Mouse traps (snap traps), box traps, and pit traps have been used to collect shrews. Set mouse traps in runways or along walls, with the traps set at a right angle to the runway and the triggers placed over the runway. Small box traps can be set parallel to and inside of runways or parallel to walls around structures. Bait the traps with a mixture of peanut butter and rolled oats. A small amount of bacon grease or hamburger may increase the attractiveness of the bait.
A pit trap consists of a gallon jar or a large can sunk into the ground under a runway until the lip of the container is level with the runway itself. Bait is not necessary. A small amount of bacon grease smeared around the top of the container may be an effective attractant, but this may also attract large scavengers. Pit traps are more effective for capturing shrews than snap traps, although the increased labor involved in setting a pit trap may not be justified when trying to capture only one or two animals. Monitor pit traps daily, preferably in the morning before the temperature gets hot, although Churchfield recommends checking traps four times in a 24-hour period. Place cotton wool in the pit trap containers to reduce the mortality of trapped animals. This is especially important to ensure the successful release of nontarget animals. Since shrews are generally beneficial in consuming insects, live-captured animals can be relocated in suitable habitat more than 200 yards (193 m) from the capture site.
The traps and placement procedures described above are also effective for catching mice. Sometimes birds are captured in traps set for shrews. If this occurs, try placing a cover over the traps or over the bait, moving the traps to another location, or omitting rolled oats from the bait mixture.
Resources: (online)
Shrews
