Control methods for Moles

The mole is excluded from the Wildlife Act and classified as vermin. It can therefore be destroyed, COPR (1986). There are a number of control methods available including non chemical control methods and chemical control methods.

The mole is sensitive to scent and changes in vibration, there are a number of electronic sonic vibration devices on the market. An inexpensive vibration device can be made from empty bottles or tins sunk in the soil so that the wind causes a vibration. Another non chemical method is to put in place a physical barrier. The fencing must be buried to a depth of 0.45m. All have limited success. Scent repellent devices are forms of chemical control. They use rags soaked in a number of highly pungent fuels or chemicals. Smoke generators are available and are deployed in the runs. All have limited success as the choice of fumes needs to be regularly changed.

Prior to 1st September 2006 Strychnine was a main method of control used in conjunction with trapping. As of 1st September 2006 strychnine (strychnine hydrochloride) is not authorised for supply or use for mole control, SEERAD Pesticide Safety Directorate and Defra.

Trapping is the most effective method of control, but is a skilled task. It is recommended that a professional mole catcher is employed, the most effective time being October and April, when the tunnelling is closer to the surface. In the UK there are two traps currently in use, the barrel trap which is most reliable but barbaric and to be used as a last resort or the calliper/pincer trap which is better in deeper runs.

Trapping is a last resort. I would suggest that a client perseveres with the vibration and barrier deterrents. This suggestion is however very unlikely to provide a permanent solution to the removal of the mole from the garden.