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that drives moles away. This method is easy to use and only requires pounding the device into the ground near the active tunnel and activating the electric switch. Chemical repellents contain a compound the mole apparently finds offensive causing it to abandon the tunnel system. The user places the repellent compound directly within the tunnel system as with poison. Something to keep in mind about mole repellents of all kinds- they're not a permanent solution.

While the problem-free use of poisons and repellents appeal to some people, the most effective method for controlling a mole population is trapping. Not only effective, trapping is more popular with people who are concerned about the environment and do not wish to use poisons. There are several styles of traps available to consumers. Scissor traps are the most available followed by the tunnel trap and the spear trap. Scissor traps have two jaws, a strong spring and a trigger mechanism. The mole activates the trap by moving the trigger pan, and the jaws snap around the mole causing its death. Tunnel traps employ different engineering, but they have a choking loop or snare activated by a trigger that squeezes the mole to death. A spear trap has the most limitations, because it's effective only if the mole is within range of the long spears. The trigger mechanism is placed into the tunnel, and the spears penetrate the earth (and hopefully, the mole) when tripped.

To trap a mole, first locate a frequently used tunnel. This part of the tunnel will be marked with fresh dirt pushed out of the molehill. Dig a hole to access the tunnel and place the armed trap inside the hole according to the manufacturer's instructions. Moles are sensitive to light, so cover the trap completely with cloth, heavy newspaper, wood or a bucket. Check the trap once every 24 hours. Mole trapping requires a special trap and careful technique. Each failure requires the trapper to examine the set to determine what caused the catch to fail. Fixing the problem could be as simple as moving the trap to a different area or as complicated as modifying the trap.

If trapping becomes too tedious, there are also professional pest-control services that can rid your garden of moles. Their treatments are often expensive, ineffective and not available in every area. A person wishing to rid their garden of moles is surely going to face many choices and lots of molehills. The most important tool you need when battling with a determined mole is patience.

Learn more about this author, Tom Scapano.
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