What can I say - among all the creatures that live in our gardens, the mole has perhaps the most controversial image. A furry and cute-looking body with a blind but funny muzzle can delight many, but in reality this animal is one of the worst pests in the garden. Leaving him without attention and showing mercy is more expensive for yourself. Moles are famous for their excellent appetite and eagerly devour earthworms, which are doing their best to process our soil into useful humus. In addition, rhizomes of garden and vegetable crops fall on the mole's tooth, which, after meeting this creature, begin to wither and disappear in their prime. No, the mole does not feed on plants, but it spoils the roots that come across its path. Many people believe that garden beds beckon him with the presence of tasty things, but in fact, mole holes are found in abundance everywhere - not only in the beds, but also on unplowed virgin soil, abundantly overgrown with weeds. Another thing is that it is easier for him to dig his own passages in the beds - the earth has already been dug up, making it looser.
Mole: photo of the pest
Mole: underground dweller.
Working mechanisms
If the mole population exceeds 5-10 individuals, then you cannot do without traps. They work flawlessly. You can make the structures yourself, but it is preferable to purchase spring triggers in specialized stores. Thus, you will not get hurt during the manufacturing process, the design will be durable, and in case of breakdown or failure to perform functions, you can always order repairs using a warranty card.
Trap for an underground animal
A mole trap is a ready-made device, upon contact with which the animal is killed by suffocation or fracture of the cervical vertebrae. The basis for traps is a wire base.
You can free territories from moles using scissor traps, plunger mechanisms, all kinds of nooses, and crossbows.
Catch with a scissor trap
By choosing a trap presented in a design similar to scissors, you will certainly know that it has worked. This type of mole trap is quite well known among gardeners due to its advantages:
- It's easy to install. You need to insert the handles into the soil and cock the mechanism.
- You can see that the trap has worked even from afar.
- Sensitivity is adjustable.
Disadvantages of the pest control method:
- The small size is sometimes not enough to place the device in a tunnel at depth.
- If you don't adjust the sensitivity, it triggers on leaves, stones, and nuts.
- In cold weather, frozen handles do not function.
Since the main harvest time is the summer-autumn season, and fresh passages are located near the surface, the disadvantages will not play a decisive role during the purchase.
Skat-1 system against the blind beast
Plunger designs
In terms of efficiency, plunger designs are not inferior to scissor traps. There are two main types: “Scat-1”, “Scat-2”. A mole trap, regardless of type, is designed to kill underground inhabitants.
The operating principle of Skat-1 is similar to the operation of a crossbow. To start work, you need to stick the legs into the soil on the sides of the mole's hole, cock the spring, which inserts the guard into the hole.
Hitting the guard, a spring is activated, which releases three spokes into the mole, killing the animal.
How does Skat-2 work? Catching occurs similarly to the first plunger design, only, having touched the guard, the staples clamp the pest, breaking the backbone or limbs.
This method of fighting is considered professional, although live traps will bring more results, since after the plunger mechanism is triggered, you need to re-tension the spring, but a large pipe can accommodate 2-3 adult individuals at once.
Will a loop trap work?
A suffocating trap for a mole is made of wire. This loop is easy to make yourself. If you don’t have enough time, then similar mechanisms can be found in agricultural stores; the price relative to other traps is not so high.
Mole: features and infrastructure
Moles are sullen, solitary animals. They live underground and rarely come to the surface. They feed on various insects, larvae, worms and slugs. But they are notorious gluttons - they can easily covet a relative.
Moles build two different types of tunnels - deep and main. The first can be at a depth of about 2 meters, the second through passages, at a depth of up to 20 cm. It is the passages that are a problem for gardeners.
Traces of mole movement.
Moles damage roots with them, thereby disrupting plant nutrition. Rats and mice can settle in their passages, which cause even more harm.
It can be visually identified by the appearance of heaps of freshly dug earth on the site. You need to find the right passage, which is the main one. To do this, you need to select a passage that is always straight, trample it a little, and put a mark.
The mole will not build a new passage - he will definitely restore the old one, which is what he will get caught doing.
