A molecatcher (also called a mowdy-catcher)[citation needed] is a person who traps or kills moles in places where they are considered a nuisance to crops, lawns, sportsfields or gardens.
[1] Many early molecatchers set out snares for the moles, taking care to remove human scent from the loops.
[2] Over time, traps used to catch and kill moles became more advanced and complicated, incorporating weighted wood or cast iron, and eventually sprung steel.
[5] Repellents, including sonic devices, holly leaves, moth balls, garlic and castor oil have not proven successful in preventing damage caused by moles.
[8] Fumigation with products based on aluminium phosphide (Trade names 'Talunex' and 'Phostoxin') is still an approved method of control, but may be carried out only by fully trained operatives.