Gardening Information

Mole Traps: Can you use them?

by: Andy Beard

Mole control is one of the most complicated problems that
can face a gardening enthusiast.

It is not from lack of information. Plenty of information is
available. University research and white papers, government
brochures, and plenty of expert opinions.

It is not from a lack of products either. At any time there
are 10 or more different varieties of mole trap on sale,
plus various poisons and repellants.

The experts, university professors and even the government,
when they express an opinion, even come close to a
concensus. Mole traps are probably the most effective method
of mole control, if set correctly, checked on a regular
basis etc.

Most reports however take a very simplistic view:-

A single plot of land

No regard to whether neighbouring plots are residential, farmland or wooded.
No recommendations on how to co-ordinate efforts with
neighbours.
If one neighbour has a huge infestation of moles, but
refuses to take action, can they be force to do so? If you
used fumigation in such a case, could they hold you liable
for killing their moles?

Rules apply to specific locality

There are states in the US where the use of mole traps are
restricted. There are areas of Canada where both the Eastern
Mole and the Townsend mole are a protected species. The
bordering states in the US have no restrictions, yet species
conservation is meant to be a global concern.

Lethal methods of mole control can only be used in Germany where the moles are a confirmed hazard.
The use of traps in many US States currently falls under
hunting regulations which can require a license, and
specific measures to be taken. This is often not enforced.

About the author:
Andy Beard is researching mole control to combat the moles
in his garden. More information can be found at

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