Do you want to attract and catch a mole? Did you know that this is strictly forbidden? Find out more about mole protection and how to get rid of them here. If you want to attract the mole to the garden because of its useful properties, we will give you valuable tips. Learn how to attract a mole and how to get rid of an existing mole below.
How can I attract a mole?
To attract a mole, you should create an ample supply of food by spreading earthworms around the garden, as they are attractive to moles. However, according to Section 44 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, it is forbidden to catch or kill moles and can be punished with fines of up to €65,000.
The Useful Mole
Even if it has a bad reputation because of its mounds: a mole in the garden is good for it: moles are pure carnivores and love pests such as grubs, snails, insect larvae and others. They also keep other rodents such as mice and rats away and their digging activity ensures that the soil is aerated and thus contributes to a he althy soil. So it makes perfect sense to want to attract a mole. However, it's not that easy.
Attracting a mole to the garden
A plentiful supply of food is the most important thing for the mole. So if you voluntarily want to bring snails, grubs, etc. into the garden, the mole would find this very attractive. However, it is better for you and your garden to generously distribute earthworms throughout the garden. These are at the top of the moles' diet and, even if unsuccessful, improve the soil quality of your garden.
Attracting a mole to catch it
According to Section 44 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, moles may not be killed, hunted or caught. Live traps are also prohibited. Anyone who tries to lure a mole into a live trap with bait is committing a criminal offense. Violations can be punished with fines of up to €65,000. Lot of money? Exactly! So it's better to get rid of the mole using other, more animal-friendly methods.
Excursus
Why can't you catch the mole?
A live trap basically sounds like an animal-friendly way to catch a mole. Why is it still banned? Because the probability that the mole will not survive the live trap is very high - for two reasons: On the one hand, the mole has to eat constantly and a lot, and on the other hand, it is extremely sensitive to stress and can simply die of stress when moving in the live trap.
Which baits can attract moles?
If you still want to attract a mole, for example because one got lost in the shed, you should pay attention to the mole's diet. These include meaty delicacies such as:
- Earthworms
- Grubs
- Mealworms
- supposedly they like chocolate
Repel mole
Moles can be driven away with noise and smells. These include, for example:
- Wind turbines
- Buttermilk, butyric acid is not recommended
- garlic
- Mothballs
