About Shrews

There are three species of short tailed shrews. Genus Blarina Hylophaga, I believe, is the one we have here in Iowa. Its range is from southern Nebraska and Iowa to eastern Texas.

Shrews are insectivores in the same family as moles but look quite different. Shrews look very mouse like with a long pointed snout, small eyes and hidden ears with long whiskers.

They have sub maxillary glands that secrete a poison that disables insects, snails and small invertebrates, keeping its victims alive for consumption at a later time. They are cannibalistic when happening upon another in a trap. They are solitary except when breeding and rearing young. Breeding season runs from early spring to early fall up to 3 litters a year. Gestation is 21 days, litters of 5-7 normally. Young are weaned at about 24 days. Females sexually mature at 6 weeks and 12 weeks for males.

Damage done by shrews in yards is nearly identical to moles. Tunnels are not nearly as straight and mounds aren’t as large. In warm weather shrews leave quarter sized holes, a tell tale sign.

Shrews can occupy areas with moles using the same tunnels but making their own also. Under bird feeders they can turn the ground sponge like and often live around landscaped planters and yards bordered by brush and debris.

Trapping shrews is very frustrating and difficult. Shrew numbers can be quiet large having caught 14 in one yard, in one week.

After trapping shrews for the past three years, I now recommend Talpirid to deal with these annoying creatures.