Do-it-yourself mole catcher: drawings and reviews of popular models

Mole: pest photo

Mole: features and infrastructure

Moles are gloomy, solitary animals. They live underground and rarely come to the surface. They feed on various insects, larvae, worms and slugs. But they are noble gluttons - they can easily covet a relative.

Moles build two different types of moves - deep and main. The first can be at a depth of about 2 meters, the second are walkable, at a depth of up to 20 cm. It is the passages that are a problem for gardeners.

Traces of the movement of moles.

Moles damage the roots with them, thereby disrupting the nutrition of plants. Rats and mice can settle in their passages, which cause even more harm.

You can visually identify by the appearance of heaps of dug fresh earth on the site. You need to correctly find the passage, which is the main one. To do this, you need to pick up a passage that is always straight and trample it a little, put a mark.

The mole will not build a new passage - he will definitely restore the old one, on which he will fall.

Types of mole catchers

There are several types of traps and mole traps that have a common meaning - to catch a mole. They differ from each other in the way they are installed and operated. Let's take a closer look at popular models.

Wire

A wire trap is the simplest and most inexpensive device. It is made in the form of an elongated spring with a loop, a guard, and a pressing foot.

The compressed spring is held by the gatehouse, which prevents the movement of the animal. 

Wire mole catcher.

When the pest tries to push it, the spring will open and the foot will be pressed against the loop. This is fraught with serious consequences for the mole, ranging from bleeding to complete rapid death. 

The price of these traps varies between 50 - 100 rubles. Efficiency is increased by having two traps at the same time. The death of the mole in this case is inevitable.

Setting the trap:

1. Open the stern passage.
2. Set the trap in such a way that the walls of the passage close tightly with the loops.
3. Cover the hole with a thick cloth.

Spring mole catcher: installation.

When installing two devices, the hinges must 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 that is inserted into the spring and rests against the walls.

This device can be made independently. 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 the trap is moved to another hole. You will have to make a maximum of 3 permutations to catch the animal.

The advantages include low price, durability. The downside is that it's difficult to install. Although many gardeners say that this is the best option.

Masher

Crusher for a mole.

It is possible to use mousetraps or rattraps in the form of a crusher. They are inexpensive and sold in many stores. The crusher differs from the previous version:

• the gatehouse is triggered by pulling (not pushing). It is finalized by themselves to take into account the specifics of the movement of the pest;
• the pressure bracket must not catch on the fabric or arch when thrown.

When the first problem occurs, they file the loop that fixes the gatehouse. The guard will work when the mole removes the loop. Earthworms are planted on it as a profit.

To avoid a hook on the vault, the placement is covered with a pot or bucket. There is enough space above the trap to trigger. It is also better to install 2 devices.

tunnel trap

Tunnel trap for a mole.

Compared to the previous two, there are disadvantages. This is a high price. The cost reaches 400 rubles. But the trap is able to replace 2 wire models. It is also worth paying attention to the complex institution 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 gatehouse, which interferes with it. As a result, a powerful spring drives the spokes that pierce the mole. Advantages - easy installation and visibility of the operation of the device.

The cost is quite high. On average - 1000 rubles. It is difficult to make such a device yourself. Also, this method is completely inhumane. Many people will not want to use it for this reason.

Trap - scissors

When triggered, the device compresses the sides of the animal. From injuries and hemorrhage, death occurs very quickly. The price is at the level of the harpoon variety. Among the domestic mole catchers, it is worth noting the Skat 62.

Installation Method:

1. The scissors are extended.
   

   Trap scissors.

2. Insert spacer.
3. Install pincers.
4. Cover with a bucket.
5. When it hits the spacer, the animal climbs up. The spreader lowers and the claws kill the pest.

Such devices are sold in the online store and business departments.

Expensive models and scarers

Solar powered repeller.

Expensive and high-quality are called original models with a complex design:

• SuperCatVoleTrap - the price is about 1500 rubles. The kit is equipped with a special device that gets into the pit very easily;
• Slope 63 - it is based on 2 pairs of scissors. Price - 1500 rubles;
• The Talpirid Mole Trap is a tricky trap but easy to set up. 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 garden or meadow. They negatively affect 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 secret service is the most expensive option. The price starts from 2000 rubles. Service workers are engaged in the whole process themselves. Effective, fast, and most importantly, does not require any effort. But expensive.

Baits

Unfortunately, baits will not help in the fight against moles. They are indifferent to poison pellets. They are almost impossible to poison.

The only option is to cut the earthworm apart in order to fill it with poison. The stirring of dying worms can attract pests. Eating them, the moles will die.

Moles are difficult to poison.

Actions after the elimination of the animal

Frightening and destruction is not a guaranteed solution to the problem. After a while, other representatives can penetrate the garden. Then repeat all the manipulations again.

To prevent intrusion:

• enclose the perimeter of the site with 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 (a more expensive method);
• in case of damage to the lawn, the grid is laid in a horizontal position, lowering to a depth of 5-10 cm under the required area.

Such work and materials cost a lot. Not everyone will be doing this.

Manufacture by own hands

In case of impossibility or unwillingness to kill pests, alternative options are used, home-made traps, which allow you to catch a live mole. A plastic pipe with a diameter of 7,5 cm is taken as a basis, and a length of 20 cm. Algorithm:

1. At one end, a door is installed that opens only inward. Tin door (thickness 1 mm).
2. Ears with holes are made in the upper part of the door. The top of the workpiece is cut, retreating 1 cm and bending the notched edge.
3. At the other end, a wire grate is attached.
4. Several 10 mm diameter holes are drilled in the upper part to observe the prey.

The principle of operation is simple - the animal gets inside, but cannot get out. It remains only to get it with a trap and shake it out.

Ready mole catcher, made by hand.

Conclusion

Each type of device shows good results. Any site owner chooses the best device, taking into account the cost and complexity of the installation.