Pointers for setting, loading, and placing mole traps.
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 Tomcat Mole Trap below, along with some extra tips.
Step 1: Locating Active Tunnels
Use a 1/2″ dowel or finger to puncture holes in tunnels. Mark holes with lawn flags or sticks. Be careful not to crush tunnels. Revisit after 24 hours. Sealed holes indicate mole activity. Sealed hole on left and unsealed hole on right.
Step 2: Preparing to Set the Trap
Use heel to create indentation for trigger in middle of active tunnel. Built in Depth Gauge should fit in indentation to confirm correct depth. Use trap jaws to mark tunnel on each side of the indentation made for trigger. Use lawn edger or square spade to cut and widen 5″ deep slots across tunnel for easy insertion of trap.
Step 3: Setting the Trap
Insert trap jaws into slots cut across the tunnel. Step straight down on high end of yellow foot pedal. Be careful not to cover the slot in foot pedal. Work foot pedal down until trap latches and trigger post comes through trigger slot. Use your foot or finger to press trigger post flush with top of foot pedal. The trap is now set.
Tip 1: Base of trap should be flat on the ground when trap is set correctly.
Tip 2: If trap will not set – DO NOT JUMP ON TRAP – see Troubleshooting below.
Tip 3: Poke a hole in tunnel 6″ away from each side of trap. After one week, if one or both holes have been sealed and the trap did not spring – see Troubleshooting below.
Step 4: Mole Trapping and Removal
A raised foot pedal indicates a trapping has occurred. Pull up from lawn and set the trap on bucket and release mole by compressing pedal with hands.
Moving and Reusing Mole Trap
If trap has not triggered after a week – Trap may be moved to a new location. Place foot lightly on pedal and use dowel to press the safety release button. Trap will spring upwards when latch is released. Remove trap and move to another active tunnel, repeating steps 2 and 3 to reset trap.
Before storing:
Trap should be cleaned so dried mud does not interfere with future trap use.
Mole Trap Parts
Troubleshooting
Trap won’t set – DO NOT JUMP ON TRAP to set. This trap will set easily if slots have been cut. If you continue to meet resistance – move trap to another tunnel location. Check that the trigger indentation has not filled while trying to set the trap. Repeat making the trigger indentation. Make sure mud isn’t interfering with the catch movement. Clean off trap and try another location.
Trap won’t spring – If the trigger post is up 1″ above foot pedal – use a spade to pry complete trap up from ground – this should spring the trap. Clean off dirt and mud then move to another tunnel location.
If you push the safety release button and the trap does not spring: follow the same steps as above.
When soil is very soft – The trap could be pushed too far into the ground. Try to find a firmer location.
To find information on the full range of solutions, check out the Mole & Gopher product page or try the TOMCAT Prowler Solution Finder to determine the right trap for you:
https://www.tomcat.com/smg/gocat/moles-and-gophers-mole-traps-tomcat/cat10720028
Or for help identifying a pest and finding the solution that’s best for you, try our Tomcat Prowler Tool:
https://www.tomcat.com/smg/templates/index.jsp?pageUrl=tomcatProwler
Additional Products
Mouse Traps:
https://www.tomcat.com/smg/gocat/tomcat-mouse-traps-mouse-traps-tomcat/cat10720002
Rat Traps:
https://www.tomcat.com/smg/gocat/tomcat-rat-traps-tomcat/cat10720018
Mole & Gopher Traps:
https://www.tomcat.com/smg/gocat/moles-and-gophers-mole-traps-tomcat/cat10720028
Other Pests:
https://www.tomcat.com/smg/gocat/tomcat-house-hold-pest-killers-for-roaches-and-insects-insect-killers-tomcat/cat10720036
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