How to trap and kill moles in West Virginia | Mole

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How to trap and kill moles

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

Assistance in West Virginia

Contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for a list of licensed Animal Damage Control agents in your area who can assist with animal removal, damage, damage prevention, and clean up.  Be aware that they charge for their services.  Your local Division of Natural Resources office can provide guidance regarding nuisance wildlife.  They can also provide you with a permit to remove or destroy certain animals, and advice on how to do so, if it is necessary or desirable for you to trap or shoot animals yourself.  Federally protected species require additional permits as noted if necessary.

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources district offices:    

District 1       Farmington              304 825-6787

District 2       Romney                   304 822-3551                                                                                                                           

District 3       French Creek          304 924-6211

District 4       Beckely                   304 256-6947

District 5       Alum Creek             304 756-1023

District 6       Parkersburg            304 420-4550

Op Center    Elkins                      304 637-0245

Trapped animals must be humanely dispatched.  They may not be relocated without prior approval from West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

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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