I apologize if this has been discussed before, but for the mole trappers, do you feel moles are more prone to plugging traps when the ground is wetter than normal?

I am not sure what you mean by plugging traps? Catching or having them push dirt into your equipment?

Moles dig near surface tunnels primarily to feed. This is where a large percentage of their food source is located. More moisture in the soil as a result of rain or artificial watering brings more earthworms to the surface. Many worms make their way thru the tunnels once they burrow into them. The moles just need to patrol these fresh burrows and fill their stomachs.

In a short while the mole needs to dig more tunnels to continue to feed. There are only so many earthworms, grubs and larvae in any given area so that is the reason why they continue to dig more tunnels in that area.

So yes, rain and added moisture can help promote increased mole activity thus increasing your catch potential.

What trap are you using. I could help You out with a bit more info. Generally in really wet ground moles can and sometimes prefer to just dig around obstructions versus through them. When the ground is so soft I think it’s just as easy for them to make a fresh tunnel that will be structurally sound. I’ve found that surface tunnels can sometimes be bad for dig unders because I think the mole knows that the backfill may not pack up into a usable tunnel so they just dig around, making a fresh tunnel. Moles are expert diggers and they know what they are doing. This is just a theory though.

When it’s dry and the soil is sandy, having the customer water the grass will often get them into your traps.

For clarification Bob...pushing dirt into my equipment. Thanks.

Using OOS (WCS version), NoMols, and Trapline. Thanks Tony.

Mole reapers!!!!!!

So with the victors, if you’re doing the whole dirt bridge thing you are automatically handicapping yourself. The dirt bridge does not allow you to get the trap deep enough. Will it work, yes, but do this. Instead, open the tunnel and pre slice the run with your knife/hori where the legs of the trap will close. This allows you to set the trap deeper and will ensure the jaws will still close. Ideally you want to make it where the trap is slid into the slots with a little force. This ensures the trap will be bedded rock solid. Just when you think you’ve set the trap a little too deep, you’re probably good lol. Ideally, if you’ve got a bend on your trigger pan the trigger pan needs to be as close to the tunnel floor as possible.

With the no mols and traplines, run them upside down. No bedding needed and less likely to think something is out of the ordinary (more so for the traplines).

Also, very important, clean out each side of the tunnel VERY well leading up to the trap. Don’t give the mole a reason to start bulldozing dirt into your trap. I use a long handle teaspoon with a slight bend in it.

While on the subject of mole issues, my problem is the moles digging under the traps. Trapline are my go-to traps.
I make sure they are bedded, and the run is clean. The only thing I can think of is the trap is too large for the run.
I am going to look up how to set the trap upside down. I set the trap, so the winding spring is all the way in the run, and I am careful not to upset the back fill. If a trap is dug under, I change type of trap. The soil is a big factor.

You can set your trap side ways easier then upside down. If they detect any sort of obstruction they will react by digging around, under or over. Which ever way it seems easier for them.

Some soil types are easier than others with Traplines. Sandy soils are the hardest.