Trap the Mole to Kill ItDeadfall traps are the most effective way to eliminate moles, but they require persistence and close attention to the product directions. These harpoon traps, scissors traps, and choker traps all kill moles with a powerful metal spring mechanism with a trigger. The best time to set them is in early spring when the first mole ridges appear and you can trap pregnant females. The next best time is early fall before the moles begin digging deep for the winter. First determine which tunnels are actively used by the moles. Step lightly on parts of several tunnels to partially collapse them. Mark these sections with stones or garden stakes. After a couple of days the active tunnels will be raised again. Set traps in these areas, and check the traps once or twice a day. After trapping the animals, restore the turf over unused tunnels with a lawn roller or by treading on them. Water well. Regardless of the trap you use, always wear heavy gloves and shoes when setting a trap. It is possible to be badly hurt by a mole trap. Remember these traps are designed to kill. If this bothers you, try catching them alive with a pit trap, described below. A live pitfall trap is less effective than a deadfall one. Make it from a 3-pound coffee can. Identify an active tunnel and dig a hole down through it and into the soil at its floor. Make the hole large enough to allow you to place the can opening flush with the tunnel floor. Use a post hole digger if you need to. Pack soil around the edges of the can opening and clean out any soil that may have fallen into it. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent the mole from detecting your scent. Place a plank over the opening you made at the top of the tunnel, to exclude all light. Moles moving along the tunnel will fall into the can. Because they are too small to scale the can's slippery sides, they are stuck until they starve or are rescued. Check the can at least daily. If you choose to rescue the animal you are responsible for disposing of it somehow.