Rotten, useless critters - mole damage

[kschmidt1]

Live eastern coast NE NC. Have soil that is pretty much sand. Pool installed by previous owner, sand base, lined steel panels, cove padding. By the book. Now, we have been having problems with moles devastating our yard with their tunnels, even trying to get under liner. Edges under pool just past cove are dug out leaving ruts and high spots. Am planning to replace liner in few weeks and wonder if anyone could suggest how we can deter from underground mess by moles. Any special padding? Don't think geotextile will do much, they will still create craters under lines and will eventually cave in. Any help would be appreciated. Wasn't sure of forum, so if it needs to be moved, please do.

 

[DorsalSpine]

Define mole. Are you talking real moles or chipmunks and that sort of thing? I found a mole trap that works very well. I usually have to dispose of two or three every year in the spring. Victor out of sight mole trap (the pincher version). Be very careful setting one since the pincher part is enough to break a finger. Use the safety mechanism (watch the video's) until you have it positioned.

 

[kschmidt1]

Define mole. Are you talking real moles or chipmunks and that sort of thing? I found a mole trap that works very well. I usually have to dispose of two or three every year in the spring. Victor out of sight mole trap (the pincher version). Be very careful setting one since the pincher part is enough to break a finger. Use the safety mechanism (watch the video's) until you have it positioned.

Thanks for reply. Yes, real moles. I caught one last year, saw ground moving and took shovel and slammed into area. Bingo! But that's a fluke. I have one of these traps and haven't been able to catch anything. I just need to figure out how to block them from doing damage to pool floor.

 

[RMcGirr83]

When neighbor replaced his liner I helped him line the entire perimeter with flashing. Dug down about 18" and put flashing in the ground and reburied. It was a 24' round pool so wasn't that difficult.

 

[DorsalSpine]

The Victor traps work very well. Read the reviews and check around online. I found really good instructions online years ago. It made a big difference in the effectiveness of the trap. Now when I see a tunnel, I set the trap immediately and by the next day the problem is solved.

 

[kschmidt1]

When neighbor replaced his liner I helped him line the entire perimeter with flashing. Dug down about 18" and put flashing in the ground and reburied. It was a 24' round pool so wasn't that difficult.

Been thinking about something like that., Thanks.

 

[kschmidt1]

The Victor traps work very well. Read the reviews and check around online. I found really good instructions online years ago. It made a big difference in the effectiveness of the trap. Now when I see a tunnel, I set the trap immediately and by the next day the problem is solved.

Thanks. I have a Tomcat, I'll look into Victor.

 

[sktn77a]

Poisoning moles was illegal for several years in NC but a recent change to the law now permits killing them if they are not "star-nosed" moles. Getting rid of them with traps, peppermint, castor oil is pretty ineffective.

 

[kschmidt1]

Poisoning moles was illegal for several years in NC but a recent change to the law now permits killing them if they are not "star-nosed" moles. Getting rid of them with traps, peppermint, castor oil is pretty ineffective.

One problem...would have to catch one to find out if it has a star nose...outside of trapping, the other methods are deterrents, not poisons. Haven't read about other more permanent methods.

 

[DorsalSpine]

I don't like to use poisons since they are pretty indiscriminant. If/when I need to thin the wildlife around the yard, the barn and the pool I don't want unintended casualties. I'm sure the bunnies, the cats and the red fox I released preferred the live trap to a leg hold trap or poison.

 

[kschmidt1]

I don't like to use poisons since they are pretty indiscriminant. If/when I need to thin the wildlife around the yard, the barn and the pool I don't want unintended casualties. I'm sure the bunnies, the cats and the red fox I released preferred the live trap to a leg hold trap or poison.

 

[kschmidt1]

I don't like to use poison either. However, how does one live trap an underground dweller?

 

[DorsalSpine]

You can't live trap moles. The below ground pests like moles are killed with a Victor pincher trap. Set properly the mole is the only thing that is going to trip it. I find spear type traps don't work as well and are more dangerous to handle.

My point was that poisons are indiscriminate killers. Which is why I prefer a live trap vs a leg hold when trapping above ground pests. Less damage to the critter and I choose who to release.