Lots of talk about mole trapping so I thought since I was up way early today I would take a couple photos of my tools. With some of the answers that I give this will help to relate to what I am referring to at times.

Here is a look into my world of mole trapping. These tools will help me to deal with most all the problems and challenges that I encounter doing various mole work daily. That little bag of equipment helps to make me very efficient. Add some skill / hard work and you have a deadly tool box within reach.

Digging sod removal tools, tunnel probes (dandelion tool), PVC tunnel compacting tool, Mole Tunnel Pilot, Flagging wire trap anchors, weed block fabric or plastic pieces, landscape pins, kneeling pad, sensitive weather resistant gloves, cloth rag for wiping off my gloves and tools as needed in wet conditions, and my carrying bucket which will hold 4 doz. plus trap line traps easily.

Not a heavy or bulky load to maneuver thru various jobs and landscape conditions. My bucket is about 2-1/2 gal or so volume. Bigger buckets mean more weight. I have installed PVC holders for my flags and dandelion tool. Just keeps things more organized.

I rarely use OOS traps or any others over the last 16 years. The lack of weight and bulk is a big plus added to the effectiveness of these small traps. Years ago Spears and OOS was the go too tools. I can still use them but find I don't need to for the soil conditions that we have in our work area.










Turn me loose and I am an old mole catching fool. LOL

Thanks Bob . You always have very informative posts .

I use the same gloves. I started with that trowel and switched to this, made by a different label:


https://static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/20PD10_AS01?$mdmain$


The big difference is sharper serations make it easier to cut the sod. The blade is also thinner. And the root cutter comes in handy when you need it. The handle is also a good size if you need to enlarge a hole.

Other than that, a cheap 10" harbor freight duffel bag holds the traps in a container that squishes down and a piece of pvc holds flags.

https://images.app.goo.gl/VZ2wZFYywE6zUzBa8


Maybe this will show the link?

Always great to see how other get the job done. I use three trowels, easy to push through sod and I made a square shovel about 3x3 with a T handle. I very sharp. Just push in the three trowels and dig out the sod and dirt. Nice clean hold and a nice plug of sod to put back in the hole. I use a square bucket with pvc pipe to hold flag and to keep the prods and shovel in place. I use knee pads. Sorry but I do not know how to add pictures.

Thank you Bob. I have the tunnnel pilot but continue to have dig unders. That's not the tools fault if course. I have good success in sod but in softer soil, that's a different deal. I like the organization with a place for the flags. I need to find a way to carry my snacks like Bob does (lol)- looks like a bag of jerky there.

Eaten, I looked at that trowel/knife linked but I ended up with this (a bit cheaper when I got the first one).

https://diggitgardentools.com/Diggit-Hori-Garden-Knife-p130586207

I don't think the trowel matters a whole bunch. It's all what your hands get used to. I've had it get lost in my truck and I've used a fixed blade knife to do the job.


https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Com...62819617&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-1

By the way, it's an awesome budget fixed blade knife that you don't have to feel bad abusing. It has a 1/8" thick blade just in case you need to pry something with it. And only costs $20.

I keep my trowel sharp. I find myself adding an edge with my bench grinder quite frequently. It sure helps make the job much easier. Nothing dulls an edge faster then cutting sod, stone and roots frequently. Moist soil is nice to work with however dry soil can dull a digging to and make your digging much more labor intensive then usual.

The larger dog treat bag that is being used, which I have many empties, serves my purpose of carrying cut pieces of plastic / cloth weed block and landscape pins for those mulch and loose ground cover areas. You never know what you are going to run into on any job.

These simple items sure help to catch those moles that don't venture into the lawn much during those hot summer days. Mulch areas and larger canopy shade trees holds the coolness/dampness not to mention the food source which provides good relief for moles in the summer heat and preferable habitat.

Since things have changed on T-Man, can someone send me a pm on how to post a picture ?

Thanks Bob!

Tony just open your quick reply box and on top of it there are a series of icons across the top. The one about in the middle with the little brown house and blue arrow pointing up is what you click on to post photos from on line or from your files. It isn't too hard to manage it. It still works the same as before I believe.

Click on browse and it will allow you to select the place your photos or pictures are stored that you would like to post.

Thanks Bob, for the picture help.

Do you like to set those traps upside down in the tunnel or right side up?

Most of the time right side up. Occasionally side ways or upside down just for a different type set up.

Bob, approx what size do you cut the landscape fabric pieces?

Bob J. may I ask what is your go to or most frequently used trap for moles?

Jason i have pre cut pieces I carry that are a couple inches larger in length and width of soil or the mulch dig out area. Just large enough to adequately cover the opening to keep most of the light and breeze from affecting the moles reaction to those stimuli. i also carry a small roll in the event I need more or a larger piece that what is already pre cut to use. I never measured the pieces maybe 10" x 7" or so.

Marathon man most know I use the trap line mole traps almost exclusively. On a rare occasion I use some out of site victor traps. They all work if you become familiar with their use. The OS are so bulky / heavy and take up so much room for the number I set on an avg. job. I can carry 10 doz. trap line traps in a 5 gal bucket.

You can use any trap that you find is most efficient for your own use. i know there are several style and mfg. of traps that we all use and we have our own preferences. Not unlike fur trapping.

We need rain in my area. The ground is getting like dust. Only getting call from people that are watering there lawns. Work has slowed way down.

I'm still reading this. Interesting.
Bob has such great knowledge.
http://www.jamesonsultrablend.com/Mole-Tunnel-Pilot.html