MOLE TRAPPING
(The Half Barrell, 'Duffus' or Tunnel Trap and the Claw or 'Talpex' Trap)
"What have the Romans ever done for us?" - I hear you say! ....Well, they trapped moles for a start - using earthenware pots sunk into the ground as drop-traps.
Fortunately things have moved on and we now have well engineered and tested material available to produce precision made traps.
I rely principally upon two types - The Half Barrel (Often referred to as the Duffus) and the Claw Trap (Often referred to as the Talpex) - (Trade names).
The traps are used similarly, in that they are placed directly into the existing tunnel made by the mole, but both suit different conditions and mole behaviour. the Half Barrel has the added bonus of catching at both ends independently, meaning that two moles can be caught in one 'setting'.
"I only use the highest quality traps available."
This ensures that spring strength is maintained, the engineering ensures smooth action and the traps will catch the mole accurately, when set correctly. This combination of trap type, quality and setting skill, leads to a swift and humane dispatch of the mole. (Please note my comments in FAQ's about cheap / poor quality traps)
- Once on site I will survey the pattern of mole activity and identify the underground runs / tunnels, which connect the visible activity on the surface ( molehills).
- I will then cut into the ground, carefully removing and retaining the sod of turf.
- The trap is placed into the ground and covered over with loose soil. Half barrel traps will be completely covered, whilst Claw traps may be partially visible.
- I will then mark the trap with a small 'flag' placed nearby. Unfortunately there are people who will recognise these types of markers and on seeing them seek to vandalise or steal the traps. For that reason, in areas where the public might have access or a view, I use more discrete markings.
I ask you to exclude young children and animals from the area and to alert Gardeners, farm workers etc to the presence of mole traps. (Mole traps make a mess of lawnmower blades and conversely lawnmower blades make a mess of mole traps!)
In some circumstances I will 'fence off' the trapping area to keep people, particularly children and dogs away. Whilst the traps would have to be interfered with to cause any problems, the strong springs mean that some damage could be caused to little fingers or wet shiny noses!
- I complete a record of the number of traps on site and leave to return on a later day.
- On return, I check the site for signs of further mole activity and remove any caught moles from the traps before re-setting.
- I often bag caught moles and either remove them from the site or leave them for your inspection as agreed.
- I may replace or move traps at any given stage. I maintain this cycle of checking until the damage ceases or is reduced to a level agreed with you.
- I then remove all traps, returning the sods of turf to the holes and make good the trap-site.
Subject to our initial agreement, and in the event of fresh mole activity within 14 days, I will return to the site and continue as if it were part of the original agreement.
I provide written invoices and ask for prompt payment.
You are delighted with the service and tell all your friends..........................................The End!