Moles (Talpidae) are small, burrowing insectivores that can quickly turn a well-kept lawn into a landscape marred by unsightly damage. Driven by a high metabolic rate, they consume nearly their body weight in food each day, primarily earthworms and insect larvae. This continuous foraging results in two distinct forms of surface disruption: conical, volcano-shaped mounds pushed up from deep tunnels, and raised ridges that snake across the turf. Tunneling activities sever plant roots, leading to dead grass and uneven ground, prompting homeowners to seek removal strategies.
Locating and Preparing Active Tunnels
Successful mole removal relies on correctly identifying the active parts of the tunnel system, as moles frequently abandon old paths. The underground network consists of two main types: shallow feeding tunnels (raised surface ridges often used only once) and deeper, more permanent main runways. Main runways connect feeding areas and nesting chambers and are repeatedly maintained and used.
To find the most productive location for a device, gently flatten a small section of a raised ridge or mound with your foot. Mark the spot with a flag or stick. Check the flattened area after 12 to 24 hours; if the dirt is pushed back up, the tunnel is active and represents a high-traffic route.
Before placing a trap, the tunnel site needs careful preparation to ensure the device functions correctly. Clear the immediate area of loose soil or debris that might interfere with the trap’s mechanism. The trap should be placed in a straight, unobstructed section of the active run, and the surrounding soil must be firm enough to anchor the device securely. Minimize the amount of light and air entering the tunnel after the trap is set, as moles are sensitive to these changes and may simply bypass the disturbed area.
Mechanical Trapping Techniques
Mechanical trapping is the most reliable method for removing moles, as it directly targets the animal in its active runway. These devices exploit the mole’s instinct to clear and repair any obstruction in its path. The three common traps are the scissor trap, the harpoon trap, and the choker-style trap.
The scissor trap utilizes two sharp, opposing jaws that snap shut when triggered. To set it, the jaws are pushed deep into the ground, straddling the tunnel, and the handles are pressed down until the trap locks open. A trigger pan is positioned on the collapsed tunnel floor, ensuring the mole activates it when pushing through to clear the obstruction.
The harpoon trap, or spear trap, is a spring-loaded device that drives sharp spikes downward into the tunnel. After creating a small obstruction by pressing down on the tunnel roof, the trap’s U-shaped frame is centered over the run. The trigger pan is set to rest lightly on the obstruction, which the mole pushes up when repairing the run.
The choker, or body-grip trap, is an in-line device placed directly within the tunnel, requiring a small section of the run to be excavated. It features two wire loops held open by a trigger plate. The trap is inserted into the tunnel opening, and the surrounding soil is packed back in around the device. When the mole attempts to pass through, it pushes the trigger, causing the loops to close. Gloves should always be worn during setting and handling.
Non-Lethal Deterrents and Removal Alternatives
Methods focused on repelling moles offer an alternative to physical capture, aiming to make the environment unappealing. Castor oil-based products are widely used deterrents, coating the moles’ primary food sources (earthworms and grubs) with a noxious taste. This encourages moles to seek foraging grounds elsewhere. Effectiveness depends on proper and frequent reapplication, especially after heavy rainfall, to maintain concentration in the topsoil.
Sonic or vibrating spikes, which emit intermittent pulses or sounds, are also popular, though their long-term efficacy is often questioned. Moles are sensitive to vibrations but frequently habituate to the predictable disturbance and tunnel around the devices.
A permanent, non-lethal solution involves installing physical barriers, such as subterranean fencing constructed from hardware cloth or wire mesh. This barrier must be placed vertically at least 24 to 30 inches deep, with an outward-facing lip at the bottom, to physically block mole access to a protected area.
Many common home remedies, including placing items like chewing gum or glass shards into the tunnels, are often ineffective. A widespread misconception is that eliminating grubs will solve a mole problem; however, since the mole’s diet consists mainly of earthworms, grub treatment often fails to address the primary food source. Focusing on tested repellents or physical exclusion provides a more reliable non-lethal approach.