A mole trap is a mechanical device designed to eliminate subterranean pests by leveraging their natural tunneling behavior. Traps are engineered to be placed directly into an active runway, triggering a lethal mechanism when the mole passes through or attempts to repair a disturbance. There is no single appearance for a mole trap; instead, the look is defined by several distinct spring-powered designs, each intended for different soil conditions or tunnel depths. The visual characteristics are tied to its function, determining whether it constricts, pierces, or crushes the mole.
Visual Features of Scissor and Pincer Traps
The scissor trap, often constructed from galvanized steel, is one of the most widely recognized designs. It features two large, powerful spring coils at its center and long, crossing metal handles that resemble a pair of scissors when open. When set, the handles are compressed downward, locking the device into a low-profile form that is placed into an excavated section of the mole tunnel. Spring tension holds two sets of jaws or loops apart beneath the soil surface, ready to snap shut when the mole disturbs the trigger plate between them.
The pincer trap, sometimes called a claw or jaw trap, shares a similar crushing function but has a distinctly different look. This device consists of two semi-circular jaws connected by a single, stout spring, forming a compact, oblong shape when set. The pincer design is typically inserted directly into the tunnel opening without requiring a large excavated hole. When activated, the two jaws close with significant force from the sides, with the entire mechanism largely hidden underground, leaving only the setting handles or a small indicator visible above the surface.
Appearance and Function of Harpoon and Choker Loop Traps
The harpoon trap, also known as a spear or plunger trap, presents a vertical profile above the ground. It consists of a heavy-duty, compressed coil spring mounted on a frame with two metal legs. The identifying visual feature is the set of four to six vertical metal spikes or tines held in a retracted position beneath the spring mechanism. This trap is positioned directly over a flattened section of an active surface tunnel, with the legs straddling the run. When the mole pushes up on the trigger pan, the large spring drives the tines downward, impaling the animal from above.
The choker loop trap, or body grip trap, has a unique, enclosed appearance, featuring a rectangular or oval frame that sits flat within the tunnel floor. Its primary visual characteristic is the set of two galvanized wire loops or snares that extend into the tunnel opening. When set, these loops are held open by a delicate trigger mechanism. The mole passes through the open loops, disturbing the trigger plate, which causes the powerful spring to pull the loops upward and inward, constricting the mole’s body.
Devices Mistaken for Mole Traps
Many items used for mole control are often mistaken for mechanical traps, but they lack the spring-loaded killing action that defines a true trap. One common example is the sonic vibration spike, a tube-like device inserted into the ground to emit a low-frequency sound or vibration. These devices are typically plastic or metal cylinders with a cap, containing electronics and a battery, and are visually distinct from the robust metal components of a mechanical trap. Similarly, chemical pellets or worm-like baits are toxic control products, appearing as small granules or soft, elongated forms resembling mole prey. These non-trap devices are designed to repel or poison the animal, not physically capture it, and therefore have no visible jaws, loops, or harpoons.