Mole Traps: The 3 Traps That Truly Work!

Are you tired of molehills ruining your lawn? Are you searching for a reliable mole trap to get rid of them for good?

This page will introduce you to the three best mole control solutions, complete with an effectiveness and reliability rating for each trap.

If you have any questions about a specific mole trap, feel free to leave a comment below. We’ll be happy to help!

1.First Mole Trap: The Putange 

Trap Overview

The first mole trap we recommend is the Putange, and it’s simply the best mole control device on the market—provided you know how to use it.

The Putange trap is a 100% mechanical, copper trap that is exceptionally effective, durable, and environmentally friendly.

One of the Putange’s key advantages is that it kills the mole instantly, causing no suffering. The two branches of the trap close around the mole’s neck, killing it on the spot.

2.Why is the Putange mole trap the right choice?

For several reasons, but perhaps the most compelling is its storied history. The Putange trap’s story dates back to King Louis XIV, who, fed up with moles, ordered his royal mole catcher to eliminate them permanently.

The king’s mole catcher successfully caught all the troublesome little mammals using the Putange trap. The fact that this trap is still in use today by expert mole catchers proves it is the most effective mole trap available.

How to Use this Mole Trap

We’ve created a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to use this trap, which you can find here: Guide to Trapping Moles with the Putange Trap.

We’ll also give you a more concise explanation later in this article.

The Putange trap works in three simple steps:

1. Spread the trap’s arms using a pair of Putange pliers.
2. Place the tent/trigger between the arms of the trap.
3. Locate a molehill, open it, and place one trap at the entrance and another at the exit (most have two holes, but some may have three).

Once the trap is set, you must cover the molehill to ensure the mole doesn’t notice the trap in its tunnel.

When you observe the pattern of molehills on your lawn, you should see long lines of dirt mounds, almost like a straight road. This continuous line indicates the main tunnel.

Moles use this main tunnel 5 to 7 times per day. This is the mound of earth where you need to set your trap.

Mole catcher tip: Buy the Putange from a supplier who sells them pre-aged. Avoid buying cheap Chinese copies of the trap (See our comparison and buying guide for the Putange trap).

At QuickTaupe, we sell aged, 6mm copper-plated steel traps that are made in France. This pre-aged finish ensures the trap has no human or copper smell, significantly increasing your chances of success. The mole won’t detect the mole trap in its tunnel and will be caught.

Putange Trap Rating

The Putange trap is rated as follows:

• Effectiveness: 10/10
• Reliability: 10/10
• Reusability: 10/10

3.Second Mole Trap: The Scissor Trap

Trap Overview

The scissor trap is our second recommendation if you’re looking to get rid of moles quickly.

It works exceptionally well in combination with the Putange.

The scissor trap can catch moles from both directions—head-on or from behind. A trigger is positioned in the center of the trap. When the mole pushes against it, the jaws snap shut, killing it instantly.

To ensure the animal dies instantly and painlessly, it’s crucial to position the trigger perfectly in the center.

Like the Putange, this trap is 100% mechanical and reusable for life. Once you own one, you can use it every day; it will still work perfectly in 50 years. There’s no need to buy batteries, firecrackers, or bait.

Once set, it works on its own and typically kills the mole within 48 hours.

How to Use the Scissor Trap

The scissor trap doesn’t have to be placed in a molehill; it can also be set directly in the middle of a tunnel by digging a small hole.

If this is your first time setting a mole trap, follow these expert tips from our team:

The scissor trap is highly effective at getting rid of moles, but only if you use it correctly.

First, locate the main tunnel (as explained for the Putange trap). Open a molehill in the middle of this long underground tunnel and find the entrance and exit holes.

Once identified, set the trap, placing one side facing the entrance and the other facing the exit. Then, cover the molehill with a slate or another object to block the hole you made.

Make sure your trap isn’t covered in dirt. The goal is to cover the hole like a lid, not to fill it back in with soil.

Wait a day, and you will have caught the mole.

Repeat this process for every mole you find, as they often have a large number of tunnels and are rarely alone.

Scissor Trap Rating

This mole trap is rated as follows:

• Effectiveness: 8/10
• Reliability: 10/10
• Reusability: 10/10

4.Third Mole Trap: The Cartridge Trap

Trap Overview

There are several types of cartridge traps, but in this article, we’ll focus on the mole rifle. Another well-known firecracker pest trap is the Detaupeur, which we’ve covered in a separate article.

The mole rifle uses blank cartridges. It doesn’t fire a projectile; instead, the force of the explosion kills the mole when the cartridge detonates.

The trap’s design is very simple: it’s armed with a cartridge that explodes as soon as the mole pushes the trigger at the end of the device.

The trap’s body is made of robust and solid metal.

How to Use the Trap

There are important safety steps to follow when using this explosive mole trap to avoid injury.

1. Attach the safety ring before handling the trap.
2. Unscrew the cap at the end of the trap.
3. Insert the explosive cartridge into the trap and replace the cap.
4. Open a molehill and push the trap into a tunnel, ensuring the trigger slides freely.
5. Remove the safety ring and return in 24 hours to check the trap.

While it is simple to use, remember that firecracker mole traps are always more dangerous than reliable mechanical traps.

Cartridge Trap Rating

This trap is rated as follows:

• Effectiveness: 8/10
• Reliability: 10/10
• Reusability: 6/10

5.Which is the best trap to get rid of moles quickly?

In conclusion, the best mole trap you can buy is the Putange. Traditional, eco-friendly, and completely mechanical, it will be your lifelong partner in your fight against moles.