PDF Summary:How to Catch a Mole, by Marc Hamer

In How to Catch a Mole, Marc Hamer intimately examines the lifecycles of moles and humans through the lens of his former profession as a molecatcher. His personal journey parallels the mole's hidden life underground—marked by solitude, resourcefulness, and adaptation to ever-changing surroundings.

Hamer traces his spiritual immersion into nature, detailing his growing empathy for the vital role moles play in sustaining soil ecosystems. As humanely as possible, he trapped moles to protect crops and land, until one visceral experience compelled him to reckon with the contradictions of his craft. The author advocates for a shift toward compassionate coexistence with moles and the rhythms of the natural world.

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Moles Skillfully Burrow and Pursue Prey in Soil Ecosystems

Hamer emphasizes the remarkable abilities of these animals as they tirelessly tunnel underground. He describes their physical adaptations—powerful shovel-like hands, silky backward-brushing fur, sensitive facial hairs, and barely visible eyes—as perfectly designed for their subterranean activities.

Moles' Tunnels Aerate the Ground and Improve Drainage, Benefiting Plants

Hamer details the beneficial impact of mole activity on the soil. He explains how their seemingly destructive burrows actually play a crucial role in aerating the ground, improving drainage, and facilitating water and nutrient flow, ultimately contributing to healthier plant growth.

Practical Tips

• You can encourage mole activity in your garden to enhance soil drainage by planting vegetation that attracts earthworms, a primary food source for moles. Earthworms improve soil structure and nutrient cycling, which in turn draws moles, whose tunnels then contribute to better drainage. For example, adding compost to your garden beds can increase earthworm populations.

Moles Hunt Worms and Insects, Aiding Soil Nutrient Cycling

The author acknowledges the mole's role as a predator, emphasizing the delicate balance it maintains within the ecosystem. He points out their voracious appetite, consuming an astounding amount of insects and worms daily, contributing to the breakdown of organic matter and the vital cycling of nutrients in the soil.

Practical Tips

• Start a small-scale vermicomposting bin using red wigglers, which function similarly to moles by breaking down organic matter, if you don't have a yard or garden space. This can be done inside an apartment or home, and the resulting compost can be used for houseplants or donated to local gardens.
• Use a manual core aerator on your lawn once a year to promote the aeration and nutrient cycling that moles naturally provide. This tool removes small cores of soil from your lawn, which helps oxygen, water, and nutrients penetrate deeper into the ground, encouraging healthier plant growth and a more vibrant ecosystem in your backyard.

The Author Admires Moles' Ingenuity and Resilience

Hamer expresses admiration for the ingenuity and resilience of these animals. He observes their clever tactics for dealing with intrusions, how they circumvent obstacles, construct complex passage networks, and adjust to different conditions.

Author Acknowledges the Adaptability of Moles

Hamer describes how moles skillfully adapt to human attempts at deterrence, be it noisemakers, repellents, or even the changes we make to their habitat. He explains how moles cleverly outmaneuver these obstacles, burrowing around them, blocking off unusable passageways, and establishing alternate paths.

Practical Tips

• Adopt the "Burrow Buffer" method by creating a list of flexible responses to potential setbacks in advance. Think about a project or goal you're working on and list out what could go wrong. For each potential obstacle, come up with at least two "burrow" strategies – alternative actions you can take to circumvent the problem. Having these pre-planned responses can reduce stress and decision fatigue when you encounter a real obstacle.
• Create a 'no longer serves me' box for your home. Draw inspiration from the mole's strategy by designating a physical box where you can place items that you no longer use or need. Once the box is full, donate, recycle, or dispose of the contents, effectively 'blocking off' these items from cluttering your living space.
• Enhance your adaptability by practicing improvisation in low-stakes situations. Start with simple daily tasks, like cooking a meal without a recipe using only the ingredients you have on hand. This exercise will train your brain to think creatively and be more comfortable with uncertainty, much like moles navigating their changing environment.

