How To Set/place A Mole Trap Properly ?

How to set/place a mole trap properly ?

Setting a mole trap properly is key to successfully catching the critters. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Locate fresh mounds of dirt or sunken spots in your lawn, which typically indicate an active mole tunnel.
Test the ground around the mound: If it feels soft or spongy, that’s a good sign that there’s a tunnel below. If there’s no obvious mound, look for places where the grass is flattened or the soil looks disturbed.

Snap traps: These are the most common and effective type of mole traps. They work like a spring-loaded mechanism that snaps shut when the mole triggers it.
Live traps: If you prefer to relocate the mole, a live trap might be a better option. It’s less invasive but can be trickier to set up.
Tunnel traps: These fit into the mole’s tunnel and are triggered when the mole passes through.

Gently clear the soil over the mole tunnel without collapsing it. If you’re using a snap trap, make sure the tunnel is free of dirt and debris.
If the tunnel is large, you might need to dig it out a bit to fit the trap properly.
Ensure the trap fits snugly: The trap should fit snugly into the tunnel, but the mole should still be able to move through it. If it’s too loose, it may not trigger, and if it’s too tight, the mole might avoid it.

Set the trap: If you’re using a snap trap, carefully set it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Place it so the trigger is facing the direction the mole is likely to travel.
Position the trap correctly: The trap should be placed directly in the center of the tunnel, with the trigger mechanism positioned in line with the mole’s usual path. The mole will likely move through this tunnel, triggering the trap when it crosses it.
Bury the trap: Lightly cover the trap with dirt, making sure the tunnel is not disturbed. You want the mole to pass through the trap without sensing any obstruction. Make sure the soil around the trap is firm, as moles are sensitive to vibrations and may avoid it if it feels unstable.

Check the trap at least once a day to see if you’ve caught the mole. Moles are nocturnal, so they tend to be most active at night, but they can be active at any time.
If you’re using a live trap, be sure to release the mole far away from your property, ideally in a wooded area where it won’t return.

If you’ve caught one mole, there may be more in the area, as moles often live in small colonies. After catching one, move the trap to other parts of your lawn or garden where you notice new mounds or signs of digging.

Setting a mole trap takes a bit of patience and precision, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a pretty reliable way to handle the problem.

By Gemma Sellings Moles, News