Moles can wreak havoc on lawns and gardens, leaving unsightly tunnels and damaged plants. Using the best catch and release mole traps helps remove these pests humanely while protecting your outdoor space.

These traps are designed to capture moles alive, preventing unnecessary harm while keeping your garden safe. Placement, soil type, and trap sensitivity all affect how well these traps work in different environments.

Many homeowners struggle to find effective, humane solutions for mole problems. Choosing the right trap ensures a balance between efficiency, ease of use, and animal-friendly practices.

In this guide, we explore the 10 best catch and release mole traps, detailing features, ease of setup, and tips for maximizing capture success.

Catch And Release Mole Traps– Top Picks & Tips

1. Victor Easy Set Mole Trap – Best Quick-Set Trap for Garden Moles

Victor Easy Set Mole Trap is perfect for homeowners who need a fast, reliable solution for mole activity. Its spring-loaded mechanism captures moles alive while minimizing garden disruption. This trap works effectively in a variety of soil types, from sandy to loamy soils.

 

The trap features adjustable sensitivity to suit mole size and tunnel conditions. Its sturdy steel construction ensures durability through repeated use. Gardeners report fewer tunnel problems and healthier lawns after using this trap.

Victor Easy Set is lightweight yet highly effective, making placement simple. It is suitable for small to medium gardens, giving consistent results. Overall, it provides a humane and efficient method for controlling mole populations.

Pros:
 • Quick-set
 • Durable
 • Humane
 • Adjustable
 • Lightweight
 • Reliable
 • Easy-clean
Cons:
 • Manual reset
 • Metal rust
 • Sharp edges

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2. Triumph Humane Mole Trap – Best Environmentally Friendly Trap

Triumph Humane Mole Trap offers an eco-friendly solution to capture moles alive for release. Its wide jaw ensures secure trapping without harming the mole. Works best in soft, moist soil where moles are most active.

 

The trap has an easy-to-read setting indicator to guarantee proper placement. Lightweight and portable, it can be moved to multiple tunnels as needed. Homeowners praise its ability to reduce mole activity quickly and humanely.

It also features a protective enclosure to prevent accidental contact. The design keeps pets and children safe during use. Triumph combines humane methods with practical garden protection.

Pros:
 • Humane
 • Eco-friendly
 • Secure
 • Safe
 • Portable
 • Adjustable
 • Reliable
Cons:
 • Limited size
 • Manual
 • Expensive

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3. JT Eaton Tunnel Trap – Best Heavy-Duty Catch-and-Release Trap

JT Eaton Tunnel Trap is ideal for larger gardens with persistent mole problems. Its durable steel design withstands repeated use. The trap is highly sensitive to mole movement for quick capture.

 

Easy to set, it fits most mole tunnel sizes. Works in clay, sandy, or loamy soils for versatile application. Gardeners report high success rates and minimal tunnel damage using this trap.

This trap includes safety instructions for handling and release. The lightweight design allows for easy relocation. JT Eaton provides long-lasting performance with humane results.

Pros:
 • Heavy-duty
 • Durable
 • Humane
 • Sensitive
 • Reliable
 • Easy-set
 • Versatile
Cons:
 • Bulky
 • Pricey
 • Requires skill

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4. Black Flag Mole Trap – Best Safety-Focused Trap

Black Flag Mole Trap is perfect for households with children and pets. It features protective covers over the spring mechanism. Captures moles alive while keeping humans and pets safe.

 

Designed for quick deployment, it works efficiently in active tunnels. The trap’s adjustable jaws allow secure mole capture. Gardeners appreciate its focus on safety without compromising effectiveness.

The lightweight design allows placement in multiple areas. It is suitable for lawns, gardens, and small orchards. Black Flag offers a humane, safe, and efficient mole solution.

Pros:
 • Safe
 • Humane
 • Adjustable
 • Quick-set
 • Reliable
 • Lightweight
 • Durable
Cons:
 • Small tunnels only
 • Manual reset
 • Pricey

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5. Victor Jumbo Mole Trap – Best for Large Gardens

Victor Jumbo Mole Trap handles larger or persistent mole infestations. Its wide jaws capture even larger moles alive. Works best in deep, established mole tunnels.

 

The trap’s spring mechanism triggers quickly for effective capture. Durable steel construction resists wear from repeated use. Gardeners report fewer mounds and quicker lawn recovery.

It is easy to move between different tunnel locations. Jumbo size increases capture efficiency for active mole populations. Overall, it balances power with humane trapping.

Pros:
 • Large capture
 • Durable
 • Quick-set
 • Humane
 • Reliable
 • Adjustable
 • Efficient
Cons:
 • Heavy
 • Requires effort
 • Sharp edges

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6. Tomcat Mole Trap – Best Affordable Catch-and-Release Option

Tomcat Mole Trap provides a budget-friendly solution without sacrificing efficiency. Its simple spring design captures moles alive. Works effectively in gardens, lawns, and small farms.

