Moles, those tiny but relentless creatures, can wreak havoc by digging up to 18 feet per hour, leaving homeowners frustrated. But fret not! Mole traps offer a solution. With various types available, choosing the right one can be daunting. That's where we step in. Our curated list of the most popular mole traps of 2024, accompanied by a detailed buyer's guide, will help you select the ideal trap to keep your yard mole-free. From traditional claw traps to innovative scissor traps, we cover it all. And for the most effective and best mole traps on the market, look no further than Wire Tek.
Our Top Picks For Mole Traps
A Buyer's Guide to Finding the Best Mole Trap
Different Types of Mole Traps
Mole traps are classified into three different types: harpoon, choker, and scissor-jawed. Let’s take a look at how these differ:
Scissor-jawed
As the name suggests, this type of mole trap features scissor-like jaws. The jaws clamp shut when a mole passes between the trap, and these mole traps are most effective in killing moles instantly. These traps are relatively inexpensive and work in all types of soils, but they can be difficult to set up and require some physical strength to do so.
Harpoon
These mole traps are driven into the ground by a spring and feature pointed spikes that kill moles as they pass through. This kind of trap is very easy to set up and works great in shallow systems. Though these traps are effective, they’re not a good option for smaller moles that can easily escape the trap.
Choker
Also known as a nash trap, a choker trap features choker loops that tighten around the body of the mole, letting you kill moles quickly and cleanly without any bait. These traps are very safe and easy to set up, and since the frame’s moving parts go under the ground, these mole traps are safe to use around children as well. These traps do take more time to trigger than the rest of the options, though.
Choosing the Right Mole Trap
To pick the most effective mole trap, pay attention to the following factors:
Ease of use
Some mole traps can be extremely difficult to set up, and you can end up injuring your fingers in the process. To stay safe, you should look for a mole trap that’s easy to use. Some mole traps can be set up by yourself, but some require the assistance of another person. You should also check whether the mole trap you’re looking at requires digging or not; this can make a big difference in how easy it is to use.
Number of traps
Mole traps are usually reusable. Determine how many traps you’ll need to set up in the area to efficiently get rid of moles. Ideally, you should set up at least two to three mole traps to catch multiple moles at the same time. If the mole population terrorizing your yard is pretty large, you can add several more traps. The number of traps you’ll need all depends on how quickly you want the problem to be taken care of.
Effectiveness
A mole trap’s effectiveness typically depends on the type of trap you use. Some can trap all kinds of moles, while others are effective for larger moles but not smaller ones. You can also find traps that can help you catch more than just moles, such as gophers, mice, voles, and more.
Material
Check the material that a mole trap is made from. Galvanized traps made from stainless steel, metal, or aluminum are the sturdiest options available on the market. For peak performance, opt for a mole trap that features rust-resistant and weather-resistant properties, as these won’t easily be damaged by environmental factors.
If you’re looking at humane mole traps, these are usually made from plastic. These feature a hollow tunnel shape with a one-sided opening — once a mole enters the frame, it gets trapped until you release it. Plastic mole traps are usually corrosion-resistant and very lightweight.
Ground conditions
Ground conditions are another important factor to consider. Mole traps are most functional when they’re set underground inside a mole tunnel. This means that for a trap to be effective, its mechanism should be able to quickly move through dirt to catch the mole.
Keep in mind that moles usually prefer moist, sandy loam soils in gardens and lawns, and they tend to avoid dry, heavy clay soil. This is the type of ground you’ll want to set the trap in.
Moles or Gophers?
Moles are often mistaken for gophers, shrews, voles, and even mice. Since voles and shrews often use mole burrows for traveling, distinguishing moles from these critters becomes even more confusing. You’ll need to learn to differentiate between the three because gopher traps are not effective for moles, and vice versa. The damage done by gophers is usually far worse than what moles can manage.
The easiest way to differentiate mole mounds from gopher mounds is by their shapes — mole mounds are circular, whereas gopher mounds are usually fan-shaped or heart-shaped, with the hole to the tunnel plugged with soil.
People Also Asked
How many mole traps should I place in my garden?
This depends on the size of the area where you want to trap moles. Small gardens generally require two traps; medium gardens require four traps; and large gardens or lawns require six or more traps.
Which bait should I use with mole traps?
There are several different types of mole trap baits that you can work with. Peanut butter is a great bait option since moles are attracted to its fragrance. Other than that, earthworms are another effective option.
How often should I check mole traps?
You should check mole traps daily to make sure that any moles that might be trapped aren't suffering.