The Guild of British Molecatchers
Committed to traditional molecatching skills and welfare of the mole.
The Guild reserves the right to update and change this code of practice from time to time. Members should therefore revisit this page on a regular basis. Similarly, members should revisit our "Terms and Conditions of Membership" page regularly.
Existing UK animal welfare regulations (and doubtless future changes to those regulations) increasingly emphasise that a target species (in our case, moles) should be controlled in a way that protects it from unnecessary suffering. It is therefore incumbent upon practitioners of mole control to consider both the methods they employ and the efficacy of the tools of their trade.
A vast array of products for mole control is readily available to both amateur and professional users with little or no instruction in their correct use or information about laws governing their usage.
Moles traps are covered by the Small Ground Vermin Order - 1958 along with traps for rodents such as mice and rats. This is the regulation legislators are drawn to when addressing issues relating to moles. The Guild’s code of practice does not conflict with current legislation and is designed to encourage better trap use (best practice) within the existing regulatory framework.
There are two categories of mole traps – live capture traps and kill traps.
The Guild is opposed to live trapping of moles for any reason other than bona fide scientific research.
A trap that is designed to take the life of a mole must be used in a way that ensures minimal suffering occurs prior to death and the fatal outcome is as quick as possible. There are no fixed specifications for many aspects of the design and strength of mole traps. Traps apparently of the same design will produce varying results. The Guild identifies a need to set minimum standards for the materials and designs used in the manufacture of mole traps intended for sale in Britain. The design and condition of the trap used, allied to the skill of the operator, will, to a greater or lesser extent, determine whether a satisfactory outcome is achieved.
Through its code of practice, the Guild of British Molecatchers aims to foster best practice in the molecatching community – both professional and amateur.
Guild members agree that in each and every instance of mole control they will:-
Working within the code is all about having respect for the mole, ensuring safe use of traps and going about the business of mole control in a professional manner.
Clients.
In a relationship with a client, endeavour at all times to be fair, to be honest, to be open and be prepared to answer questions. Always respond promptly and courteously to calls on your service.
Insurance.
All operators using traps for commercial control of moles must hold public liability insurance. See insurance providers offering specialist policies that specifically endorse the Guild's code of practice for control of moles by use only of traps.
Risks.
Consider the possible risks to all users of the land, the operator and non target species.
Risks may include: -
This is not an exhaustive list – only a thorough site inspection will reveal all the risks.
See more on risk assessment
Choosing traps.
Use only traps that are of good quality and in good condition. Importation of mole traps has expanded the number, type and style of trap available for mole control. There is no existing approval regimen for mole traps. Be very cautious and selective in making a choice of trap to buy and use. Use of an inferior trap (one made from inferior materials or with inherent design flaws) may result in improper or inadequate operation and cause unnecessary suffering.
Setting traps.
Immediately before placement in the ground, inspect traps for correct operation or damage and reject for use any found wanting in either respect. Make sure that those who need to know where traps are in situ are informed of their location. The kill trap is designed to take the life of the mole; it is the skill of the trap operator and correct setting and placing of the trap that ensures quick and humane dispatch.
Inspecting traps.
Inspect kill traps for capture at least once daily. There are circumstances, such as incorrect placement or tampering from third parties that may interfere with the operation of a kill trap resulting in a mole being caught alive. A live caught mole should be humanely dispatched immediately upon discovery.
Record keeping.
An integral part of offering a complete, timely and professional service.
The Guild of British Molecatchers believes that undertaking any form of animal control must be done in a respectful and humane way. Practitioners of mole control often fail to acknowledge this - a heavy work-load, allied to a cavalier attitude to animal welfare issues, regrettably informs the working practices of many molecatchers.
The Guild of British Molecatchers' code of practice is a proven, principled and workable methodology for all those controlling moles by trap use - amateur and professional alike. A code that endorses only mole control measures designed to be humane in their application.
Molecatchers who adopt the Guild of British Molecatchers' code of practice understand that by so doing they are able to offer a benchmark level of service to their customers whilst, at the same time, respecting their quarry - the mole.
Our motto - EXSISTO PIA PIUM EXORNO VENERATIO - Be Honest Provide Respect
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