How To Catch Moles

If you’ve noticed mysterious mounds of soil ruining your lawn, you’re likely looking for information on how to catch moles. These small creatures can be frustrating for any gardener, but there are effective and humane ways to manage them.

This guide will walk you through the best methods, from understanding mole behavior to setting traps and using deterrents. You can reclaim your yard without causing unnecessary harm.

Before you try to catch a mole, it’s crucial to understand what you’re dealing with. Moles are insectivores, not rodents. They eat earthworms, grubs, and other soil insects. Their tunneling is a search for food, not an attack on your plants’ roots, though damage can occur incidentally.

Their main tunnels are the highways you see as raised ridges. The classic “molehill” is the soil excavated from a deeper, temporary tunnel. To catch them, you need to target their active runways.

Step 1: Locate an Active Tunnel

Not every tunnel is used daily. Finding an active one is the most important step. Here’s how:

Choose a straight section of surface tunnel, not a molehill.
Use your foot or hand to flatten a small section (about 6-12 inches).
Mark the spot with a stick, flag, or even a bit of bright tape.
Check back in 12-24 hours. If the tunnel is repaired and raised again, it’s active.

This simple test saves you time and ensures your efforts are focused where the mole is currently working.

Step 2: Choose Your Humane Catching Method

There are two primary humane approaches: live-catch traps and deterrents that encourage moles to leave. Trapping is often the most direct solution for an immediate problem.

Live-Catch Trap (The Most Effective Method)

These traps, like the scissor-jaw or choker-loop style, are placed in an active tunnel. They are designed to catch the mole alive. You must check them at least twice a day, morning and evening.

Here is the step-by-step process:

Wear gloves to handle the trap and dig, minimizing human scent.
At the marked active tunnel, carefully excavate a hole just large enough for the trap.
Set the trap according to its instructions and place it securely in the hole.
Cover the hole lightly with a board or sod to block all light. Moles are sensitive to light and air currents.
Check the trap frequently. A caught mole should be released in a suitable wooded or field area far from your and other people’s gardens.

Deterrents and Repellents

While not “catching” per se, these methods can make your yard less inviting. They work best for prevention or with minor infestations.

Castor Oil-Based Repellents: These granular or spray treatments make soil and grubs taste bad. They need to be applied regularly, especially after rain.
Vibrating Stakes/Solar Sonic Spikes: These devices emit vibrations or sounds that disturb moles. Their effectiveness varies with soil type and the stubbornness of the mole.
Reducing Food Source: Treating for lawn grubs can reduce a mole’s food supply, but earthworms are their main diet, so this has limited impact.

Step 3: Prevent Future Problems

After you’ve successfully managed the current mole, take steps to discourage new ones. A healthy, less bug-prone lawn is less attractive.

Maintain your lawn properly with regular aeration and dethatching.
Consider installing an underground barrier of hardware cloth around prized flower beds or small lawns. Bury it at least 2 feet deep with a bent “L” shape at the bottom facing outward.
Monitor for new activity regularly. Catching a problem early is always easier.

Methods to Avoid

Some traditional methods are neither effective nor humane and should be avoided.

Chewing Gum or Poison Baits: Moles eat insects, not gum or grain-based baits. These are ineffective and can harm other wildlife.
Flooding Tunnels: This rarely works due to their extensive network and can damage your lawn’s structure.
Broken Glass or Thorny Branches: These are cruel, pose a risk to you and pets, and are completely ineffective.

Sticking with proven, targeted methods is safer for everyone involved, including the ecosystem of your garden.

Common Mistakes When Trying to Catch Moles

Even with the right tools, simple errors can lead to failure. Here’s what often goes wrong:

Not verifying the tunnel is active before setting a trap.
Using too much force when excavating, which collapses the tunnel and alerts the mole.
Failing to block light from the trap set, causing the mole to avoid it.
Being impatient and moving traps too quickly. Give a method at least 3-4 days in an active zone.
Forgetting that multiple moles may be present. Catching one doesn’t always mean the job is done.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the fastest way to get rid of moles?

Properly setting a humane trap in a verified active tunnel is the fastest and most reliable method for immediate results. Deterrents take longer and are less guaranteed.

Can you catch a mole alive?

Yes, absolutely. Live-catch scissor or choker traps are designed specifically for this purpose. You must check them often to ensure the animals welfare after capture.

What do you do with a mole after you catch it?

Relocate it to a wooded area, field, or other natural space at least 5 miles away. Wear gloves, and release it near a log or brush pile where it can find cover quickly. Ensure the new location is away from other people’s gardens.

What time of day are moles most active?

Moles are active in short bursts throughout both day and night, spending most of their time resting in deeper chambers. There’s no single best time to check traps, so frequent checks are key.

Do mole repellents really work?

Castor oil-based repellents can have some effect, especially as a preventive measure. Sonic or vibrational stakes have mixed reviews; they work for some people and not for others, depending on many factors like soil density.

How many moles are usually in a yard?

Often, a single mole is responsible for the damage you see, as they are solitary and territorial. However, in large or resource-rich yards, you might have two or three. The extensive tunnel system can make it seem like a whole army.

Will moles eventually leave on their own?

They might if their food source disappears, but this is unreliable. Moles are persistent, and their tunneling can continue for seasons. Waiting them out often leads to more significant lawn damage.

Successfully managing moles requires patience and the right technique. By correctly identifying active runways and using a humane trap, you can solve the problem. Remember, persistence is more important than force. With this knowledge, you can protect your lawn while treating the wildlife with respect.