Getting Rid Of Shrews In Brookline, Massachusetts: A Guide To Evaluating And Understanding
Pest Control Near Me
Pests, even small pests like shrews, can be a big problem for homeowners. Whether the daunting task of getting rid of the pest is something you want to tackle yourself, or you are looking for a professional’s help, it is important to understand the facts and steps necessary for effective control and understanding. This guide to getting rid of shrews, and fending off future infestations, not only provides information on what you need to know about dealing with shrews in Brookline, Massachusetts, but also offers an overview of F&W Pest Control services in Massachusetts that might be able to help.
What is a Shrew?
Shrews are considered to be the smallest mammals in the world, and are related to the moles and hedgehogs. They don’t just look small; their size and weight range from .2 oz to .7 oz, with a length that typically ranges from 1.5 to 8 inches. They are small, but they are aggressive. They make a chattering sound as a warning of their presence, which can make them sound much larger.
Shrews can be found all around the world, but are especially populous in North America, where they inhabit farms, abandoned homes, barns, vacant lots, meadows, and any other place with wood, shrubs, or tall grasses. They are terrestrial, meaning they don’t live in trees, burrow underground or climb walls, but they do have a habit of making their home in places with cover near the ground, like upturned tree roots or thick brush.
Common types of Shrews in Brookline
In Brookline, Massachusetts, there is one common species of shrew that is known to cause disruption and damage to homes, the masked shrew (Sorex cinereus). This small but mighty species has a light brown to grey upper body with white beneath its chin and at its cheeks. It has a small, pointed nose and a long tail, which is almost half of its body length.
Characteristics of Shrews
Shrews are active predators that are always on the move. These small creatures feed on small animals (including rodents and other insect pests), bugs, larvae, and other invertebrates. They need plenty of food to survive, so you can expect that they will consume up to three times their body weight in one day.
Shrews are also nocturnal in nature, and are most active at night, when humans may not be aware of their presence or activity. During the day they tend to keep to the shadows, taking refuge in hidden spots, making them hard to spot out in the open.
Furthermore, they reproduce with alarming speed, producing litter sizes of up to 10-12 babies every couple of months, which means that a single female could potentially give birth to up to sixty babies per year!
Signs of a Shrew Infestation
Pointed out above, shrews tend to like to stay in dark shadows, so it might be hard to spot them out in the open, but there are certain telltale signs when shrews are near. Here are a few to look out for:
? Burrows in the ground ? When shrews are around, you might see groups of burrows scattered all over the area. These burrows are close together and can be easily identified as “city-like” tunnels.
? Damage to plants and property ? One of the biggest signs of a shrew infestation is damage to plants and property. They can be responsible for chewing wiring, wood, leaves, or paper, or they may have built pathways or tunnels that can be seen on the ground or in the walls.
? Chatter and noise ? Shrews are known for making a lot of noise. Whether it’s the skittering of feet across the floor or the chattering sound, the presence of a shrew infestation will be heard.
? Unexpected behavior from pets ? If your pet’s normal behavior has changed, it could be a sign that shrews are present. If you have cats or dogs that are uncomfortable in their usual space, it could be a sign of a shrew infestation.
Evaluating the Problem
Shrews can be a real hassle of a pest to evaluate and control. They’re fast, they reproduce quickly, and their small size makes them hard to spot and hard to trap. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly evaluate your problem before deciding how to approach a control plan.
The first step should be to identify the areas where the shrews are most active, as well as any other signs of their presence. This can involve looking for burrows, inspecting the exterior of the home for damage, or even using camera traps or motion sensors to track their activity. Once you have identified the areas of activity, you can better evaluate which areas need the most attention and create a plan of action.
Getting Rid of Shrews In Brookline, Massachusetts
Once you have evaluated the problem and identified the areas of activity, there are a few steps you can take to get rid of shrews and prevent future infestations. The most common methods of getting rid of shrews include:
? Physical Removal – Physical removal via humane trapping is the most preferred method of controlling shrews, as it allows them to be moved to a safe and suitable environment, away from your home.
? Exclusion – Exclusion is an important part of any shrew control plan. Identifying potential entry points, like cracks and crevices, and sealing them with caulk, mesh or other material can help keep shrews out for good.
? Habitat Modification – Shrews like to stick to areas with plenty of cover and protection, so reducing all of those options around your home can help deter them. This can be accomplished by removing overgrown vegetation, weeds, piles of debris, and other hiding spots.
? Pesticides ? In some cases, pesticides may be necessary to get rid of shrews in your home. However, as shrews are small and fast-moving, they are hard to hit with pesticides, making it a less successful method of control.
Professional Help for Shrews
If you want more advice on dealing with shrews or need more help actually getting rid of them, contacting a professional pest control and wildlife removal service is a great option. F&W Pest Control offers live trapping services and customized pest control programs tailored specifically to residential and commercial properties in Brookline, MA and the surrounding areas.
F&W’s integrated pest management approach (IPM) provides the professional quality you need with the environmentally responsible quality of a DIY approach. Trusted exterminators at F&W will get rid of your pests with your peace of mind in mind. Get a free quote to start debugging your space today.
In Conclusion
Getting rid of shrews can be a difficult and daunting task, but with the right combination of knowledge, evaluation, and action, it is possible. Taking the right steps to evaluating the problem, as well as using the right methods to get rid of them, can be a big help. But if all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local pest control and wildlife removal service to help get rid of the shrews in your home.
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!
