Rules, Notes and Recipes 
193 
A mole trap can be successfully operated only when set on that 
part of a mole runway which is near the surface and has the soil 
raised into a distinct ridge, newly worked. Freshly broken soil usually 
indicates that the tunnel is in use. When in doubt, the operator may 
make a small break in the ridge and observe whether the mole repairs 
it within a few hours. Specific directions are given with the various 
traps for sale, but it should be remembered that in placing a trap one 
Choker Loop Trap 
From' ‘Trapping Moles,” Farmers’ Bull. 832 
Scissor-jaw or Gripping-jaw 
Trap 
of the stretches of the runway that leads in a definite direction should 
be chosen, rather than one of the turns that may not be regularly 
traversed by the mote. Before setting the trap it is well to ascertain 
the course of the burrow by thrusting down a lead pencil, or similar 
stick. The trap selected should then be lined up with the course as 
nearly as possible; the jaws of the scissor-jaw type should straddle it, 
the loops of the choker type should encircle it and the spikes of the 
harpoon type be directly above it. In the case of the harpoon type, 
it is best to force the impaling spikes into the ground once or twice 
to facilitate their penetrating into the burrows when the trap is sprung. 
It is desirable, also, in setting any of the traps, to depress only that 
part of the ridge immediately under the trigger pan, using the hand 
instead of the foot for this purpose. Place a little earth or small chip 
under the pan, if necessary, and set the trigger catch as lightly as pos- 
sible, avoiding stepping on any part of the runway near the trap. It 
will pay to visit the traps at least twice a day. As moles persistently 
repair breaks in their tunnels, they may often be surprised at work. 
A section of the runway may first be broken open or leveled and the 
place watched until the animal is seen moving the soil. Moles are 
sometimes trapped in empty glass jars, gallon size, which should be 
set along a main mole runway long in use. A narrow excavation, deep 
enough to receive the jar and allow its top to be somewhat below the 
bottom of the tunnel, should be made. Then the sod may be replaced 
