How to Remove a Striped Shrew: 7 Proven Methods That Work Fast

How to Remove a Striped Shrew might not be the first thing on your mind—until one scurries across your kitchen floor at night or you start noticing strange sounds in the walls. These tiny, fast-moving critters may look harmless, but striped shrews can cause real headaches for homeowners. From torn insulation to chewed wires and contaminated surfaces, their presence often goes unnoticed until the damage is done.

If you’ve been startled by sudden rustling or found mysterious droppings in your attic, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’re diving into 7 proven methods that are not only effective, but also fast and humane. Whether you’re dealing with a single intruder or a full-blown infestation, this article will help you take control—quickly and safely. Let’s show these uninvited guests the way out—for good.

How to Remove a Striped Shrew Safely and Effectively

Dealing with a striped shrew infestation requires a balanced approach that prioritizes both effectiveness and humane treatment. While these tiny mammals might seem harmless, they can cause significant damage to your property and pose health risks. It’s crucial to address the issue promptly and responsibly.

Humane and Effective Approaches:

• Live Trapping: Utilizing live traps allows for the safe capture and relocation of shrews without causing them harm.
• Natural Repellents: Employing scents that shrews find unpleasant, such as peppermint oil, can deter them from entering your home.
• Sealing Entry Points: Preventing access by sealing potential entryways is a proactive measure to keep shrews out.

Avoid Dangerous or Ineffective DIY Methods:

• Poison Baits: These can be hazardous to pets and children and may lead to dead animals in inaccessible areas, causing odor issues.
• Glue Traps: Often considered inhumane, as they cause prolonged suffering to the trapped animal.
• Ultrasonic Devices: While marketed as effective, studies have shown mixed results regarding their efficacy .

1. Identify Striped Shrew Infestation Signs

Recognizing the signs of a striped shrew infestation is the first step in addressing the problem effectively.

Common Indicators:

• Nocturnal Noises: Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings during the night.
• Droppings: Small, dark-colored feces, often found in attics, basements, or along walls .
• Nesting Materials: Accumulations of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.
• Odors: A musky smell resulting from their scent glands.

Importance of Accurate Identification: Misidentifying the pest can lead to ineffective control measures. For instance, treatments suitable for rodents may not work for shrews, and vice versa. Proper identification ensures the application of appropriate and effective solutions.

2. Seal All Entry Points

Preventing striped shrews from entering your home is a critical component of long-term control.

Common Entry Points:

• Utility Lines: Gaps around pipes and cables entering the house.
• Vents and Chimneys: Uncovered or damaged vents provide easy access.
• Cracks and Holes: Openings in the foundation, walls, or roof.

Tools and Materials:

• Steel Wool or Copper Mesh: To block small holes, as shrews cannot chew through these materials.
• Caulk or Expanding Foam: To seal gaps and cracks effectively.
• Hardware Cloth: For covering larger openings like vents.

Step-by-Step Sealing Process:

1. Inspect: Thoroughly examine your home’s exterior for potential entry points.
2. Clean: Remove any debris or nesting materials near the openings.
3. Seal: Use appropriate materials to block and seal each entry point.
4. Monitor: Regularly check sealed areas for signs of tampering or new openings.

3. Use Ultrasonic Repellents

Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sounds intended to deter pests like striped shrews. These devices are marketed as a non-toxic and humane solution.

How They Work: Ultrasonic devices produce sounds that are unpleasant to pests but inaudible to humans. The idea is that the continuous noise will drive shrews away from the area.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Non-toxic and safe for humans.
• Easy to install and operate.

Cons:

• Effectiveness is inconsistent; some studies show limited impact .
• Sound waves may not penetrate walls or furniture, creating “safe zones” for pests.

Optimal Placement: For maximum effectiveness, place ultrasonic repellents in areas where shrew activity is suspected, ensuring the sound waves are unobstructed.

4. Set Humane Live Traps

Live trapping is a humane method to capture and relocate striped shrews without causing them harm.

Best Types of Traps:

• Small Cage Traps: Designed specifically for small mammals.
• Multiple-Catch Traps: Allow for the capture of more than one shrew at a time.

