J Darcy 5,871 Posted May 31, 2015 Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 I agree that in order to improve the catch rate you need to use them more often and learn from the experiences. Most of the time the soil isn't right for Talpex. Too many stones or too claggy. I'd like to see the "Piece of Piss" merchant set a Talpex in the builder's rubble type of soil found out here in the wine growing regions. Or the heavy clay type soil of my local area. So they only get used a small part of the time in gardens and weather conditions that suit. I never use them exclusively, always back them up with one or both of the other type of trap I use. It frustrates me to Hell that I find Talpex sprung and empty. I can understand why they can dig through the trap if the soil is too wet to drop in, but I still can't fathom out how they can fail to lift the trigger when the soil is falling in as they excavate. Most of the successes come when I set the trap on its side so the trigger is aligned to the side wall. But in deep runs or where there are obstacles that isn't always possible. There has to be something you're doing wrong. Fair enough in the rubble, but every other soil type this trap is the deadliest IMO. I think many people set them too fine.... 1 Quote Link to post
shropshire mole 190 Posted May 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 My mainstay is the duffus with a few putanges thrown in, they are great, but I do pop in a talpa occasionally to see if i can catch. Most of the time the duffus does the trick, but do have some talpa go off with no catch, keep adjusting what I do, a little lower in the run/ light soil/ firm the soil a little etc Stick to what I know best the duffus 1 Quote Link to post
bryn27 89 Posted May 31, 2015 Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 Talpa spring isn't strong enough. Quote Link to post
bryn27 89 Posted May 31, 2015 Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 (edited) I agree that in order to improve the catch rate you need to use them more often and learn from the experiences. Most of the time the soil isn't right for Talpex. Too many stones or too claggy. I'd like to see the "Piece of Piss" merchant set a Talpex in the builder's rubble type of soil found out here in the wine growing regions. Or the heavy clay type soil of my local area. So they only get used a small part of the time in gardens and weather conditions that suit. I never use them exclusively, always back them up with one or both of the other type of trap I use. It frustrates me to Hell that I find Talpex sprung and empty. I can understand why they can dig through the trap if the soil is too wet to drop in, but I still can't fathom out how they can fail to lift the trigger when the soil is falling in as they excavate. Most of the successes come when I set the trap on its side so the trigger is aligned to the side wall. But in deep runs or where there are obstacles that isn't always possible. Clear the hole out and add soil instead of rubble,it works trust me.I had to clear a large area that was once part of the lead mining industry full of slate and shale. had no luck at all until I started carting my own soil to the job, give it a go and let us know how you get on. Edited May 31, 2015 by bryn27 Quote Link to post
shropshire mole 190 Posted May 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 I agree that in order to improve the catch rate you need to use them more often and learn from the experiences. Most of the time the soil isn't right for Talpex. Too many stones or too claggy. I'd like to see the "Piece of Piss" merchant set a Talpex in the builder's rubble type of soil found out here in the wine growing regions. Or the heavy clay type soil of my local area. So they only get used a small part of the time in gardens and weather conditions that suit. I never use them exclusively, always back them up with one or both of the other type of trap I use. It frustrates me to Hell that I find Talpex sprung and empty. I can understand why they can dig through the trap if the soil is too wet to drop in, but I still can't fathom out how they can fail to lift the trigger when the soil is falling in as they excavate. Most of the successes come when I set the trap on its side so the trigger is aligned to the side wall. But in deep runs or where there are obstacles that isn't always possible. Clear the hole out and add soil instead of rubble,it works trust me.I had to clear a large area that was once part of the lead mining industry full of slate and shale. had no luck at all until I started carting my own soil to the job, give it a go and let us know how you get on. Cheers Bryn will try that Quote Link to post
OldTrapCollector 377 Posted May 31, 2015 Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 Talpa spring isn't strong enough. It is Bryn, you need to set them slightly differently though ... 1 Quote Link to post
earth-thrower 493 Posted May 31, 2015 Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 "Capabilities" !! Im only as good as the next man. I'm not a witch doctor. I don't practice black magic and I don't pretend. I have to catch "whatever method practicable" to pay the bills and feed my kids. As I'm sure many others do the same. I've made my bed. If the trap your using ain't catching. Then there's a problem. 9/10 times!! Feck!! I'd be changing my name from mole control to....................?? Fair enough,... i dont use the talpex (have tried them out before,caught & missed, with them,...lol) and have NEVER felt i had to RESORT to them either, for the reasons, you gave ? Also, your first response to what i said, doesnt really 'relate' to what i meant,....lol Quote Link to post
earth-thrower 493 Posted May 31, 2015 Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 I agree that in order to improve the catch rate you need to use them more often and learn from the experiences. Most of the time the soil isn't right for Talpex. Too many stones or too claggy. I'd like to see the "Piece of Piss" merchant set a Talpex in the builder's rubble type of soil found out here in the wine growing regions. Or the heavy clay type soil of my local area. So they only get used a small part of the time in gardens and weather conditions that suit. I never use them exclusively, always back them up with one or both of the other type of trap I use. It frustrates me to Hell that I find Talpex sprung and empty. I can understand why they can dig through the trap if the soil is too wet to drop in, but I still can't fathom out how they can fail to lift the trigger when the soil is falling in as they excavate. Most of the successes come when I set the trap on its side so the trigger is aligned to the side wall. But in deep runs or where there are obstacles that isn't always possible. interesting stuff,.... Quote Link to post
earth-thrower 493 Posted May 31, 2015 Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 (edited) Without going into too much detail, ive had most success, when i formed a wee 'soil bridge'in the run, to rest the trigger on, and also when the end of the trigger, didnt sit to high above the bottom,of the run ?(if you dont want to form, a speed bump ? lol) Good tips also, from all you lads above,to make you think, and try out ? (if i ever want to try them, again) lol Edited May 31, 2015 by earth-thrower Quote Link to post
bryn27 89 Posted May 31, 2015 Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 they just gone up in price pleased I bought another 20 back in April. Quote Link to post
bryn27 89 Posted May 31, 2015 Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 If the going is ruff and the medium shit, take your own soil to the setting point. Moley comes through regardless of the type of filling. Quote Link to post
earth-thrower 493 Posted May 31, 2015 Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 Tell me this,....have i missed a 'trick' with the talpex,as far as tampering with the 'trigger' on it, is concermed ? What i mean is,by bending that 'trigger' down, on it ? Quote Link to post
moxy 617 Posted May 31, 2015 Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 Tell me this,....have i missed a 'trick' with the talpex,as far as tampering with the 'trigger' on it, is concermed ? What i mean is,by bending that 'trigger' down, on it ? No mate. It's all in the setting Quote Link to post
earth-thrower 493 Posted May 31, 2015 Report Share Posted May 31, 2015 Tell me this,....have i missed a 'trick' with the talpex,as far as tampering with the 'trigger' on it, is concermed ? What i mean is,by bending that 'trigger' down, on it ? No mate. It's all in the setting Thanks Moxy,.....least i didnt have to find out, the hard way ? lol Quote Link to post
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