How to Effectively Trap Moles: The Ultimate Guide
How to Trap Moles?
To trap moles, there are two effective methods: live trapping and using a spring trap.
For live trapping, find an active tunnel and place a deep bucket below it, covering it to catch the mole.
For the spring trap method, locate an active tunnel and compress the soil over it.
Place the trap over the compressed area with the legs straddling the tunnel, ensuring they are anchored into the ground.
Check the trap every 24 hours to see if it has been sprung, and dig along the tines to check if a mole has been trapped.
Remember that moles dig tunnels under lawns to search for worms and grubs, causing damage to the yard, and their population density is generally no more than three per acre.
Key Points:
- Two effective methods of trapping moles are live trapping and using a spring trap.
- To live trap moles, find an active tunnel and place a deep bucket below it, covering it to catch the mole.
- To use the spring trap method, locate an active tunnel and compress the soil over it.
- Place the trap over the compressed area with the legs straddling the tunnel, anchoring them into the ground.
- Check the trap every 24 hours to see if it has been sprung, and dig along the tines to check if a mole has been trapped.
- Moles dig tunnels under lawns to search for worms and grubs, causing damage to the yard, and their population density is generally no more than three per acre.
Did You Know?
1. The average mole can dig up to 18 feet of tunnels in a single day, creating an extensive underground network.
2. Moles have specialized saliva that contains a toxin capable of paralyzing worms and insects, preventing them from escaping when the mole hunts for food.
3. While difficult to observe, moles have a “sixth sense” called proprioception, which allows them to feel vibrations and pressure changes in the soil, helping them navigate through their tunnels.
4. Moles have an incredibly high metabolic rate and must eat almost their entire body weight in food every day to survive.
5. Contrary to popular belief, moles are not blind. They actually have tiny eyes, but they are poorly developed and serve very little purpose since moles primarily rely on their other senses.
Step-By-Step Instructions On Setting A Mole Trap
Moles can be a stubborn problem, causing damage to your lawn and garden. Thankfully, trapping them is a viable solution. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting up a mole trap and putting an end to their invasion.
-
Start by locating an active tunnel. Look for molehills or surface ridges in your yard, as these are signs of recent digging. Once you have identified a promising tunnel, carefully compress the soil over it using a small shovel or your hands. This step is crucial as it forces the mole to re-dig the tunnel, making it more likely to trigger the trap.
-
Place your mole trap over the compressed area. Make sure the legs of the trap straddle the tunnel, securely anchoring it into the ground. By doing so, you ensure that the mole has no choice but to pass through the trap on its underground journey. To increase your chances of success, opt for a high-quality, sturdy, and reliable mole trap.
-
Note: Choosing the right trap is essential for capturing moles effectively.
Finding An Active Tunnel And Compressing The Soil Over It
One of the key steps in trapping moles is to find an active tunnel. Moles create tunnels as they search for worms and grubs, which they consider a delicacy. These tunnels can cause significant damage to your lawn and garden, making it important to locate and trap the moles as soon as possible.
To find an active tunnel, look for molehills or surface ridges. Molehills are small mounds of soil that the moles push up as they dig their tunnels. Surface ridges, on the other hand, are raised tunnels visible on the ground. Use these signs as indicators of where the moles are most active.
Once you’ve identified an active tunnel, it’s time to compress the soil over it. This step is crucial because it disrupts the mole’s existing tunnel and forces it to re-dig the passage. By compressing the soil, you create an obstacle for the mole, increasing the likelihood that it will encounter the trap you set.
Placing The Trap Over The Compressed Area
Now that you’ve located an active tunnel and compressed the soil over it, it’s time to place the mole trap. Ensure that the trap’s legs are straddling the compressed area, securing it firmly into the ground. This positioning is essential as it forces the mole to pass through the trap in order to continue its relentless digging.
When choosing a mole trap, opt for a high-quality harpoon-style trap. These traps are effective as they are specifically designed to capture moles without causing them unnecessary harm. The harpoon spring mechanism ensures a swift and humane capture that minimizes the mole’s suffering.
Checking The Harpoon Spring For Smooth Operation
Before setting the trap, it’s crucial to check the harpoon spring for smooth operation and ensure there are no obstructions. The harpoon spring is the mechanism responsible for capturing the mole when it triggers the trap. It’s essential to ensure that the spring is in good working condition and able to respond swiftly to the mole’s presence.
Inspect the trap thoroughly, checking for any debris or blockages that could prevent the harpoon spring from functioning smoothly. Remove any obstacles and lubricate the spring if necessary. A well-maintained trap increases the chances of a successful capture, saving you time and effort in the long run.
- Check the harpoon spring for smooth operation
- Remove any debris or blockages
- Lubricate the spring if necessary
“A well-maintained trap increases the chances of a successful capture.”
Pressing The Trap’s Trip Pan Into The Compressed Area
Now that you’ve checked the harpoon spring, it’s time to press the trap’s trip pan into the compressed area. The trip pan is the trigger mechanism that activates the harpoon spring, capturing the mole when it passes through the trap.
Ensure that the trip pan is firmly engaged in the compressed area, creating a stable base for the trap. This will prevent accidental dislodging and ensure that the trap is ready to capture any passing moles. Take your time to adjust the trap and make sure everything is in place before moving on to the next step.
Checking The Trap Every 24 Hours For Activity
After setting the trap, it’s important to check it every 24 hours for activity. Moles are active creatures and can quickly trigger the trap if it has been positioned correctly. Check the trap regularly to see if it has been sprung and if a mole has been captured.
When checking the trap, take care not to disturb the surrounding soil too much. Use your fingers or a trowel to carefully dig along the tines of the trap and check for any trapped moles. If you find a mole in the trap, ensure to handle it with care and release it in a suitable location far from your property.
Remember, trapping moles is a process that requires patience and persistence. It may take some time before you successfully capture all the moles in your yard. Stay vigilant, follow the steps outlined above, and be prepared to adjust your trapping strategy if needed. With some effort and determination, you can effectively trap moles and protect your lawn and garden from their destructive digging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to catching moles?
The key to successfully catching moles lies in strategic trap placement and setting. To begin, position the trap carefully by ensuring that the ends of the jaws are approximately 1 inch below the opening of the mole’s runway. Align the trap precisely with the runway, ensuring the mole is compelled to pass between the jaws. Additionally, adjust the trigger mechanism to enable an easy springing action. Finally, remember to release the safety catch, providing a clear path for the mole to be trapped effectively. Mastery of these techniques will greatly increase your chances of catching moles efficiently.
What is the best bait to trap a mole?
When it comes to trapping moles, one highly effective bait option is using fresh strawberries. The bright and sweet aroma of strawberries has proven to lure moles towards the trap. Alternatively, mole trappers can consider using grubs as bait. These small insects are a delicacy for moles and can entice them into the trap.
What do moles hate the most?
Moles despise the presence of daffodils and marigolds. Daffodil bulbs emit a toxic scent that moles instinctively avoid, making their roots an unwelcome territory for these underground creatures. On the other hand, marigolds have a dual effect as they not only emit an aromatic odor but also contain natural pyrethrins, which repel the soil dwelling insects that serve as a staple diet for moles. These clever plants successfully deter moles from digging up gardens and wreaking havoc.
Can a mole bite you?
While it is true that moles have the ability to bite, the likelihood of them biting humans is extremely low. Due to their subterranean lifestyle, moles rarely surface and have minimal contact with people. Therefore, it is safe to say that mole bites pose no significant physical threat to humans, allowing us to coexist peacefully with these fascinating creatures.