What Is the Difference Between Moles and Shrews?
Moles and shrews are digging animals that often appear in yards. Both are insectivores, but there are differences that distinguish these two pests from one another.
Shrew vs. Mole Feeding Habits
Moles mainly create underground tunnels to feed. On the other hand, shrews scavenge on the surface of lawns. While they can dig their own holes, these pests also use other animals' tunnels to find insects.
Shrew and Mole Appearance
Both moles and shrews have dark fur, rounded bodies, and long, pointed snouts. However, moles tend to be bigger than shrews and have large forefeet that turn outward to make digging easier. Their ears and eyes are tiny and often not visible through their fur.
Shrews have smaller feet than moles, and most species have tiny but visible eyes and ears. People are also more likely to actually see a shrew than a mole, as shrews spend more time out of their tunnels.
Shrew vs. Mole Damage
If large ridges appear in the lawn, the culprit is likely a mole. Holes in lawns about one inch wide may belong to shrews. Like most wild animals, both moles and shrews can bite and will defend themselves if they feel threatened.
While neither pest is aggressive, territorial shrews may come into conflict with dogs or cats in yards. Since some shrew species produce venom, bites can be more painful than those of mice or other animals their size.
Getting Rid of Moles and Shrews
Homeowners can remedy mole problems by placing traps underground. To remove shrews, use common rodent-proofing methods like sealing gaps and cracks around homes or removing food sources. Keep in mind that many mouse traps don't work with shrews because the pests are light enough to not trigger the trap.
These differences in shrew vs. mole control mean that identifying the wildlife problem correctly is important. Contact the specialists at Critter Control for help with identifying and removing shrews or moles from the yard.
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Customer Reviews
It has been very effective at reducing the number of mice, lizard, and snake sightings. During one visit Edgar removed a rattlesnake he came across. We may see a snake maybe two to three times during the spring and summer months, but it has been far less than before.
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Wildlife & Rodent Control in San Diego
Full service. Excellent job of extracting raccoon, cleaning all animal waste, sanitizing, and spraying anti-parasitic substance. They closed all potential ports of entry, though the work did not match the vinyl, and it looks kind of tacky. They added blown insulation, which added a lot to the cost. They provide a one year warranty against animal intrusion, with an option to extend the warranty at the end of each one- year period. They were willing to work with me one the price. I will probably extend my warranty, and will definitely use them it the future.
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Chattanooga
I was really impressed by these guys. Got a call within a few hours of making an inquiry. Had a rep out to inspect the situation by the end of the week, and when they laid out the timeline they kept if not exceeded listed times.
Rob, Travis, and Jim were all professional, polite, and courteous and after months of hearing squirrels in my ceiling they are gone and the repair to my flashing looks excellent. Can't recommend these guys enough.
Jeff was incredibly professional and helpful. I'll use them again and would recommend them to anyone.
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Detroit, MI
Critter Control did a great job of evaluating our house for sites of entry after we found bats and a squirrel in our attic. They completed their work promptly and professionally.
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Seattle, WA
We heard some noise from the corner of our house. Concerned that it could be inside we called for an inspection. Jessy arrived as scheduled and conducted a complete inspection of our home. Based on a recording we made he determined we had a tree frog on our roof. I was pleased that we didn’t have any rodent in our house. And his inspection could a few spots I can tighten up around my house. I am very happy with the outcome.
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New Hampshire
We have a vacation home in
Western Mass and haven’t been there much during the pandemic as we live and work in Atlanta, GA. On our most recent visit we noticed that we had some rodent intrusion as well as some un-welcomed wildlife who decided to make our vacation home their home.
We contacted Critter Control and Mr. Cahoon was quick to set up an appointment as we wouldn’t be in town very long. He came out and assessed our issues. He informed us of our options to both eradicate and control future intrusions. Keeping in mind that wildlife is wildlife! He quickly got to work eradicating the rodents and wildlife from our home and addressing the intrusion issues. We feel much better leaving our vacation home for periods at a time knowing that Mr. Cahoon and Critter Control did their job and did it right! Thanks again!
We bought an old cabin last spring , it was used for years as a summer vacation cabin, therefore maintenance wasn’t a priority. After our project to remodel started, we found evidence of
mice droppings.
We immediately called Critter Control and they came and gave us a reasonable estimate to remove all remnants and insulation. They sanitized and replaced with new insulation and sealing up points of entry .
Seeing their professional work made us feel confident and secure that the problem was solved ! Everyone we worked with continued to show professional and respectful work. Highly recommend this company! We continue to use critter control monthly to be sure we are mice and bug free!
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