Moles can be a nuisance to homeowners and can cause extensive damage to a lawn. Ground mole traps are an effective tool for controlling moles, but they must be used correctly in order to be effective. This article will provide tips on how to effectively use ground mole traps to control moles in your yard.
What are Ground Mole Traps?
Ground mole traps are a type of pest control device designed to catch and kill moles. They are typically used to control ground mole populations in lawns, gardens, and other outdoor areas.
Mole traps are designed to be placed in mole tunnels and trigger when the mole passes through them. The traps are typically constructed from metal, plastic, or wood and can be baited with food or other attractants.
Types of Ground Mole Traps
- Scissor traps – These traps are designed to close on moles when they walk through the tunnel, killing them instantly.
- Choker loops – These traps use a noose-like loop of wire that tightens around the mole when triggered, choking it to death.
- Mole killer traps – These are designed to kill moles with a lethal dose of poison.
Ground mole traps are an effective way to control mole populations in residential and commercial areas. If you have a mole problem in your yard, be sure to check out ground mole traps as a solution.
Different Types of Ground Mole Traps
Traditional Ground Traps
Traditional ground traps are the most common type of mole traps used for trapping moles. These traps are placed in the mole tunnel and are triggered when the mole runs over them. They are simple to set up and can be used in a variety of soil conditions.
Scissor Traps
Scissor traps are a variation of the traditional ground trap. They feature a pair of scissor-like jaws that are triggered by the mole and close shut, trapping the mole. Scissor traps are designed to be placed in the tunnel entrance, making them easy to set up and use.
Choker Loops
Choker loops are another type of mole trap that works by looping a wire or rope around the mole’s neck. When the mole runs through the loop, it tightens around the neck and kills the mole. Choker loops can be used in a variety of soil conditions, but they require more setup time than traditional traps.
Corkscrew Traps
Corkscrew traps are the most recent type of mole trap to be developed. They are designed to be placed in the mole tunnel and work by piercing the mole’s body and killing it. Although they are effective, corkscrew traps require more setup time and can be difficult to set up in some types of soil.
Setting Ground Mole Traps
1. Types of Mole Traps
- Scissor-type traps
- Saber-type traps
- Choker-loop traps
2. Preparing the Trap
- Use gloves while handling the trap
- Position the trap in the active tunnel
- Tamp the soil lightly to close the trap
3. Setting the Trap
- Place the trap perpendicular to the tunnel
- Set the trigger arm in the entrance of the tunnel
- Set the trigger plate in the closed position
4. Where to Buy Mole Traps?
- Hardware stores
- Garden stores
- Online stores
Where to Buy Ground Mole Traps
- Ground mole traps are effective at controlling ground moles and other burrowing animals.
- Ground moles can cause damage to gardens, lawns, and other landscaping, so it is important to take steps to control them.
- Ground mole traps are available at most home and garden stores, as well as online retailers such as Amazon.
- Most ground mole traps are designed to be placed in the moles’ runs and tunnels underground.
- When the traps are triggered, the moles are either killed or captured, depending on the type of trap.
- Some traps are designed to be humane, while others are designed to kill the moles.
- When choosing a ground mole trap, it is important to consider the size of the moles and the size of the area that needs to be treated.
- It is also important to read the instructions carefully to ensure that the trap is placed correctly and safely.
Benefits of Using Ground Mole Traps
- Effective: Ground mole traps are highly effective in eliminating moles from your property.
- Convenient: Ground mole traps are easy to install, set, and maintain.
- Safe: Ground mole traps are safe for people, pets, and other wildlife.
- Cost-Effective: Ground mole traps are a cost-effective solution to the problem of moles in your yard.
- Environmentally-Friendly: Ground mole traps are a safe and eco-friendly way to remove moles from your property.
Disadvantages of Ground Mole Traps
- Expensive – Ground mole traps can be expensive when compared to other methods of pest control.
- Time consuming – Setting and checking the traps can be time consuming and laborious.
- Inhumane – The traps can be considered inhumane by some as they can cause pain and suffering to the mole.
- Inaccurate – The traps may not be accurate in catching the moles as they may be too small to fit in the traps.
- Harmful to other wildlife – The traps can be harmful to other wildlife such as birds, lizards and other small animals.
Safety Considerations
- Wear protective gloves when setting and handling the traps.
- Keep children and pets away from the area when setting and checking the traps.
- Check the traps daily and dispose of any trapped moles humanely.
- Do not leave the traps unattended as other animals may get caught in them.
- Be aware of the laws in your area regarding trapping and disposing of moles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using ground mole traps for mole control?
- Quick and effective – Ground mole traps are the quickest and most effective method of controlling moles. They can be set up in a matter of minutes and provide immediate results.
- No chemicals – Ground mole traps are a humane way of controlling moles because they don’t involve the use of any toxic chemicals.
- Reusable – Unlike other methods of controlling moles, ground mole traps can be reused multiple times. This makes them a cost-effective option for getting rid of moles.
- Safe – Ground mole traps are completely safe to use and pose no risk to people or pets.
- Environmental friendly – Ground mole traps are an environmentally friendly way of controlling moles since they don’t involve the use of any chemicals that could harm the environment.
How often should the ground mole traps be checked?
Daily: Traps should be checked daily to ensure that any captured moles are removed and kept away from the property. This will also help to prevent the moles from suffering in the traps.
Weekly: Traps should be checked weekly to ensure that they are working properly and that the bait is still intact.
Monthly: Traps should be checked monthly to ensure that there are no signs of deterioration or damage that could impede their effectiveness.
Seasonally: Traps should be checked seasonally to ensure that they are still in good working condition and that the bait is still effective.
How do I know when a Ground Mole Trap has been Triggered?
- Noise: You may hear a loud click as the trap is set off.
- Movement: The trap may move slightly when the animal is caught, alerting you that it has been triggered.
- Visual: You may see the trap spring up when it has been triggered.
- Touch: You may feel a slight vibration if you place your hand on the trap when it has been triggered.
These are the primary ways to tell when a ground mole trap has been triggered. It is important to pay attention to the traps, as you may need to reset them if they were not successful in capturing the animal.
Are there any safety precautions for using Ground Mole Traps?
1. Wear gloves – Wear gloves when setting and releasing the trap.
2. Keep trap away from children and pets – Ground mole traps should be set in an area where children and pets cannot access them.
3. Read instructions – Read the instructions carefully before setting the trap to ensure it is used correctly.
4. Set trap in the right area – Place the trap in an area where moles are likely to be present.
5. Use caution when releasing the trap – When releasing the trap, use caution as the trap may contain a live animal.
6. Dispose of trap properly – Dispose of the trap properly by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Are there any other methods for controlling moles that might be more effective than ground mole traps?
Alternative methods of controlling moles include the use of sonic and ultrasonic devices, repellents, and poisons. Sonic devices use sound waves to scare moles away and can be effective, but may need to be used for long periods of time for the best results. Ultrasonic devices use high-frequency sound waves and are not audible to humans, but can be effective in deterring moles. Repellents are available in granular or liquid form and can be spread around the yard, but may need to be reapplied frequently. Poison baits, while not recommended, can also be used to kill moles, but they must be placed in areas where they will not be accessible to children or pets.
Conclusion
Ground mole traps are a humane and effective method of controlling moles in your yard. They are easy to use and can be placed in strategic areas to capture moles quickly and efficiently. Knowing the habits and behaviors of moles can help you identify problem areas and increase the effectiveness of mole traps. With the proper use of mole traps and other preventative measures, you can keep your yard looking great and free from mole damage.
