Best Mole and Gopher Traps for Lawns in 2026
We compare the best mole and gopher traps of 2026: scissor, plunger, and easy-set designs, plus a smoke cartridge alternative for tunnels you cannot trap.
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Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change.
For an active tunnel you can identify by the flatten-and-check method, the Victor Plunger-Style Mole Trap (0645) is the trap to start with: a long-established, weather-resistant design that has worked in lawns for decades. But the best trap for you depends on the tunnel system, your comfort setting a spring trap, and whether you are dealing with a single mole or a wider gopher problem.
These are research-based comparisons built from manufacturer specifications, documented features, and aggregated user feedback, not hands-on testing.
Our picks at a glance
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| YardYield Galvanized Steel Scissor Trap | Best scissor-style trap | View |
| Victor Plunger-Style Mole Trap (0645) | Best overall | View |
| Victor Easy-to-Set Deadset Mole Trap (M9015) | Best for beginners | View |
| Bonide Revenge Rodent Smoke Bombs | Best smoke cartridge alternative | View |
What to look for before buying
Trap mechanism. Scissor traps sit above ground and pop up visibly when triggered, so you can confirm a catch without digging. Plunger and harpoon-style traps sit directly in the tunnel and tend to work well once set correctly. Tube-style "easy-set" traps are generally the simplest to place for a first-time user.
Active versus abandoned tunnels. No trap works on a tunnel the animal has stopped using. Flatten a short section of the main run and check it after a day; if it is pushed back up, the tunnel is active and worth trapping.
Bait-free design. Most mechanical mole and gopher traps do not use bait; they trigger off the animal's movement through the tunnel, which also avoids the risk of secondary poisoning to pets or wildlife.
Scope of the problem. A single trap works well for one or two mole runs. For a wider gopher network or burrows near structures, a smoke cartridge that fills the tunnel system can be more practical than placing traps at every entrance.
Before setting any trap, flatten a few inches of the main tunnel and mark it. Moles and gophers repair active tunnels within a day, so this simple test tells you exactly where to place a trap instead of guessing.
The best mole and gopher traps
1. YardYield Galvanized Steel Scissor Trap: the best scissor-style pick
YardYield Galvanized Steel Scissor Trap for Moles and Gophers
A bait-free, spring-loaded scissor trap in galvanized steel that pops up above ground when triggered, so you get a clear visual confirmation of a catch without digging into the tunnel. It is a reusable design meant to hold up across multiple seasons.
Pros
- Galvanized steel resists rust and weather
- No bait needed; triggers off movement in the tunnel
- Pops up above ground so you can confirm a catch at a glance
Cons
- Spring-loaded jaws are a hand-injury risk if set carelessly
- Only works when placed directly on an active tunnel
2. Victor Plunger-Style Mole Trap (0645): the all-around pick
Victor Plunger-Style Mole Trap (0645)
A long-running, weather-resistant metal design that has been a standard choice for active tunnels for years. According to aggregated user feedback, it takes a little practice to lock the trigger correctly, but it is reliable once set on a confirmed active run.
Pros
- Weather-resistant metal construction built for repeat use
- Safety-pin mechanism reduces false triggers
- Spears stay below ground when set, keeping points away from kids and pets
Cons
- Some users report a learning curve to lock the trap correctly
- Requires flattening the tunnel and waiting about a day before setting
3. Victor Easy-to-Set Deadset Mole Trap (M9015): the best for beginners
Victor Easy-to-Set Deadset Mole Trap (M9015)
Designed around an oversized activator plate you press in by hand or foot, this is the simplest of the mechanical traps to set correctly on a first try. It ships ready to use, which helps if you are trapping for the first time.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle and large activator plate simplify setup
- Precision trigger activates on slight underground movement
- Ships fully assembled and ready to use
Cons
- Some users report plastic components breaking with rough handling
- Reliability reported as mixed depending on soil type and placement
4. Bonide Revenge Rodent Smoke Bombs: the best cartridge alternative
Bonide Revenge Rodent Smoke Bombs
Instead of setting a mechanical trap, this cartridge is lit and placed directly into the burrow, filling the tunnel system with smoke. It targets a wider range of burrowing pests than moles alone, including gophers, ground squirrels, and woodchucks, which is useful if you are not sure which animal is digging.
Pros
- No trap-setting or digging required
- Works on multiple burrowing pests, not just moles
- Avoids the secondary-poisoning risk of bait-based rodenticides
Cons
- Produces toxic smoke; the label warns against use near porches, sheds, or indoor spaces
- Effectiveness depends on sealing every burrow exit before use
How to choose the right one
If you have confirmed a single active tunnel and are comfortable setting a spring trap, the Victor Plunger-Style Mole Trap is the proven default. If this is your first time trapping, the Victor Easy-to-Set Deadset Trap or the YardYield scissor trap are easier to set correctly. For a wider gopher network or burrows you cannot easily reach with a trap, the Bonide smoke bombs treat the whole tunnel system at once.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a mole tunnel is still active?
Flatten a few inches of the main tunnel run and check it the next day. If the mound is pushed back up, the tunnel is active and a trap placed there is far more likely to work than one placed on an old, abandoned run.
Are mole and gopher traps humane?
Most of the mechanical traps in this guide are designed to kill quickly rather than injure and release. If you want a non-lethal approach, look for live-catch or exclusion methods separately; the products here are lethal spring and scissor traps plus a lethal smoke cartridge.
Will a mole trap also catch a gopher, or do I need a different trap?
Mole and gopher tunnels differ in shape and depth, and a trap sized and placed for one does not reliably catch the other. Check which animal you have (gopher mounds are typically fan- or crescent-shaped, mole mounds are more circular) before choosing a trap.
Are smoke bombs safe to use in a yard with pets?
Smoke cartridges produce a toxic gas meant to fill an underground burrow, and the label warns against use near homes, sheds, or where people and pets gather. Keep pets away from treated burrow entrances until the smoke has fully dissipated and follow the label instructions closely.
Prices and availability are accurate as of publication and subject to change.
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