The most effective way to catch a mole with a shovel is to locate an active tunnel, dig a hole next to it, and wait with the shovel to catch the mole as it tries to escape.
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One effective way to catch a mole using a shovel is to locate an active tunnel and dig a hole next to it. According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, “Moles are creatures of habit and will reuse established runways.” Therefore, determining an active tunnel can be done by tamping down several surface tunnels and monitoring them for a couple of days. The tunnel that is rebuilt the fastest is the active one.
Once the active tunnel is found, it is time to dig a hole alongside the tunnel, big enough to allow the mole to be caught easily with the shovel. Another approach is to block off both ends of the tunnel with boards or soil and wait for the mole to try to escape, then catch it with the shovel.
Interestingly, moles are part of an important ecosystem and play a significant role in soil health. They are known to aerate the soil and improve soil fertility by breaking down organic matter. In addition, they serve as prey for various predators such as hawks and owls.
In the words of biologist E.O. Wilson, “Biological diversity is the key to the maintenance of the world as we know it.” While catching a mole may be necessary in certain situations, it is important to remember the role they play in the ecosystem and consider alternative methods such as habitat modification.
Table:
| Pros of catching a mole with a shovel | Cons of catching a mole with a shovel |
|---|---|
| Efficient | Can harm soil health and ecosystem |
| Minimal equipment required | Can be time-consuming |
| Relatively low cost | May require multiple attempts |
| Can be done without harming the mole | May be difficult for inexperienced people |
In this video, you may find the answer to “How do you catch a mole with a shovel?”
Apologies for the confusion earlier. In this YouTube video titled “Shovel Placement | Catching a Mole Alive”, the mole trapper demonstrates the correct placement of a shovel to catch a mole alive in its surface tunnel. He explains to his viewers that he places the shovel behind the mole’s rear to force it to dig forward and prevent it from escaping. The trapper also showcases a live mole that he caught, demonstrating how tightly he had to grip it as it tried to push out of his hand. He jokes with the mole, asking if it wants to give a kiss before releasing it back into the wild. The video ends with the trapper showing the viewers what a mole surface tunnel looks like and relocating another live mole, as well as a humorous interaction with a toad.
On the Internet, there are additional viewpoints
5:2311:27Shovel Placement | Catching a Mole Alive – YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I do is I put that shovel right behind his butt at an. Angle.MoreSo what I do is I put that shovel right behind his butt at an. Angle.
Go about your normal routine in the house, but keep an eye on the light. When it goes on, walk gently over to the mole, so he does feel your feet vibrating the ground. Stand for a few minutes, by the sensor, until you see the ground being pushed up. Quickly, push a shovel in under the mole and pop him out. Grab him quickly.
How do you catch a mole with a shovel? Carrying two shovels, rush to the disturbed area and plunge the shovels into the ground, one on either side of where you saw the ground move. The mole should now be trapped in the small section of its tunnel between your tools.
As soon as you notice disturbance, rush over to the spot, and plunge a shovel into either side of the area to trap the mole to cut off the exit tunnels so that the mole cannot escape. Slip on a pair of protective gloves, carefully dig the mole out of the ground and place it in a bucket or box.
Use your shovel to hit it hard a few times. The blow is usually enough to kill the mole. Wait and observe for a few minutes to ensure that there is no further moment. You can also insert the shovel with force at the place where there is moment. This would cut the animal in half, killing it in process.
Go about your normal routine in the house, but keep an eye on the light. When it goes on, walk gently over to the mole, so he does feel your feet vibrating the ground. Stand for a few minutes, by the sensor, until you see the ground being pushed up. Quickly, push a shovel in under the mole and pop him out. Grab him quickly.
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Strike a spade or shovel deep into the ground (about 6 to 8 inches or 15 to 20 centimeters deep) behind the mole. Striking the spade or shovel behind the mole will prevent it from escaping as you try to remove them from the ground.