Addressing a shrew infestation involves implementing a series of measures designed to discourage these small mammals from inhabiting or frequenting a specific area. This typically includes habitat modification to reduce their food sources and shelter availability, exclusion techniques to prevent their entry into structures, and, as a last resort, population control methods where permitted and necessary. For example, removing dense ground cover and sealing foundation cracks are common strategies.
Effectively managing shrew populations is crucial for mitigating potential damage to gardens, lawns, and even property foundations. Shrews, while beneficial for controlling insect populations, can also disrupt ecosystems and create unwanted burrow systems. Historically, various methods, ranging from trapping to natural repellents, have been employed to limit their presence and impact in residential and agricultural settings.
