Mole traps are the most reliable way to remove a mole, and the scissor and choker designs are the two that actually catch them. Poison and repellents have mixed results, but a well-placed trap is a real fix. Here are the traps worth using.
- Scissor and choker traps are the most effective mole traps.
- Place traps in active tunnels, not random spots in the yard.
- Trapping removes the mole, unlike repellent which only discourages it.
- Identify active tunnels first by flattening them and seeing which reappear.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| POlAFLEX Scissor Trap 2-Pack | Scissor | Best Overall | Check price |
| Victor DeadSet Trap | Choker | Best Easy-Set | Check price |
| Wire Tek Easyset 2-Pack | Scissor | Best Eliminator | Check price |
| Wanqueen 2-Pack | Scissor | Best Kill | Check price |
| POlAFLEX Sleek 2-Pack | Scissor | Best Sleek | Check price |
| POlAFLEX Scissor 2-Pack | Scissor | Best Value | Check price |
Best Overall: POlAFLEX Scissor Trap 2-Pack
Best Overall- Type
- Scissor trap
- Material
- Galvanized steel
- Pack
- 2
- Feature
- Reusable
The POlAFLEX scissor trap uses a spring-loaded scissor mechanism that kills a mole instantly in the tunnel. The galvanized steel construction is reusable and weather-resistant.
Scissor traps are the standard mole control tool, and the two-pack covers two active tunnels at once.
Best Easy-Set: Victor DeadSet Trap
Best Easy-Set- Type
- Choker trap
- Brand
- Victor
- Feature
- Easy to set
- Use
- Active tunnels
The Victor DeadSet trap is designed to be easier to set than traditional mole traps, with a choker-style trigger that kills the mole in the tunnel. Victor is a trusted name in traps.
The easy-set design matters if you have struggled with the strong spring on traditional scissor traps.
Best Eliminator: Wire Tek Easyset 2-Pack
Best Eliminator- Type
- Scissor trap
- Pack
- 2
- Feature
- Easy-set
- Use
- Active tunnels
The Wire Tek Easyset mole eliminator trap is a scissor trap with an easy-set trigger and a two-pack for multiple tunnels. It is the standard DIY mole eliminator.
The easy-set mechanism makes it a good first trap if you are new to mole trapping.
Best Kill: Wanqueen 2-Pack
Best Kill- Type
- Scissor trap
- Pack
- 2
- Feature
- Kill mechanism
- Use
- Active tunnels
The Wanqueen two-pack of scissor traps is built for killing moles quickly in the tunnel, with a spring-loaded mechanism. The two-pack covers two active tunnels.
It is the no-frills kill trap for a persistent mole.
Best Sleek: POlAFLEX Sleek 2-Pack
Best Sleek- Type
- Scissor trap
- Pack
- 2
- Feature
- Low-profile
- Use
- Shallow tunnels
The POlAFLEX sleek scissor trap has a low-profile design that sits closer to the lawn, making it easier to set in shallower tunnels. The two-pack covers two tunnels.
The sleek profile is the choice for tunnels that are shallow or hard to reach.
Best Value: POlAFLEX Scissor 2-Pack
Best Value- Type
- Scissor trap
- Pack
- 2
- Feature
- Value pricing
- Use
- Active tunnels
This POlAFLEX scissor trap two-pack is the value option, the same proven scissor design at a lower per-unit price. It is the economical way to get two traps.
The two-pack is the value choice for trapping a mole that uses multiple tunnels.
How to Trap a Mole
Identify Active Tunnels
Before setting a trap, start by finding active mole tunnels: flatten a few raised runs and mark them. Place the trap in a run that reappears, rather than an old tunnel the mole is no longer using.
Place the Trap
Set the trap in the active tunnel, not randomly in the yard. A trap in an inactive tunnel catches nothing.
Trapping vs. Repellent
Trapping removes the mole; mole repellent options aim to discourage it instead. If fresh tunnels keep appearing, choosing a repellent is not the same as removing the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
A scissor or choker trap placed in an active tunnel is the most reliable mole trap. The Victor DeadSet and POlAFLEX scissor traps are both effective.
Yes, when placed in an active tunnel. Identify active tunnels first by flattening them and seeing which reappear, then set the trap there.
In an active tunnel, not randomly in the yard. Flatten tunnels, mark them, and trap the ones that reappear.
Yes, scissor and choker traps kill moles. There is no reliable catch-and-release mole trap, since moles do not bait well.
Traps do not depend on a mole eating bait. Poison baits for moles are another option, but the bait must be eaten and the product carries risks for pets and other wildlife. A trap avoids introducing poison into the tunnel.
