Duffus (Half Barrel) Trap
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Durability
Overall Rating
This is the most widely used trap at the moment. It has powerful springs that give a nice clean kill, and it can catch moles coming from either direction.
The major problem with this trap is that it is very difficult to set and many people have been ‘bitten’ by it. Unless you have a very steady hand and strong fingers be ready for a bruised digit. The other thing to remember is that these traps are usually not supplied 'ready' to be set in a run. They need to be 'tuned' to set the sensitivity and distance between the trigger and the killing loops. This process is difficult to get right and can seriously compromise your mole catching.
Also, remember that this trap is usually set completely below ground. Great if you don't want to 'mow' it, but will need marking and you cannot see if it has been triggered from a distance.
Otherwise, it is a durable design that can easily be repaired. The best are the slightly more expensive ones made in the UK. Cheaper ‘knock offs’ from eastern Europe or Asia (typically supplied in a red and yellow box) are poor imitations and either will not set, or will not fire reliably.
Warning: due to the power and exposed mechanism of this trap, and that it is usually mostly buried, you should be wary of using it in areas where animal / children / members of the public could stumble across it.
The major problem with this trap is that it is very difficult to set and many people have been ‘bitten’ by it. Unless you have a very steady hand and strong fingers be ready for a bruised digit. The other thing to remember is that these traps are usually not supplied 'ready' to be set in a run. They need to be 'tuned' to set the sensitivity and distance between the trigger and the killing loops. This process is difficult to get right and can seriously compromise your mole catching.
Also, remember that this trap is usually set completely below ground. Great if you don't want to 'mow' it, but will need marking and you cannot see if it has been triggered from a distance.
Otherwise, it is a durable design that can easily be repaired. The best are the slightly more expensive ones made in the UK. Cheaper ‘knock offs’ from eastern Europe or Asia (typically supplied in a red and yellow box) are poor imitations and either will not set, or will not fire reliably.
Warning: due to the power and exposed mechanism of this trap, and that it is usually mostly buried, you should be wary of using it in areas where animal / children / members of the public could stumble across it.
Verdict
A good trap with very powerful springs. Be careful not to lose a finger when setting! The best available for the practiced professional.
