
The pygmy shrew is a predatory species and its diet consists of a variety of insects, spiders, worms, slugs, amphibians, and small rodents. These shrews will also consume some plant matter as well as fruit, berries, and nuts.
The pygmy shrew is an opportunistic feeder and will consume whatever food source is available. It is important to note that due to their small size, they must consume large quantities of food throughout the day in order to survive.
Masked Shrews
The masked shrew’s diet consists of both insects and plant matter, with the majority of its diet consisting of insects, spiders, amphipods, worms, and other small invertebrates. They will also consume some fruit, nuts, and berries when available, although these items make up a much smaller portion of their diet.
They also have a strong preference for protein and will feed on small rodents, including mice and other shrews, when available. The masked shrew is a nocturnal species, so it is most active at night and will often look for food sources during this time of day.
What Can You Do to Discourage Shrews From Returning?
Now that you have a better understanding of what do shrews eat, the next step is to take steps to discourage them from returning. Some of the measures you can take to discourage shrews from returning include:
? Clean up any spilled food and dispose of it properly.
? Seal any holes or cracks in your home’s foundation.
? Install screens over vents or chimneys to prevent access.
? Remove any piles of leaves, debris, or rocks near your home.
? Place mothballs around your foundation or near entry points.
? Use repellents to try to discourage the shrews from returning.
Conclusion
Evaluating and understanding what do shrews eat is an important step in managing a shrew infestation in your home. Although the two most common species of shrews that can be found in Burlington, Massachusetts, have different diets, they have some similarities in terms of food sources. Taking the necessary steps to discourage the shrews from returning, such as sealing any cracks or holes in the home and using repellents, is the best way to make sure they do not come back.
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