Trapping is the most effective method for controlling mole activity in residential areas. These subterranean insectivores create extensive tunnel networks beneath lawns and gardens, resulting in raised ridges and molehills. The goal of trapping is to intercept the mole in its pathway by targeting the main travel routes within its tunnel system. Correct tunnel identification and precise trap placement allow homeowners to efficiently resolve the damage.
Identifying Active Mole Tunnels
Effective trapping relies on locating the main, active runways, since temporary, exploratory tunnels are poor sites for a trap. A reliable method for confirming activity is the “flattening test,” where a raised surface tunnel is pressed down. If the tunnel is repaired and raised again within 12 to 24 hours, the runway is actively being used.
Active tunnels are typically deeper and straighter, often connecting two molehills or following permanent landscape features like sidewalks, fences, or wooded edges. Moles use these main runways for regular travel, making them the ideal locations for trap placement. Tunnels that remain collapsed after a day are likely abandoned, and placing a trap there will have a low chance of success.
Look for tunnels that feel soft or spongy underfoot, as this indicates a newly dug or recently repaired pathway. Fresh molehills, which are conical piles of dirt lacking a central entrance hole, also indicate recent activity nearby. Setting a trap after rainfall can be effective because moist soil makes digging easier, often increasing mole movement.
Preparing the Tunnel for Trap Placement
Before setting any trap, the chosen tunnel must be prepared to ensure the mole travels through without obstruction. Wear gloves throughout the process to prevent transferring human scent onto the trap or surrounding soil, which can deter the mole. Using a trowel, carefully remove a small section of turf and soil directly above the active runway, exposing the tunnel without collapsing it.
The opening should be large enough to accommodate the trap type, creating a clean, vertical access point. Any loose dirt or debris inside the tunnel must be cleared away to ensure a smooth, obstruction-free path. For certain trap styles, like the scissor trap, it may be necessary to create a depression in the base of the tunnel to properly seat the trap’s mechanism. This ensures the trigger is aligned with the mole’s path.
The goal is to minimize disturbance to the tunnel’s structure while establishing a clear spot for the trap’s jaws or loops. Improper preparation, such as collapsing the tunnel or leaving loose soil, can cause the mole to detect the alteration and dig around the area, rendering the trap ineffective. The prepared opening should maintain the tunnel’s natural shape to avoid alerting the mole.
Step-by-Step Trap Setting Instructions
Once the tunnel is prepared, arming and inserting the trap must be executed with precision. The two most common types are the scissor/pincer trap and the choker loop/body-grip trap, both requiring distinct setting methods. For the scissor trap, the spring handles are compressed, forcing the jaws open, and the trigger plate is engaged into the setting notch, holding the jaws apart.
The armed scissor trap is inserted into the prepared tunnel opening, perpendicular to the runway’s direction, ensuring the trigger plate rests directly on the tunnel floor. The handles should remain vertical, and the lower portion of the trap must be seated firmly into the soil so the jaws straddle the mole’s path. Once placed, the opening is typically filled with loose soil or sod to block light and air, preventing the mole from detecting the change.
Choker loop traps use spring-powered loops and require the user to push down on the main frame while pulling back the trigger arm to compress the spring. With the spring compressed, the trigger rod is secured into the notch, holding the loops open. This trap is positioned so the loops are directly in line with the runway. Slots may need to be cut into the soil to allow the loops to slide down freely when triggered.
Regardless of the type, care must be taken when handling an armed trap, keeping fingers clear of the active mechanism. The trap should be seated firmly so it will not tip or shift, but sensitively enough that the slight pressure of a passing mole will activate the trigger. A flag or stake should be placed near the trap to mark its location, preventing accidental damage.
Post-Setting Safety and Maintenance
After the trap is set, consistent monitoring is necessary for effectiveness. All traps must be checked at least once every 24 hours, and ideally twice daily, to ensure a captured mole is removed promptly. Regular checking also allows the user to identify if the trap has been accidentally sprung or if the mole has attempted to tunnel around it.
Safety around the set trap is paramount, especially in areas frequented by children or pets. A simple safety measure is to cover the trap with an inverted bucket, a wooden board, or a small section of wire mesh. This physical barrier prevents accidental contact with the armed mechanism while allowing for easy inspection and removal.
If a mole is caught, the trap should be retrieved, and the mole removed according to local wildlife regulations. The trap should then be cleaned of any soil or biological material, which can deter future moles or impede the trap’s function. If a trap fails to catch a mole after three days, it should be moved to a different active runway, as the mole may have altered its travel pattern.