How to Set an Easy Mole Trap

Set Up Takes Just a Few Simple Steps

The Tomcat® Mole Trap offers speed and safety in controlling moles. This specially designed "hands-free" mole trap is fast and easy to place and set. Learn how to use the Tomcat® Mole Trap along with additional tips.

How to Use a Tomcat® Mole Trap

Step 1: Locate Active Tunnels

The Tomcat® Mole Trap needs to be set in a main runway. These are the main tunnels most frequently traveled by the mole. They are usually straight or will follow the perimeter of your yard. To determine if a tunnel is a main runway:

• Use a 1/2" dowel or your finger to puncture holes in the tunnels. Be careful not to crush the tunnels.


• Mark the holes with lawn flags or sticks.


• Revisit after 24-48 hours. If the hole has been repaired, it indicates it's a main runway being used by the mole.

Step 2: Prepare the Tunnel

Once you have found an active tunnel, you will need to prepare the tunnel before you can set the trap. First, use your heel to create a 1-inch indentation for trigger in middle of the active tunnel. (The built-in Depth Gauge should fit in the indentation to confirm that it's the correct depth.) Then use the trap jaws to mark the tunnel on each side of the indentation you just made for the trigger and use a lawn edger or square-bladed spade to cut and widen 5-inch deep slots across the tunnel so the trap can be easily inserted.

Step 3: Insert Trap

Once you have the area of the tunnel prepared, it's time to set the Mole Trap. Insert the trap jaws into the slots you cut across the tunnel.

Step 4: Set Trap

Then step straight down on the high end of the yellow foot pedal. (Be careful not to cover the trigger slot on the pedal with your foot.) Continue to push the foot pedal down until the trap latches and the trigger post comes through the trigger slot.

Step 5: Activate Trigger

Finally, use your foot to press the trigger post flush with the top of the foot pedal. (The base of the trap should be flat on the ground when it is set correctly.) Your Tomcat® Mole Trap is now set.

Step 6: Removing a Trapped Mole

When the foot pedal is in the raised position it indicates that you've trapped a mole.

Then to release the mole, set the trap on a bucket and compress the foot pedal with your hand.

Tips & Troubleshooting

1. If the trap won't set:

• Do not jump on it! If slots were cut in the tunnel, the trap should set easily. If you continue to meet resistance, move the trap to another tunnel location.


• Check that the trigger indentation has not filled in with soil while you tried to set the trap. Make the trigger indentation again and then continue to reset the trap.


• Make sure mud isn't interfering with the trap's catch movement. Clean off the trap and then try setting it in another location.

2. Poke a hole in the tunnel 6-inches away from each side of the trap. After one week, if one or both of the holes have been sealed and the trap didn't spring check the trigger post. If it is up 1-inch above the foot pedal, use a spade to pry the trap up from the ground which should spring the trap. Clean off any dirt and mud then move the trap to another tunnel location and reset.

3. If you push the safety release button on the trap and it doesn't spring, follow the same steps as above.

4. If the soil is very soft, the trap could be pushed too far into the ground. It is better to set the trap in a location with firmer soil.

Moving & Reusing

If there has been no activity after a week move the trap to a new location. To release the trap, place your foot lightly on the pedal and a use dowel to press the safety release button. (The trap will spring upwards when the latch is released.)

Before storing, the trap should be cleaned so dried mud does not interfere with future trap use.

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Source: https://www.tomcatbrand.com/en-us/library/using-mole-and-gopher-traps/how-use-tomcat-mole-trap

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