Wildlife

Wild Mole Welfare and Humane Garden Management

Moles are burrowing insectivores that aerate soil and control invertebrate pests. Lethal control in gardens raises welfare concerns when non-lethal alternatives exist.

Key Facts

Moles are solitary and fiercely territorial in their tunnel systems
They can eat their own weight in earthworms daily
Mole traps must be checked daily under Animal Welfare Act guidelines
Repellent devices have variable effectiveness

Welfare Considerations

Moles provide significant soil health benefits. Where control is truly necessary, rapid-kill traps checked at least twice daily minimise suffering. Many gardeners learn to coexist with moles.

What You Can Do

Try mole repellent plants or ultrasonic devices before trapping
If trapping, check traps every 12 hours as required
Consider relocating excavated soil as a free compost resource