 

The lightweight trap is easy to set and relocate. Durable steel construction ensures repeated use. Homeowners report it reduces mole activity quickly and humanely.

It is suitable for beginners or small garden owners. Manual setup ensures proper tunnel alignment. Tomcat combines affordability with humane performance.

Pros:
 • Affordable
 • Lightweight
 • Humane
 • Easy-set
 • Reliable
 • Durable
 • Efficient
Cons:
 • Manual
 • Small size
 • Less durable

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7. Triumph Mole Catcher – Best Adjustable Sensitivity Trap

Triumph Mole Catcher allows adjustable sensitivity for different mole sizes. Its spring-loaded jaws capture moles alive. Works in clay, loam, and sandy soils for versatile application.

 

The trap has an indicator to confirm proper placement. Lightweight design makes relocation simple. Gardeners report high success rates and minimal lawn disruption.

Includes safety instructions for easy handling. Ideal for medium to large gardens. Triumph ensures humane, precise, and effective mole trapping.

Pros:
 • Adjustable
 • Humane
 • Reliable
 • Lightweight
 • Safe
 • Durable
 • Efficient
Cons:
 • Pricey
 • Manual
 • Small tunnels

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8. Out O Sight Mole Trap – Best Camouflaged Trap

Out O Sight Mole Trap blends easily into gardens and lawns. Its camouflage design makes placement discreet. Captures moles alive without disturbing garden aesthetics.

Easy spring mechanism triggers reliably in active tunnels. Durable materials withstand repeated use. Homeowners report fewer visible mounds and healthier grass.

Lightweight and portable, it can be moved as needed. Works effectively in most soil types. Out O Sight combines discretion with humane performance.

Pros:
 • Camouflaged
 • Humane
 • Lightweight
 • Durable
 • Reliable
 • Easy-set
 • Safe
Cons:
 • Manual
 • Pricey
 • Small tunnels

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9. Mole Patrol Catch-and-Release Trap – Best Easy-to-Use Option

Mole Patrol Trap is perfect for beginners needing a simple setup. Its spring design captures moles alive efficiently. Works in most garden soils, including clay and loam.

Lightweight and portable, it can be repositioned easily. Durable steel construction ensures long-term use. Homeowners report faster mole reduction and less lawn damage.

The trap has a simple indicator for correct placement. Suitable for small and medium gardens. Mole Patrol balances efficiency with user-friendly design.

Pros:
 • Easy-use
 • Humane
 • Reliable
 • Portable
 • Durable
 • Lightweight
 • Safe
Cons:
 • Manual
 • Small tunnels
 • Pricey

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10. GrubEx Mole Trap – Best Multi-Soil Trap

GrubEx Mole Trap works in a variety of soils, from sandy to heavy clay. Its strong spring mechanism captures moles alive quickly. Ideal for homeowners with active mole populations.

 

Trap features adjustable sensitivity for different mole sizes. Lightweight, portable, and easy to set in multiple tunnels. Gardeners report fewer mounds and faster lawn recovery.

Safety cover prevents accidental contact. GrubEx provides reliable, humane, and versatile mole control. Perfect for large or small garden spaces.

Pros:
 • Multi-soil
 • Humane
 • Reliable
 • Lightweight
 • Adjustable
 • Durable
 • Efficient
Cons:
 • Manual
 • Bulky
 • Pricey

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Catch And Release Mole Traps FAQs

1. Are catch-and-release mole traps humane?
Yes, these traps capture moles alive without causing injury, allowing relocation.

2. Where should I place a mole trap?
Place traps in active tunnels where fresh mounds or ridges appear.

3. What soil types work best for these traps?
Loamy, sandy, and clay soils work effectively if tunnels are stable.

4. How do I release a mole safely?
Release moles at least 2 miles away from your garden in suitable habitats.

5. How often should I check the traps?
Check traps daily to ensure humane treatment and capture efficiency.

6. Can these traps be used in small gardens?
Yes, most traps are compact and adjustable for small spaces.

7. Do catch-and-release traps work for all mole species?
Yes, they are effective for common garden moles but may vary with size.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Victor Easy Set Mole Trap is our top pick for its fast, reliable, and humane performance. The Triumph Humane Mole Trap is a strong runner-up, offering eco-friendly features and adjustable settings.

Traps like the JT Eaton Tunnel Trap and Victor Jumbo Trap provide heavy-duty options for large gardens or persistent mole problems. Smaller or budget-friendly options, such as the Tomcat Trap, offer humane solutions without breaking the bank.

Each trap focuses on ease of use, humane capture, and garden safety, helping homeowners control moles effectively. Choosing the right trap depends on your soil type, garden size, and desired level of convenience.

For the best results, position traps carefully, check them regularly, and follow safety guidelines. Implementing these strategies ensures a mole-free lawn while keeping wildlife safe.