The Molecatcher - Warwickshire

  • Why do Moles create molehills?
  • Molehills are the excess soil created by Moles when digging their network of tunnels. Moles will dig or repair tunnells on a daily basis and clean out any soil debris from their existing runs. They are either tunnelling to move to a feeding ground, seeking a mate or extending the ground they have already established

     I have seven molehills in my garden, how many Moles are likely to be making them?
    There is no direct link between the numbers of molehills and the numbers of moles but the pattern and spacing can provide some guide to an experienced eye. If the molehills are new and in a particular area it is likely that there is just one mole but its territory could well be connected to others.

  • Once my Moles have been caught, will I get more?
  • This is one of the questions I get asked most often. If you have not suffered with mole problems before then it is less likely that you will suffer again in the future. In most domestic gardens I aim for complete clearance and will work with you to arrive at the best long term resolution of your problems. The likelihood of repeat problems also depends on the location as to how quickly this may happen. Moles are very territorial, so if you capture a Mole, its territory becomes vacant. If there are other Moles around, it is possible that they will take over the vacant run system. This is far more likely when the affected area is next to hedgerows or spinney's where there is a high population. Under these circumstances, it is always better to either agree a price for control for the year, or to consider engaging with your neighbours to allow a wider control programme and greater impact upon the local mole population. Collapsing the runs can help (digging in a line along the border of your property to break up the linking tunnels) 
    There are live catch traps available, can these be used and the Moles be moved?
  • There are Live Catch Traps available and, in experienced hands they can be set in some conditions to catch moles. However, one thing they are not is humane. Moles are very fragile creatures and need to be active over short cycles of rest, feeding and digging. They need frequent intake of food and water to survive. These traps simply cannot be checked frequently enough to find the mole in good enough condition to ensure its survival. Trapped in this way it is highly likely that the mole will stress to the point of death. There is then the matter of what to do with the live mole. In law it cannot be released without permission of the landowner and then it can only be released where it has a high chance of survival. If there are no moles already present, there is no proof that there is a sufficient and suitable food source available. If moles are present in the 'release area' it is highly probable that the already stressed mole will be killed by the resident moles ...... Not very humane!
    Do mole repellents work?
  • I have seen many examples of moles operating very happily in immediate proximity to windmills, buried bottles, vibrators, sonic emitters, hosepipes running for hours and mothballs!! In my opinion no they don't work. Moles are present in a particular area because there is a good food source and conditions are right for their survival. No amount of expensive 'garden ornaments' will deter moles..... You would be as well to push your wallet into its tunnels!

    Can I trap the Moles myself?
    Theoretically, yes you can. You will need to obtain good quality traps. Unfortunately most of the traps sold in Hardware stores and on the internet are cheaply made and have inherent design or quality problems. Professional molecatchers, like any craftsmen or women, will invest in the best tools they can because they will get the use back from them and they will consistently deliver effective results. Poor quality or badly set traps lead to moles being caught by their feet, skin or too low on the body to kill. This means that the mole will suffer greatly and will need dispatching. You must be prepared to deal with an injured mole if you set traps yourself. However much damage the mole is causing to your property, it still deserves respect and catching in a humane and responsible manner. Buying your own traps, without the experience of how and where to set them, might be considered irresponsible and is almost certainly a false economy. If you do wish to invest in your own traps and address the problems yourself I can provide basic training and advice on a one-to-one basis for an agreed sum.

    What do you do with the moles once caught?
     I will remove the caught moles from the traps on site and, subject to our initial agreement, will either bury them on site, leave them (bagged) for your disposal or remove them. I will take photographs of all moles caught and you have my word regarding the numbers of moles caught. Operating on trust is a significant feature of my work,  I too operate with the trust that I will be paid. The majority of my work comes from the referrals of satisfied clients which I would never jeopardise. My ultimate aim in any job is to catch the moles that are causing problems to you.