Proper Bait and Positioning:

• Baits: Use foods like peanut butter or mealworms to attract shrews.
• Placement: Set traps along walls, near suspected entry points, or in areas with signs of activity .

Safe Release: Once captured, release the shrew at least a mile away from your home in a suitable natural habitat to prevent return.

Selecting the right bait is crucial for effective trapping; discover proven bait options in our article on what to put in a rat trap.

5. Natural Deterrents to Keep Striped Shrews Away

Natural repellents can be an effective and eco-friendly way to deter striped shrews from your property.

Effective Scents:

• Peppermint Oil: Its strong scent is unpleasant to shrews.
• Lemon and Eucalyptus Oils: Also known to repel small mammals .

Application Methods:

• Spray Solution: Mix essential oils with water and spray around entry points and areas of activity.
• Soaked Cotton Balls: Place them in strategic locations like attics, basements, and near vents.

Safety Considerations: These natural repellents are generally safe for households with children and pets, but always ensure they are used in areas out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

6. Clean Up and Eliminate Food Sources

Maintaining a clean environment is crucial in preventing striped shrew infestations.

Remove Nesting Materials:

• Regularly dispose of clutter, especially in storage areas like attics and basements.
• Store items in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes.

Proper Garbage Storage:

• Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
• Dispose of food waste promptly and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

Make Your Home “Shrew-Unfriendly”:

• Keep vegetation trimmed and away from the house.
• Repair leaky pipes and eliminate standing water sources.

7. Call a Professional Exterminator

If the infestation persists despite your efforts, it may be time to consult a professional.

When DIY Isn’t Enough:

• Multiple sightings or captures of shrews.
• Signs of damage to wiring, insulation, or structural components.
• Health concerns due to potential disease transmission.

What to Expect from a Pest Control Service:

• Inspection: Thorough assessment of your property to identify infestation extent and entry points.
• Treatment Plan: Customized strategy employing various control methods.
• Follow-Up: Regular visits to monitor effectiveness and adjust strategies if needed. Professional services often provide warranties or guarantees for peace of mind.
• Cost vs. Benefit Comparison:
• DIY Methods: May be cheaper but can be time-consuming and less effective if not done properly.
• Professional Services: Higher upfront cost, but typically more thorough and faster at resolving the issue completely—especially for large or recurring infestations.

If DIY methods fall short, consider professional pest control services; learn more in our guide on how to get rid of rats in the kitchen.

How to Remove a Striped Shrew Without Harming Pets

If you have pets at home, your pest control methods need to be extra safe and considerate.

Pet-Safe Solutions:

• Essential Oils: Peppermint and eucalyptus can be effective deterrents and are generally non-toxic to pets if used carefully.
• Live Traps: Humane and safe, posing no threat to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals.
• Manual Sealing of Entry Points: Preventive and 100% safe for pets.

Alternative Methods for Animal-Friendly Homes:

• Use motion-activated deterrents in outdoor areas.
• Avoid poison baits or chemical treatments entirely.
• Use enclosed bait stations if absolutely necessary (only with professional advice).

How to Prevent Striped Shrews From Coming Back

Long-term success depends on prevention. After removal, it’s essential to make your home and property unwelcoming to striped shrews.

Ongoing Maintenance Tips:

• Inspect your home monthly for new gaps, holes, or chew marks.
• Keep clutter to a minimum in storage areas.
• Use natural repellents periodically to maintain a scent barrier.

Landscaping and Yard Tips:

• Trim shrubs and trees away from the house to reduce access.
• Remove leaf litter, wood piles, and dense vegetation where shrews could hide or nest.
• Install gravel or wire mesh barriers around garden beds and foundations.

Monitoring Strategies:

• Place non-lethal monitoring traps in areas previously infested.
• Keep a log of sightings, noises, or droppings to catch new issues early.

Before you can keep striped shrews from returning, it’s crucial to understand how to deal with them effectively the first time. For additional tips and methods that focus on indoor infestations, check out our detailed guide on how to get rid of a shrew in the house, which walks you through essential removal strategies tailored for indoor environments.