Traditional Yorkshire mole catcher.

I am a traditional mole catcher based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. I use humane and traditional methods of mole control.

How to get rid of moles.

The best method to clear an area of mole activity is to use a traditional mole trap. The first step to trap a mole is to select the correct area to place the trap, followed by correctly placing the trap within the run.

Many types of trap are available and they will all catch moles providing they are placed in the correct area, the mole run is prepared and they are set and positioned correctly.

It all sounds simple but in reality unless you have considerable mole catching experience you will more than likely fail. You will find the traps dug around, back filled, set off or just ignored.

The traditional mole catcher.

In years gone by mole catchers would travel from farm to farm in order to catch moles. The mole catcher's clients would provide food and lodgings. The mole catcher would be paid for every mole that he caught and would earn extra money by selling the moleskins to fur dealers.

In the early late nineteenth century mole catchers were paid around fifty pence by farmers and gardeners for every mole caught. Fur dealers and plumbers would pay several pence a piece for each moleskin. Plumbers used moleskins to finish joints in lead piping.

Nowadays prices may have increased a little but the methods employed are still the same.

Facts about moles.

A mole will seek to defend it territory to death if necessary.

It is estimated that there are 33 million moles in the UK.

Moles weigh about 120g, males are slightly larger than females.

The gestation period of the mole is about 28 days.

The moles gives birth in an underground nest in one of her tunnels.

Young moles leave the nest to fend for themselves in a new territory at about 40 days old.

Moles live for between 3 and 5 years.

Moles move at speeds up to 2 miles per hour in their tunnels.

Moles occasionally travel overground but only when absolutely necessary.

Living underground, the mole can survive on about 6% oxygen - this is around half of the minimum level required by humans.

The mole has a cylindrical body and is around 12 cm. Females are usually smaller than males.

The moles eyes are small and are hidden behind its fur.

Moles have one litter a year of between 2 and 8. The gestation period is approximately 4 weeks.

After about 6 weeks the young moles will set out to find their own territory.

Mole control service in Leeds and across Yorkshire.

Mole catching in private gardens.

Mole catching on estates and farm land.

Mole catching on golf courses.

Mole catching of sports grounds.

Mole catching on caravan and camp sites.