Mole Trapping How To Trap Moles

Some Consumer Questions:

1. I have found tunnels and mounds in my yard and flower beds what in the world do I need to do now?
2. I think it may be Moles or Gophers, but what exactly is causing the problems?
3. How do I get rid of them and return my property to the beauty it once held?
4. Do I need to hire a professional service … or try to remedy the problem myself?

Reoccurring Consumer Scenario:

My neighbor told me to go to the hardware store and get a trap for Moles and Gophers, because it had
to be one of these two animals causing my heartache. However, when I got there I found that the
hardware store offered several traps for Moles and several for Gophers … but not a single trap for both
… why not? There were so many different styles, I was confused and didn’t purchase anything. Or …
there was a lot to choose from, so I bought one of each to make sure I got the correct one, but none
have been successful for me.

These are some of the questions we receive in our industry,.Now we will address several issues that
the consumers have, and clear up the questions.

The Consumers Education:

The consumer must first understand that Moles and Gophers are two completely different animals,
which share some similar characteristics. Both tunnel, and on occasion both will “mound” the dirt as
they push it out of a tunnel. However; Moles are insectivores and Gophers are herbivores. Generally
speaking, Gophers are also larger than most moles. This is the reason for the differences in traps for
both species. It should also be understood that the “traps” that are available on the public market, are
very “basic” in mechanical ability and effectiveness, and in every case, a mole trapping professional will
alter and modify these traps to be more effective in capturing Moles and Gophers. Years of “trial and
error” lessons have taught us to “set” and “place” traps in a particular manner, without regard to the
instructions that come in the boxes from the manufacturers. Unfortunately, consumers are led to
believe by manufacturers that their products are simple to use, and that anyone can be successful with
them. . The consumer will not be successful in their attempts at Moles and Gophers, nor any other
wildlife species without experience and understanding. At best, the consumer will just be “lucky”.
Luck will get a few, whereas experience brings success and this will achieve control.

Moles:

Yates and Pedersen (1982) list seven North American species of moles. They are the eastern mole
(Scalopus aquaticus), hairy-tailed mole (Parascalops breweri), star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata),
broad-footed mole (Scapanus latimanus), Townsend’s mole (Scapanus townsendii), coast mole
(Scapanus orarius), and shrew mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii).

The mole discussed here is usually referred to as the eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus). It is an
insectivore, not a rodent, and is related to shrews and bats.

True moles may be distinguished from meadow mice (voles), shrews, or pocket gophers—with which
they are often confused—by noting certain characteristics. They have a hairless, pointed snout
extending nearly 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) in front of the mouth opening. The small eyes and the opening of the
ear canal are concealed in the fur; there are no external ears. The forefeet are very large and broad,
with palms wider than they are long. The toes are webbed to the base of the claws, which are broad
and depressed. The hind feet are small and narrow, with slender, sharp claws