How to Control Moles in Pecan Orchards

While moles do not eat pecan trees, they can be destructive if they burrow through your pecan orchard. Their burrowing practices may damage tree root systems, according to Gary L. Comer Jr., extension agent with Ohio State University Extension. Comer advises that removal of grubs and insects, which make up the mole's diet, is an ineffective means of mole control. A more effective method of control is to set traps in your pecan orchard.

• 1

  Find a location within your pecan orchard for the trap. A straight section of a new mole burrow is ideal, advises Robert A. Pierce with the University of Missouri Extension.

• 2

  Dig into the burrow with a shovel in the place you selected for the trap. Find the tunnel, then put the soil loosely back in place.

• 3

  Put the trap in place and set it. Raise the trap's spring, and set its safety catch. Place one spike on either side of the mole's burrow over the area you previously dug out. Push the trap into the soil until its pan barely touches the soil. Release the safety catch.

• 4

  Check the trap daily to see whether you've caught a mole. Take care not to disturb the surrounding area.

• 5

  Move the trap to a different portion of the pecan orchard if you don't catch a mole within two days. The mole may no longer be using that burrow or it may have detected the trap.