Moles and beech martens have little in common, except that both can cause damage around the yard. Molehills make a field uneven and bring soil into cut grass and silage; a beech marten bites through cables in an engine bay or makes noise and mess in the loft. This collection contains mole traps and a mole repeller, plus scent and sound deterrents for martens.
Catching moles with a trap
The range consists of different trap types: classic Knock Pest mole traps (galvanised, zinc-plated or with chain), the Farmer Super, scissor traps for moles and water voles and the Yankee traps in junior and super size with handle. The handle makes setting and retrieving easier.
Find an active tunnel, usually a straight tunnel between two hills, and set the trap in it. Wear gloves, so the trap does not smell of your hands. Check the trap daily. Whether you may catch moles yourself differs by region; in the Netherlands it varies per province, so check the local rules or ask the relevant wildlife management body.
Prefer to deter?
You push the Knock Pest solar mole repeller into the ground and it runs on solar power. A repeller is an option for a garden, but the result varies with the soil and situation. A separate mouse trap is available for voles and field mice.
Beech martens: deterring and proofing
In the Netherlands, the beech marten is a protected species: catching or killing it is only allowed with an exemption from the province. Martens are protected in other countries too, so check the rules where you live. The approach for private individuals is therefore to deter and to close off access. Mustolet Spray is a scent product to discourage martens, and the Knock Pest animal repeller for cars works with sound in the engine bay. Also seal openings under roof tiles and at the ridge, but only once you are sure no animal is still inside, especially in the period when there may be young.
Explore further
For sealing openings in walls and roofs, see proofing & screening. A step-by-step plan against moles is in mole control. Mice and rats belong in rats & mice, bird nuisance in bird deterrents. The full overview is in pest control.
Frequently asked questions
Am I allowed to catch a beech marten?
In the Netherlands, not without an exemption from the province, because the beech marten is protected; elsewhere, check the local rules. As a private individual, you can deter it and close off access.
Which mole trap is easy for beginners?
A trap with a handle, such as the Yankee trap, is easier to set and to find again. Practise setting it above ground first.
Why are molehills a problem in the field?
They make the land uneven and soil gets into the grass when mowing. Soil in hay or silage lowers the feed quality.