Hi Pam,
 
Even if the shrews do take care of the mice, they have to live somewhere in the meantime.  This means they'll create nests, probably similar to mice nests, and they'll leave waste in your buildings.  And they'll attract other pests (fleas, insects, etc.).  I know many museums use sticky traps for insects, and I'm sure you could probably find other alternatives for the mice and the shrews themselves.  
 
I really wouldn't leave the shrews to themselves. They can cause as much damage as the mice, especially if you leave them to their own devices.
 
Meredith Dunham
Curatorial Assistant.
 
Virginia Beach Historic Houses
3131 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Phone: 757-431-4000
Fax: 757-431-3733
Email: [log in to unmask]

________________________________

From: Museum discussion list on behalf of Pamela Silvestri
Sent: Sat 11/11/2006 3:29 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Pest Eradication -Shrews


Found a shrew in a sticky trap yesterday - I've never seen one before...anywhere. This is a new one to me and I've been searching online to learn more. I was surprised to learn that shrews eat mice and therefore their presence may indicate a mouse 'problem'. Which I know we have.
 
I know I'm going to have to work more aggressively on pest eradication to get rid of the mice, chipmunks and squirrels and now, shrews. But am wondering if I should hold off a little to see if part of the problem can be resolved on it's own (hoping the shrews will lower the population of mice).
 
Another person who saw the shrew told me that they could cause more damage than the mice...but the shrews seem like they'd be easier to trap.
 
I can't help but wonder if I should wait a little longer to place more sticky traps around? And if anyone can offer more insight about the behaviors of shrews, as always, I appreciate the info and your time.
 
Pam 
 
Pamela Silvestri, Volunteer Assistant Museum Director
Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
Shenipsit State Forest Headquarters
166 Chestnut Hill Road
Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076
Telephone: (860) 684-3430
e-mail: [log in to unmask] or
[log in to unmask]
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