Detailed instructions for effective mole trap installation

Moles, small burrowing mammals, can cause significant damage to gardens. Their underground tunnels destroy lawns, flower beds, and crops. Mole traps are an effective solution to control these infestations, but proper installation is essential to maximize their effectiveness.

Understanding Mole Behavior

Moles are very active animals that spend most of their time digging tunnels and searching for food. They primarily feed on earthworms, insects, and larvae. Their tunnels can extend for hundreds of meters and are usually located at a depth of 10 to 30 cm below the ground surface. Moles are particularly active in spring and autumn, when temperatures are cooler and food is abundant.

Identifying Active Tunnels

• Fresh Molehills: Moles create volcano-shaped molehills when they dig their tunnels. Fresh molehills indicate recent activity.
• Entry Holes: Moles need entry holes to access their tunnels. Observe entry holes in the ground, often located near molehills.
• Paw Prints: Moles sometimes leave paw prints in damp soil.
• Visible Damage: The underground tunnels of moles can cause visible damage in the garden, such as sunken lawns or damaged plants.

By observing these signs, you can identify areas of mole activity and target your trapping efforts more effectively.

Choosing the Right Mole Trap

There are different types of mole traps, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Jaw Traps

• Advantages: Simple to use, relatively inexpensive. An effective jaw trap is the "Victor" model, which is known for its reliability and efficiency.
• Disadvantages: Risk of injuring non-target animals, limited effectiveness.

Cage Traps

• Advantages: Captures the mole alive, more humane than jaw traps. A popular example of a cage trap is the "Havahart" which provides safe and effective trapping.
• Disadvantages: More expensive, may require some expertise for installation.

Spear Traps

• Advantages: Effective for capturing moles in narrow tunnels. Spear traps like the "Cinch" model are very popular for their ease of use.
• Disadvantages: Risk of injury to non-target animals.

Gas Traps

• Advantages: Catches the mole without having to touch it, effective over a wide area. An effective gas trap is the "Mole Med" model, known for its performance and simplicity.
• Disadvantages: Requires the use of chemicals, can be dangerous if misused.

The choice of trap will depend on the type of soil, access to tunnels, the size of the garden, and your personal preferences. For a medium-sized garden, a jaw trap or a cage trap might be the best choice. For larger areas or more significant infestations, gas traps may prove more effective.

Installing a Mole Trap: Step by Step

Correct installation of a mole trap is crucial for its success. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of catching moles.

Identifying the Active Tunnel

• Use a Stick or Rod to Probe the Ground: Push a stick or rod into the ground to look for an active tunnel. If you feel a hollow passage, you have found a tunnel used by the mole.
• Observe Fresh Molehills: Moles create fresh molehills when they dig their tunnels. Target areas with fresh molehills to find the most active tunnels.
• Follow the Tunnel from an Entry Hole: Observe entry holes in the ground, often located near molehills. Follow the tunnel from the entry hole to identify the most active areas.

Preparing the Trap

• Adjust the Size of the Trap: Make sure the trap fits the diameter of the tunnel. If the trap is too large, it may move; if the trap is too small, it will not close properly.
• Lubricate the Trap Mechanisms: Apply a light layer of grease or oil to the trap mechanisms to facilitate movement and prevent the trap from jamming.
• Choose an Attractive Bait: Earthworms and mealworms are the most attractive baits for moles. You can also use mealworms or insects. Baits should be fresh and placed in the center of the trap.

Placing the Trap in the Tunnel

• Jaw Traps: Place the trap in the tunnel, with the bait in the center. Make sure the trap is properly aligned with the tunnel to maximize your chances of capture.
• Cage Traps: Place the trap at the end of the tunnel, with the bait inside the cage. Secure the trap in place using stones or earth.
• Spear Traps: Place the trap in the tunnel, with the bait at the end of the spear. Make sure the spear is securely fixed in the tunnel to maximize the chances of capture.

Securing the Trap

• Use Earth or Stones: Hold the trap in place using earth or stones. Make sure the trap is well stabilized and does not move.
• Check the Stability of the Trap: After securing the trap, check that it is solid and stable. An unstable trap can move or trigger accidentally, reducing the effectiveness of trapping.

Camouflaging the Trap

• Conceal the Trap with Leaves, Branches, or Earth: Camouflage the trap so as not to scare the moles. If the moles notice the trap, they may avoid approaching it.

Tips for Effective Capture

Follow these tips to maximize your chances of success.

• Use Fresh Bait: Change the bait regularly to maintain its freshness and attractiveness. It is advisable to change the bait every two or three days.
• Position the Trap in the Right Place: Place the trap near areas of activity, in the mole's traffic lanes, not in resting tunnels.
• Check Traps Regularly: Inspect traps daily to see if there are any catches. Remove captured moles and clean traps to avoid odors.
• Replace Bait and Clean Traps: After each capture, replace the bait and clean the trap to avoid odors and maintain its attractiveness.
• Handle Traps Carefully: Wear gloves and follow safety instructions.
• Be Patient: It may take several days or even weeks to capture all the moles in a garden.

Trapping moles can require time and effort, but with proper planning and appropriate methods, you can achieve significant results.

Alternative Techniques for Controlling Moles

If mole traps are not effective, or if you prefer more environmentally friendly methods, there are other techniques to control mole infestations.

Natural Methods

• Repellent Plants: Some plants such as castor bean, garlic, onion, or mustard can repel moles. Plant these plants around your garden to create a natural barrier against moles.
• Strong Odors: Naphthalene, ammonia, or citrus essential oils can repel moles. Place sachets of naphthalene or cloths soaked in ammonia in the mole tunnels to repel them.

Deterrent Techniques

• Sound Vibrations: Use vibrating stakes or sound systems to create vibrations that disturb moles. Sound vibrations can disturb moles and encourage them to leave the area.
• Ultrasound: Some devices emit ultrasound that is perceptible to moles, encouraging them to flee. These devices can be used to cover a larger area, but their effectiveness may vary depending on the type of soil and the density of the moles.

Preventive Solutions

• Maintain a Healthy Lawn: A well-maintained lawn is less attractive to moles. Water your lawn regularly and mow it to an appropriate height.
• Control Earthworm Populations: Moles are attracted to earthworms. Use natural products to control earthworms or consider environmentally friendly gardening practices.
• Eliminate Water Sources: Moles need water. Make sure there are no water leaks in your garden and repair damaged pipes.
• Create Physical Barriers: Use metal fences or nets to create a physical barrier around your garden. The barrier must be buried to a depth of at least 30 cm to prevent moles from digging under the fence.

By combining trapping, deterrent, and prevention methods, you can effectively control mole infestations in your garden.