How to trap and kill moles in Massachusetts | Mole

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Massachusetts > Animal is damaging my lawn > Mole

Trapping is the most successful and practical method of controlling moles. The best times for trapping are spring and fall, especially after rain. Traps should be set in active surface tunnels.

The three most effective types of mole traps are harpoon, scissor-jaw, and choker loop.

To set a trap:

Identify an active tunnel
- Step on the ridge of earth running through your lawn, collapsing the mole tunnel
- If the ridge of earth reappears in 24 to 48 hours, the moles have repaired the tunnel and it is active
- If the tunnel is not active, select a new location and try again
Select a portion of the active tunnel that runs in a straight line
Dig into the ridge above the tunnel and locate the mole tunnel itself
Replace the soil, packing it firmly where the trap will be set
Securely press the trigger of the trap into the burrow, creating a blockage that forces the mole to trigger the trap when attempting to reopen the tunnel

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and humane deployment of traps

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Massachusetts

Killing of Wildlife by Owner or Tenant of Land Under Mass.General Law 131, Section 37, a property owner or tenant of land may hunt or take by other means, except by poison or snare, any mammal which he finds damaging his property, provided that such killing is not contrary to any federal law or regulation. Animals killed under this law, must be reported to authorities within 24 hours.
Trap Types Restricted in Massachusetts A person shall not use, set, place, maintain, manufacture or possess any trap for the purpose of capturing furbearing mammals, except for common type mouse and rat traps, nets, and box or cage type traps, as otherwise permitted by law. A box or cage type trap is one that confines the whole animal without grasping any part of the animal, including Hancock or Bailey's type live trap for beavers. Other than nets and common type mouse or rat traps, traps designed to capture and hold a furbearing mammal by gripping the mammal's body, or body part are prohibited, including steel jaw leghold traps, padded leghold traps, and snares.

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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