Moles get marching orders as gardener declares war
A landscape gardener could become Lincoln's first "mole man"– using decades of experience to forge a full time career trapping the creatures.
Stephen Williams, 40, from Mill Road in North Hykeham, became a self taught mole controller after customers complained the mammals were wrecking the new lawns he was laying.
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Stephen Williams with a trap that is designed to kill moles instantly.
"I've been catching moles for about 20 years," he said. "I started after I found when I was re-turfing gardens and watering them it attracted moles.
"But since they've banned gassing with strychnine 10 years ago the mole population has gone up from around 17 to almost 34 million, so there's more moles than ever.
"While moles are very solitary and only come together when they mate in late spring they can dig over 20 metres of new tunnels a day.
"People are always grateful when you catch them."
Mr Williams uses tunnel traps to deal with the moles – a more humane method which kills the creatures instantly by breaking their neck.
"I'd like to become a full time mole catcher if the work is there," he said.
A spokesman for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Rachel Shaw, said while she could understand a desire to kill moles, the public should think twice before taking the lethal option.
"People should consider if they are causing damage and if it's something they can live with – Don't just automatically call the trappers."
For more information or to contact Mr Williams, see Tuesday's Echo.
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by Richard, Mill Lane, North Hykeham
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 6:40PM
“We've been plaqued by moles this year. Finally got rid of them when I hired a whaker plate for some building work. That gave them a thumbing head ache. Last seen digging thier way out via next doors back garden.”
by Richard Watson, Mill lane , North Hykrham
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 6:38PM
“We've been plaqued by Moles. Finally got rid of them when I hired a Whaker plate to do some building work. That gave them a head ache. Now making an escape route through next doors garden.”
by emit, market place
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 6:27PM
“Why is that Stan ? does Bob Fleming do his ironing on the show!”
by Stan Robinson, Welton
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 4:40PM
“Old Mr W Wilkins on here reminds me a little of Bob Flemming from the fast show lol”
by lynn, lincoln
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 3:29PM
“A few years' ago I lived on the very edge of the countryside, with a large garden. Moles were a flipping pest, with hills everywhere.
My husband bought a spring type trap and caught about 50 over the period of 13 years. Enough to make a pair of moleskin breeches maybe?
Wine good, and cheap to make, am enjoying a glass as I post. Second batch on the go.”
by A Brook, Lincoln
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 1:48PM
“Strychnine was totally banned in 2006,domestic usage a long time before that.Gassing can be indiscrimant.Please look at the Guild of British Molecatchers.”
by Mel A. Noma, Lincoln
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 1:00PM
“If a mole changes shape or starts to itch you should seek immediate medical advice.”
by W.Wilkins, Lincoln
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 12:57PM
“No there has been quite a few over the years, Not sure about full-time ones anymore though.
Where pest control is concerned you have to cover a wide variety of pests, to make a living at it. I'm not sure you could get by on just one sort, not enough work.
But if he can then the very best of luck to him, he must be good, but certainly not the first!
Years ago the echo did a story on Obe Cole, and that man was second to none in the pest control business.”
by j white, lincoln
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 12:31PM
“Mr. Williams is not Lincoln's first molecatcher. - I used a professional cather some eight years ago who was Lincoln born and bred (previously owned the shrimp barge by the High Bridge). He successfully used scissor traps- showed me how to use them (also successfully) which I bought from Bailgate store.”
by W.Wilkins, Lincoln
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 11:24AM
“Well if you want humane, Gas is the best really, it kills in 7 seconds, it builds up a pocket of gas in the tunnel.
Yes traps kill instantly if they get the creature by the neck, but sometimes they used get the poor animals around the body and not the neck, so that's not instant.
To be honest, the killing of any animal in anyway is horrible and should be done as quickly and humanly as possible, best alternative, leave them alone! Are a few mole hills really going to do you that much harm?”