Common Mistakes
There is an opinion that a family of moles can be driven away from the site using products with a pungent odor placed in different places on the land. This is a mistake; small diggers sprinkle soil on the side where the bad smell comes from.
Another common mistake is using noise scares. Completely useless things. Moles happily settle near highways and railways.
Types of mole traps
There are several types of traps and mole traps that have the general purpose of catching a mole. They differ in the way they are installed and operated. Let's take a closer look at popular models.
Ever seen a live mole?
Never happened
Wire
A wire trap is the simplest and most inexpensive device. It is made in the form of an elongated spring that has a loop, a guard, and a pressing foot.
The compressed spring is held by a guard, which prevents the animal from moving.
Wire mole trap.
When the pest tries to push it, the spring will open and the paw will be pressed against the loop. This is fraught with serious consequences for the mole, ranging from bleeding to complete and rapid death.
The price for these traps varies between 50 – 100 rubles. Efficiency increases when two traps are present at the same time. The death of the mole in this case is inevitable.
Trap installation:
- The stern passage is opened.
- Set the trap so that the walls of the passage close tightly with the loops.
- Cover the hole with thick cloth.
Spring mole trap: installation.
When installing two devices, the hinges should be directed in different directions to avoid contact. If there is a stopper, it should rest against the bottom. In its absence, it is appropriate to use a nail, which is inserted into a spring and rests against the walls.
You can make this device yourself. However, the store price is quite cheap. It will not be difficult for any consumer to purchase such a product.
The result usually exceeds all expectations. Often within two days you can catch the animal. If this does not happen, then move the trap to another hole. You will have to make a maximum of 3 rearrangements to catch the animal.
The advantages include low price and durability. Disadvantage: complicated installation. Although many gardeners note that this is the best option.
Masher
Mole crusher.
It is possible to use mousetraps or rat traps in the form of a crusher. They are inexpensive and sold in many stores. The crusher differs from the previous version:
- The trigger is triggered by tension (not push). They modify it themselves to take into account the specifics of the pest’s movement;
- The pressing bracket should not catch on the fabric or arch when repositioning.
When the first problem occurs, the loop securing the guard is filed down. The guard will work when the mole removes the noose. Earthworms are planted on it as bait.
To avoid getting caught in the arch, the placement area is covered with a pan or bucket. There is enough space above the trap to trigger it. It is also better to install 2 devices.
Tunnel trap
Tunnel trap for mole.
There are some disadvantages compared to the previous two. This is a high price. The cost reaches 400 rubles. But the trap can replace 2 wire models. It is also worth paying attention to the complex installation of the device.
The advantage is that it is not covered. By the raised spring, you can understand that the animal has fallen into a trap.
Harpoon trap
Harpoon trap.
Passing under the trap, the pest pushes the guard, which interferes with it. As a result, a powerful spring drives the spokes, which pierce the mole. Advantages: easy installation and visibility of the device operation.
The cost is quite high. On average - 1000 rubles. Making such a device yourself is difficult. This method is also completely inhumane. Many people won't want to use it for this reason.
Trap - scissors
When triggered, the device squeezes the sides of the animal. Death occurs very quickly from injuries and hemorrhage. The price is at the level of the harpoon variety. Among the domestic mole traps stands Fr.
Installation method:
- The scissors are pulled apart.
Trap scissors.
- Insert the spacer.
- Install the claws.
- Cover with a bucket.
- When it hits the strut, the animal climbs up. The spacer lowers and the claws kill the pest.
Such devices are sold in online stores and hardware departments.
Expensive models and scares
Solar powered repeller.
Original models with a complex design are called expensive and high-quality:
- SuperCatVoleTrap – price about 1500 rubles. The kit is equipped with a special device that gets into the hole very easily;
- Skat 63 – it is based on 2 pairs of scissors. Price – 1500 rubles;
- Talpirid Mole Trap is a complex trap, but easy to install. The mechanism resembles scissors.
Various ultrasonic repellers are installed around the perimeter of the site and launched. They must be tuned to the desired frequency and work throughout the entire garden or meadow. They have a negative effect on rats and mice. But you should be careful, because pets and livestock are sensitive to ultrasound.
