Moles are not the most popular animals. Hardly a surprise, since their extensive digging can cause costs and problems below the surface, as well as the molehills they cause above ground. But catching moles isn’t always as easy as you might hope. Where should you place the mole clamps? When is the best time to place mole clamps? We answer these questions and more with 6 essential tips for catching moles.
Tip 1: Mole clamps must be placed firmly in the ground
Place the clamp securely in the ground! If the ground is too hard, let the clamp jump in advance. Always ensure that the tab of the mole clamp is sharp. If the tab is not sharp enough, the mole can push the clamp away. The tab in the middle of the clamp must be bent slightly downwards. Our Super Yankee clamp is easy to place and to tighten. Because of its long legs, this clamp can be used easily in loose soil. Another clamp that is fixed in the ground and is very suitable for clay soils is the mole clamp from Pest-stop. Kramp also stocks the mole clamp VVP1062 in its product range. This clamp is placed in the mole's underground corridor. Do you suffer from moles? Then use this clamp!
Moles can easily detect vibrations through their whiskers. When you see a mole rooting through the dirt and you are trying to catch it, the best way to do so is running into the wind.
Tip 2: Cover the mole clamp well!
Moles hate light. It is therefore important that the clamps are covered well with soil or grass. After all, moles can easily be caught by predators such as buzzards when they are on the surface, so they dig deep into the ground and avoid exposure. Daylight making its way underground will deter the mole from triggering your mole trap.
Tip 3: Place the mole clamps after mowing
The ideal time to install mole clamps in your meadow is after mowing. All of the old molehills will be gone and any new bumps will immediately stand out. This way you can easily see if there are any moles and where they are located. Do you really want to get rid of the moles fast? Then place your mole clamps after every cut.
In the mating season (February-April) males start looking for females. They leave their territory and dig long tunnels, until they have found the territory of a female. These underground tunnels remain intact during the mating period. Spring is therefore a good time to place clamps, because moles are more active and less wary.
Tip 4: Start on the outside of the land
Where does the mole spend most of his time? A mole heads for water every day to drink. So, start with the ditch and on the outside of the meadow. This way, you will have a better chance of catching the mole. The underground corridors of the mole comprise its territory; the size of a male’s territory covers up to 3000 m2 and a female’s territory up to 2000 m2. Their underground corridors can be found very deep in the ground.
Tip 5: Mark the clamps after placing them
Mole clamps can last for a very long time. It is therefore a shame to lose them. You can prevent losing them by marking the clamps with a stick so that you will easily find them again, even when your grass grows long. To find them even easier, you could mark or paint the clamps with paint or tape.
Tip 6. Place the clamps on a dam
If there is a dam next to your land, we recommend placing your mole clamp there. Moles use dams a lot, because it is kind of a road crossing for them. This makes them an ideal spot to catch moles. Please do be careful with the exact placement of the clamp: it cannot be close to your cattle or tractors.
Do you seem to have a lot of moles? On average there are around 25 moles per hectare of land! Use these tips for catching them and make sure you coordinate your mole-catching methods with your neighbours. Otherwise, the moles may find safe haven in your neighbours’ land and will soon return.
Do you have any questions about catching moles or about the best mole clamps? Take a look at the our mole clamps on our webshop and contact your account manager for more information.
