British Mole Catchers Register

02/11/2026

How to Spot Mole Activity in the UK

Not sure if you’ve got a mole problem? Here are some tell-tale signs to look out for:

🐾 Fresh Molehills
These are the most obvious clue. Molehills are small mounds of loose soil, usually cone-shaped, pushed up as the mole clears earth from its tunnels. They often appear overnight and can pop up in clusters or lines.

🐾 Raised Ridges or Tunnels
In softer soils or lawns, you might notice raised ridges where the mole is tunnelling just below the surface. These “runways” can cause the ground to feel spongy or uneven underfoot.

🐾 Disrupted Grass or Plants
Moles can dislodge plant roots and turf as they tunnel. You may see plants wilting or your lawn starting to lift in places, especially if tunnels run near the surface.

🐾 Unusual Activity Patterns
Moles are active year-round, but they're particularly busy in early spring and autumn. If you start seeing new mounds during these times, it's likely mole activity – especially after a period of rain, when the soil is easier for them to dig.

🐾 Lack of Surface Droppings or Gnaw Marks
Unlike rats or rabbits, moles don’t leave droppings above ground or chew on things. If you’re seeing disturbance but no other signs of animal activity, moles might be your culprit.

Need advice? Contact your nearest mole catching expert by searching our free online directory on our website!

29/10/2026

5 Fascinating Facts about the History & Folklore of Moles

1. Medieval Symbolism – In medieval bestiaries, the mole was sometimes seen as a symbol of spiritual blindness, living in darkness and failing to see the "light" of God.

2. Royal Folklore – The death of King William III of England in 1702 was attributed to his horse stumbling in a molehill. Jacobite supporters even toasted “the little gentleman in black velvet” (the mole) for playing a role in his downfall.

3. Agricultural Nemesis – For centuries, farmers in the UK considered moles pests because molehills spoiled hayfields and made land uneven. Molecatchers were common village tradesmen, and mole pelts were used to make soft, warm waistcoats.

4. Good Luck & Omens – In some rural traditions, finding a mole above ground was thought to be a sign of ill fortune. Conversely, carrying a mole’s paw was believed to cure toothache or cramp.

5. Literary & Cultural Legacy – Beyond The Wind in the Willows’ gentle Mole character, moles have appeared in British nursery rhymes, charms, and even political satire, often representing the unseen forces working beneath society.

28/10/2026

Many thanks to Oakham Pest Control Limited for sharing the post below - we truly appreciate their support and they are a valued member of the BMCR!

🟢 Why are we members of the British Mole Catchers Register?

At Oakham Pest Control Limited , we take pride in providing professional, responsible, traditional mole control. Our British Mole Catchers Register membership reflects that commitment.

Professional standards and a commitment to the BMCR’s Code of Conduct and Practice.

Responsible trapping methods, with animal welfare taken seriously.

Clear advice, appropriate insurance and careful assessment of site risks.

Continued learning through shared knowledge and experience.

Local support from a family-run business.

Whether you’ve spotted fresh molehills in your garden or have activity across a larger area, get in touch to discuss your mole control needs.

📍 Oakham, Rutland and surrounding areas
07821 142221

26/10/2026

The British Mole Catchers Register (BMCR) offers a range of training and resources to support its members in honing their skills and staying informed about best practices in traditional mole catching.

Training is conducted by Louise Chapman, who is the current Head of the BMCR as well as a qualified educator and experienced mole catcher, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Beyond formal training, BMCR promotes ongoing education through:

• Encouraging research into mole behaviour and control methods
• Providing information on traditional mole catching techniques
• Facilitating connections among members to share experiences and solutions

These resources aim to enhance members' knowledge and proficiency in ethical mole control practices. Through these initiatives, BMCR supports its members in maintaining exacting standards of professionalism and effectiveness in mole catching.

Visit our website or email [email protected] to find out more!

22/10/2026

ICYMI: Here's a superb example of a live mole caught by BMCR member, Max

In this photo, you can really see how small a mole's eyes are (they're not totally blind but they're light sensitive)

Visit our website to learn more about these fascinating mammals!

20/10/2026

The Mole That Keeps a Hidden Food Supply!

European moles (Talpa europaea) do more than dig tunnels and search for earthworms. They can also collect earthworms and keep them in underground chambers.

Researchers have documented earthworm storage in mole tunnel systems. Moles may bite the worms in ways that reduce their ability to escape, allowing some to remain alive in storage.

These underground food stores can provide a useful reserve when hunting conditions change. The behavior is a fascinating example of how an animal can adapt its feeding strategy to life beneath the soil.

European moles are solitary mammals that spend much of their time in extensive tunnel systems, using powerful forelimbs to dig and sensitive senses to locate prey.

Even beneath the ground, survival can involve more than finding food—it can also involve saving it for later.

AI-generated educational illustration.

20/10/2026

Sharing on behalf of BMCR member L.M.D Mole Catcher

19/10/2026

Why Mole Control is Important

Damage to Lawns and Landscapes:

The most obvious issue is aesthetic. Molehills ruin well-kept gardens, golf courses, and public green spaces. For homeowners and groundskeepers who take pride in their turf, moles are more than just a nuisance – they're a real eyesore.

Agricultural Impact:

On farmland, the problem goes deeper. Mole activity can damage crops by disrupting root systems. Their tunnels can cause soil erosion and even damage machinery. Perhaps most worrying is contamination – molehills often contain stones and debris that can get caught up in silage, posing a risk to livestock.

Undermining Structures:

Moles aren’t fussy about where they dig. We’ve been called out to properties where mole tunnels have undermined pathways, patios, and even the edges of foundations. In cemeteries, mole activity can disturb gravesites, which understandably causes a great deal of distress.

If you'd like further advice, please visit our website and check our free online directory to find your local expert molecatcher!

15/10/2026

DYK? In medieval Christian bestiaries, the mole was often described as spiritually blind, living in perpetual darkness & failing to perceive divine truth....

12/10/2026

One mole can dig up to 200 metres of tunnel in a single day. Impressive, yes. But also a nightmare if it’s under your prize lawn!

The British Mole Catchers Register is a guaranteed source for all your mole problems, large or small.

Visit our website to find your local expert by clicking on the 'Find a MoleCatcher' tab