Repellers have a good effect. However, traps are more reliable.
Calling the special services is the most expensive option. The price starts from 2000 rubles. The service workers handle the entire process themselves. Effective, fast, and most importantly, does not require any effort. But it's expensive.
Lures
Unfortunately, bait will not help in the fight against moles. They are indifferent to granules with poison. They are almost impossible to poison.
The only option is to cut the earthworm into pieces in order to fill it with poison. The movement of dying worms can attract pests. By eating them, the moles will die.
Moles are difficult to poison.
What are the traps?
A mole trap can be of two types:
- lethal;
- live trap
Most lethal traps are manufactured industrially, as their manufacture requires factory parts of a specific shape, size and industrial processing.
Lethal include
- "scissor trap";
- mole trap;
- plunger trap;
- wire loop;
- a device that pierces the body of an animal from above.
Of all these devices, the easiest to make with your own hands is the last one. And the most effective and easiest to install is a trap. But making a mole trap with your own hands based on a factory model will be difficult for the average summer resident. It’s much easier to make an analogue for catching a live animal.
You can make a wire loop yourself. It strangles the animal when it gets into the trap. The diagram is shown below.
Mole trap
On a note!
Almost all of these traps, except the trap, do not work well when rocks or soil hit the moving parts.
Actions after eliminating the animal
Scare and destruction are not a guaranteed solution to the problem. After a while, other representatives may enter the garden. Then all the manipulations are repeated again.
To prevent intrusion:
- fence the perimeter of the site using a special mesh or slate. They are buried in a trench (depth 70 - 80 cm). The height above the surface is 20 cm. A solid strip foundation is also suitable (more expensive method);
- If the lawn is damaged, lay the mesh in a horizontal position, lowering it to a depth of 5–10 cm under the required area.
Such work and materials cost a lot. Not everyone will do this.
Planting repellent plants
This method of pest control is not as effective when compared with the use of various traps and baits. In addition, achieving results requires patience. However, the advantages include the opportunity to further improve the garden plot.
Among the “live” mole repellents are:
- Flower crops. These include marigolds, sage, calendula, chrysanthemum, irises, petunia, nasturtium, imperial hazel grouse, and Siberian scilla. It is recommended to plant them near the beds. It is also permissible to use infusions based on these plants.
- Garden crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, onions (including decorative ones), garlic, parsley, caraway seeds, dill. The effectiveness of planting crops is due to the high content of phytoncides in them, which have a repellent effect on moles.
- Insecticides of wild origin, some of which are harmful to humans. Among the safe ones are bird cherry, tobacco, spurge, burdock, mustard, and wormwood.
DIY making
If it is impossible or unwilling to kill pests, alternative options are used, homemade traps, which allow you to catch a living mole. The basis is a plastic pipe with a diameter of 7.5 cm and a length of 20 cm. Algorithm:
- A door is installed at one end that opens only inward. Tin door (thickness 1 mm).
- Ears with holes are made in the upper part of the door. Cut the top of the workpiece, retreating 1 cm and bending the cut edge.
- A wire grill is attached to the other end.
- Several holes with a diameter of 10 mm are drilled in the upper part to observe the prey.
The principle of operation is simple - the animal gets inside, but cannot get out. All that remains is to take it out with the trap and shake it out.
Ready-made mole trap, made by yourself.
Three shovels
A method of catching moles from a series of oddities and for those who have nothing else to do in the country. They can also be classified as traps, although it would be more correct to call them an ambush. This method requires 3 shovels. We stick the first one across the mole passage and trample the earth on both sides. Now we wait for the animal to appear. His appearance will be noticeable by the movement of the earth.
It is unknown when the animal will appear. If you are lucky and the mole is discovered, we stick a second shovel behind the mole. Now, with the third shovel, we quickly dig out the animal before it has time to dig another hole.
Tin repellers
Many summer residents, going to their dacha in the summer, stock up on beer in metal cans. After the beer is drunk, many summer residents throw them away, but in vain! After all, they can be used to make an effective mole repeller.
