RODENTS AND MOLES AS PESTS IN BULB PLANTINGS 



11 



MOLES 



The only remedy for the mole nuisance that has been found to be 

 consistently effective is the trap. The animal is easily taken in 

 specialty designed traps adapted to its peculiar habits. Mole traps 

 on the market are of two general types, the gripping (figs. 6 and 

 7) and the harpoon. Gripping traps are of several designs, includ- 

 ing the scissors-jaw trap (fig. 6, A), the choker-loop trap (fig. 6, B), 

 and the diamond-jaw trap (fig. 7). The harpoon, or spear-type, 

 trap, is used more commonly in the eastern part of the country, 

 where the moles throw up few mounds but make mainly the ridged 

 runways. The other types are used along the Pacific coast. Wher- 

 ever possible, however, traps of any of the three types should be set 

 in unbroken land, such as in sod, along fence rows, and in paths 

 where the runways are more likely to be of a permanent nature. 

 Best results are obtained when the soil is moist. 



All gripping-type traps are set in practically the same manner. 



Figure 6. 



-Mole traps of the gripping type, in position for a catch : A, scissors-jaw 

 trap ; B, choker-loop trap. 



By selecting a fresh mound and probing around or directly under 

 it with a slender rod, one can locate a straight stretch of runway 

 essential to the proper setting of these traps. Dig. a hole across the 

 runway no longer than the width and length of the trap, keeping in 

 mind that the trigger pan is set at right angles to the course of the 

 runway. The hole should be an inch deeper than the lower level of 

 the runway. After removing the dirt from the hole construct a nar- 

 row ridge of firmly packed soil across the center of the hole, about 3 

 inches high, obstructing at right angles the course of the runway. 

 Set the trap and place it in the hole, pressing the trigger firmly 

 upon the constructed ridge. The jaws or loops should encircle the 

 course, of the opened runway and rest firmly on the bottom of the 

 excavation. To exclude all light from the ends of the runway, fill 

 in the hole with moist soil, free from sticks, stones, or clods that 

 might interfere with the operation of the trap. The choker-loop 

 type is preferable, in gravelly and heavy clay soil. Either type may 

 be used in fine soil. For deep runs, additional digging is necessary 

 to allow the heavier metal parts of the loop to rest on the level. 



