Successful mole trapping relies almost entirely on selecting the correct location, since moles rarely venture outside their underground network. Effective placement requires understanding the difference between temporary foraging routes and permanent travel lanes, as setting a trap in the wrong spot is typically ineffective. The highest probability of capture occurs when the trap is strategically placed in a main runway that the mole travels through multiple times daily. Careful site preparation then ensures the mole encounters the trigger mechanism without being deterred by light, air, or human scent.
Distinguishing Active Tunnels from Feeding Runs
Moles create two distinct types of tunnels, and identifying the difference is the first step toward successful trapping. Shallow surface tunnels, which appear as raised ridges in the lawn, are temporary foraging runs used to hunt for earthworms and grubs. These feeding runs are often winding and may only be used once, making them poor locations for a trap.
Main runways, or deep tunnels, are high-traffic routes connecting nesting areas with major feeding grounds. These tunnels are deeper, straighter, and are frequently maintained and traveled, sometimes up to six times a day. To determine if a tunnel is a main runway, press down on a small section of the raised ridge with your foot, collapsing the tunnel roof. If the mole repairs and pushes up the collapsed section within 12 to 24 hours, the tunnel is active and represents an ideal trap site.
Optimal Placement within Main Runways
Setting the trap in the most predictable and frequently used sections of the main runway dramatically increases the chance of interception. Moles tend to establish their permanent routes along straight lines near fixed objects in the landscape. This behavior provides a reliable guide for locating the best trap sites.
Look for main runways that run parallel to permanent barriers, such as fence lines, sidewalks, building foundations, or driveways. These structures act as natural guides for the mole’s movements, making the tunnels in these areas long-term travel routes. The highest success rates are often found along these straight stretches, rather than on curves or sharp turns in the tunnel system.
Strategic placement also includes setting traps where multiple runs intersect, as this indicates a central hub of activity. Finding an alignment of three to five molehills in a row often signifies a main runway, especially if it follows a landscape feature. Place the trap in the straight section between the two most recently used molehills to intercept the mole traveling in either direction.
Preparing the Trap Site
Once an active main runway is identified, the site must be prepared to ensure the trap is stable and undetectable. Use a narrow probe to confirm the tunnel’s depth and direction before digging, minimizing unnecessary excavation. Carefully cut a hole just large enough to fit the trap, ensuring the tunnel walls remain intact and the trap base sits level on firm soil. The trap must be set parallel to the tunnel’s direction, with the trigger pan aligned with the runway floor.
It is crucial to exclude all light and air from the tunnel after the trap is set, as moles detect these disturbances and may avoid the area or backfill the tunnel. Cover the excavation with sod, a board, or a bucket, and pack loose soil around the edges to seal any gaps. Handling the trap with gloves is advised to prevent the transfer of human scent, which can deter the mole.