And again, you can start with the simplest option, when the beer can is simply put on the pin. The jar is light enough, so it begins to make sounds at the slightest wind. If you take a rope and sort of string the jars on it so that they touch each other, like a garland. This garland can be mounted on two pins made of wood or metal. The most difficult option is the spinner.
Products made from such scrap materials are light, simple, but effective.
In the photo below you can see a more complex design of the repeller.
Not everyone can install such a mechanism, although in fact it is not that complicated if you study it in more detail.
general information
A large number of moles appear in gardens in the first half of summer. This occurs due to the fact that the upper soil layer of forests and meadows becomes scarce and depleted. And garden associations and summer cottages with their fed “fat” soil, teeming with all kinds of living creatures, attract moles like a magnet.
During a short hunt for its food, a mole can dig up the entire area up and down, while spoiling a vegetable garden, beds with crops or a beautiful lawn. To prevent this from happening, you need to know how to get rid of an uninvited guest. If you do everything consistently, the result will be definitely positive and the mole will leave the area where he is not welcome.
Mole
There is an opinion that moles are afraid of unpleasant odors. As a result, some summer residents water their gardens with carbide and kerosene, scatter rotten fish around the area and use smoke bombs. However, such methods are unlikely to suit good gardeners - is it possible to have a good rest in a plot that constantly stinks of rotten meat and kerosene?! Therefore, people are looking for alternative ways to fight.
Attention! Industrial enterprises have developed and produce various types of electronic repellers. But their price is quite high
Experienced summer residents know that moles cannot stand any kind of noise. They do not like the sound of metal, the crack of plastic, or the ticking of an alarm clock. It was these characteristics of the animal’s character that served as the theoretical basis for the creation of various types of mole repellers.
Storage
In winter or during periods of heavy rain, the mole repeller must be pulled out of the ground. This will extend its validity. But what to do, because when installing the device, you compacted the soil tightly in the area where the mole repeller is located? Customer reviews indicate that it is not easy to pull it out. Especially if its body is made of plastic. You have to dig around the device so as not to damage it.
After being removed from the ground, the batteries are removed from the device and stored until spring. If the case is metal, the storage location should be dry. For a repeller powered by electric batteries, remove the cover and disconnect the wire from the connector.
The question is blunt: to eliminate or not to eliminate
Now let's move on from the lyrics to action. No matter how pleasant the mole may be and no matter how much pity we feel for it, we need to get rid of it. Get rid of it - the garden and your crops will breathe a sigh of relief. If you don’t get rid of it, it will rid your area of worms, and then difficult times will come. It is not at all necessary to kill the animal; it is enough to simply catch it in one of the traps and take it as far as possible from your area. Catch it - and you can show the little animal to your children, who are always interested in such finds. In general, the capture process can also be made enjoyable, especially by diluting it with the realization that now you are providing great help to your site.
There is no doubt that the best way to get rid of moles are mole traps. Unlike chemicals, they do not scare away the animal, but physically eliminate it or simply capture it. It all depends on the type of trap installed. Often traps can be purchased at gardening stores, but you can build something with your own hands. We bring to your attention one of these homemade products. It is not difficult to do it yourself, and the efficiency with proper installation will pleasantly please you.
Crossbows
There is also a very complex and dangerous method of destroying moles with crossbows. Let's consider it as an example of the lengths people go to when trying by any means to destroy the underground inhabitants on their site.
So, how does a crossbow work: when the animal moves, a pipe is installed, sealed on one side, into which gunpowder is poured and shot is loaded. A nichrome wire is connected to the gunpowder through a thin hole, and a motion sensor is connected to it, installed 20-30 cm along the hole. When a mole passes under the sensor, it turns on the battery, it heats up the wire and after a split second the crossbow fires.
It is clear that the mole dies after this. It is also quite obvious that the design of such a crossbow is many times more complex than the use of any other homemade traps. Perhaps, the use of crossbows today is more the lot of flayer enthusiasts who are willing to spend their time and effort on inventing more and more sophisticated ways of killing animals.
