We have used mole traps, but they don't work very well at all. Dear Gardener, Trapping is the most effective and reliable way to get rid of moles. Home remedies, like castor oil or moth balls, do little to reduce the population. In many cases, you will only succeed in relocating the moles to another part of your yard. Using poison or bait is usually ineffective, also.
Trapping requires patience, practice and persistence.
Traps must be set properly and checked often. Begin by locating a main runway. Poke small holes in the runway. Moles will repair these in a day or two if you have actually located a main runway. Harpoon traps should be set on the main runways and checked daily.