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The mole (Talpa europaea) is a common British mammal and although rarely seen, due to its subterranean existence, its presence is well marked by the appearance of ‘molehills’ above ground, produced as a result of its underground tunnelling activity.
Molehills and tunnels can be a real nuisance in gardens, golf courses, race-courses and other amenity areas.
Moles are territorial creatures, living alone in an extensive network of tunnels covering anything up to 4 acres, in soils suitable for tunnelling. Almost blind but with a good sense of smell, moles feed predominantly on earthworms which they unearth during their tunnel digging activities. Several young are born every spring but within five to six weeks they move out, over-ground, to establish their own territories. If you have a mole in the garden it is probably only one mole.
Trapping
Very labour intensive, traps may have to be moved several times before the mole is caught but the traps last a long time .Although trapping is regarded by some as old-fashioned , using them is labour intensive, site visits are required to check the traps but results can be seen
There are a number of different types of traps that are used, we use the ‘Tunnel’ type. It fits under the soil so it can’t be seen as can most others. There is a humane trap available but it rarley works and cost is more.
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