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Home Page > Yardener's Plant Problem Solver > Dealing With Pest Animals > Moles > Solutions For Moles > Trapping Moles
Trapping Moles
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Trapping Moles

  Trap the Mole to Kill It

Deadfall traps


Deadfall traps are the most effective way to eliminate moles, but they require persistence and close attention to the product directions. These harpoon traps, scissors traps, and choker traps all kill moles with a powerful metal spring mechanism with a trigger. The best time to set them is in early spring when the first mole ridges appear and you can trap pregnant females. The next best time is early fall before the moles begin digging deep for the winter.

A harpoon mole trap is the safest and easiest to use.


First determine which tunnels are actively used by the moles. Step lightly on parts of several tunnels to partially collapse them. Mark these sections with stones or garden stakes. After a couple of days the active tunnels will be raised again. Set traps in these areas, and check the traps once or twice a day. After trapping the animals, restore the turf over unused tunnels with a lawn roller or by treading on them. Water well. Regardless of the trap you use, always wear heavy gloves and shoes when setting a trap. It is possible to be badly hurt by a mole trap. Remember these traps are designed to kill. If this bothers you, try catching them alive with a pit trap, described below.

Victor 0631 Out O'Sight Mole Trap

by Victor

  • Durable, weather-resistant mole trap rids provides clean, quick trapping
  • Malleable iron jaws for superior strength and durability
  • Setting levers included; safety clip for secure operation
  • For use in any soil type, but especially ideal for sandy soil
  • Measures 2-5/26 by 5-1/2 by 8-3/8 inches

Reclaim the yard from destructive moles with Victor's durable, weather-resistant OUT O'SIGHT mole trap. For use in any soil type but especially ideal for sandy soil, the trap sinks securely into the ground and features a reliable sure-fire design for clean, quick trapping with strong, durable malleable iron jaws. Setting levers are included, and a safety clip helps to ensurer secure operation. The trap comes fully assembled and measures 2-5/26 by 5-1/2 by 8-3/8 inches.

Sweeneys 9011 Mole and Gopher Plunger Trap

by Sweenys

Trap and kill moles effectively without the use of chemicals or poisons. Designed for easy activation and equipped with a safety pin for secure operation. Each trap is powder coated for long-lasting, reusable application and boxed individually, fully assembled, with complete operating instructions.
 

All steel construction. Mole trap, kills moles, easy activation. Find active tunnels by flattening tunnels by walking on them. Wait one day.

 

Wire Tek 1001 EasySet Mole Eliminator Trap

by Wire Tek

  • Takes the guesswork out of trapping and eliminating moles from your lawn, yard and garden
  • Eliminates the use poisons or chemicals and is effective on all species of moles worldwide
  • The only mole trapping device that can be set into the mole tunnel without any digging
  • Effective and safe to use
  • Accepted for use in organic farms, ranches and nurseries

The Easy Set Mole Eliminator Trap takes the guesswork out of trapping and eliminating moles from your lawn, yard and garden. The Easy Set Mole Eliminator Trap is the most effective mole control product on the market. It eliminates the use poisons or chemicals and is effective on all species of moles worldwide! Other traps on the market are difficult to use or require significant time to set due to digging and locating the mole tunnels. Some products require that they be set with sharp prongs or special setting tongs that could injure the person handling the trap, as well as children, pets or non-targeted wildlife. The Easy Set Mole Eliminator Trap is the only mole trapping device that can be set into the mole tunnel without any digging, setting dangerous cables, spears or clamps! Simply locate the mole tunnel (ridge) and firmly insert the closed jaws into the center of the tunnel until the base of the Easy Set Mole Eliminator Trap is flush to the ground. Then step straight down on the setting lever to set the trap and trigger mechanism. That is it. The trap is now set. As the mole travels through the tunnel, it will push up on the collapsed portion of the tunnel where the Easy Set Mole Eliminator Trap is positioned, triggering the trap and instantly meeting their demise! The Easy Set Mole Eliminator Trap is effective, safe to use, and without the use of poisons or secondary poisoning concerns, it is accepted for use in organic farms, ranches and nurseries.

 

Pitfall Traps
A live pitfall trap is less effective than a deadfall one. Make it from a 3-pound coffee can. Identify an active tunnel and dig a hole down through it and into the soil at its floor. Make the hole large enough to allow you to place the can opening flush with the tunnel floor. Use a post hole digger if you need to.


Pack soil around the edges of the can opening and clean out any soil that may have fallen into it. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent the mole from detecting your scent. Place a plank over the opening you made at the top of the tunnel, to exclude all light. Moles moving along the tunnel will fall into the can. Because they are too small to scale the can's slippery sides, they are stuck until they starve or are rescued. Check the can at least daily. If you choose to rescue the animal you are responsible for disposing of it somehow.




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