The Author Views the Mole's Solitude as a Mirror of His Own Preference for Solitude

The author sees the mole's solitary nature as a reflection of his own preference for being alone. He describes their territorial instinct, how they avoid confrontation except during mating time, and how this isolation becomes both their strength and their vulnerability.

Practical Tips

• Develop a personal project that can only be done solo, like learning a new language or building a model. This project should be something that not only requires focus and individual effort but also brings you joy and satisfaction. Track your progress in a journal or blog to reflect on the benefits of working alone.
• You can observe your own territorial behaviors by keeping a journal to note instances where you feel possessive or protective over your space or belongings. This self-awareness can help you understand your instinctual reactions and manage them better in social and professional settings.
• Use the mole's behavior as inspiration for a children's story or educational material. Craft a narrative that teaches kids about respecting boundaries and understanding times of peace versus times of competition, paralleling the mole's confrontation-averse nature except during mating season. This can be a valuable lesson in conflict resolution and social behavior for young readers.
• Create a 'connection plan' that schedules regular check-ins with friends, family, or colleagues. This plan should include both virtual and in-person interactions to ensure you're not becoming too isolated. You could set up a weekly video call with a friend, join a local club that meets monthly, or have lunch with a colleague. The goal is to balance your need for solitude with healthy social interactions.

Author's Changing Views On Molecatching Ethics and Practice

Hamer initially approached molecatching with the belief that the practice was humane and necessary to protect fields and agricultural land. He meticulously researched and developed methods he deemed efficient and least distressing to moles.

Author Justifies Molecatching as Necessary and Kind to Protect Gardens

Hamer presents the rationale behind molecatching, highlighting the damage these creatures can inflict on human landscapes. He cites specific examples, such as molehills interfering with aircraft landing on airstrips, horses breaking legs in collapsed burrows, and the disruption they cause to pristine lawns and valuable crops.

Author Develops Humane Trapping Techniques for Catching Moles

Driven by a concern for humane treatment, the author immersed himself in understanding the mechanics of a range of mole traps. He carefully evaluated their effectiveness based on speed and efficiency of kill, ultimately choosing traps designed for a quick, clean death. He emphasizes the significance of precision and swiftness in minimizing suffering.

Other Perspectives

• There may be a concern that even the most humane traps can malfunction or be improperly set, leading to unintended cruelty.
• Focusing on the method of death may overlook the potential stress and fear experienced by moles during the trapping process, before the trap is triggered.
• There may be more humane alternatives to trapping, such as deterrents or habitat modification, that prevent the need for killing the animal altogether.

Hamer's Internal Conflict About Killing Moles

This section focuses on the author's internal conflict regarding killing, even for a justified purpose. Despite his thoughtful practice, he increasingly grapples with the ethical dilemma of killing, particularly as his empathy for these creatures grows.

Author's Regret Prompts Rethink of Role as Molecatcher

Hamer describes a pivotal moment when he is forced to kill a mole by hand after it was caught but not instantly killed by a trap. The visceral experience triggers a wave of regret and a profound sense of dissonance within him. This event prompts a fundamental reassessment of his role as a mole trapper, forcing him to confront the uncomfortable truth of his actions.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal code of ethics that includes respect for all living things. Write down principles that guide your interactions with animals and nature, such as "I will not harm living creatures intentionally" or "I will seek non-lethal solutions to pest problems." This code will serve as a reminder and a standard to live by, helping you align your actions with your values.
• Engage in role-playing exercises with a friend or family member to explore different perspectives on a decision that's causing you dissonance. Act out scenarios where you make different choices, and discuss the potential emotional outcomes. This can provide insight into why you feel dissonance and how you might address it.
• Engage in small-scale experiments to test new roles or projects. If you're curious about a different career path, start with a low-risk project on the side. For instance, if you're in marketing but interested in coding, try building a simple website or app in your free time to see if it's something you'd like to pursue more seriously.
• Create a "consequence map" for decisions you're about to make. Before acting, draw a flowchart that outlines potential outcomes of your choice, including uncomfortable or negative ones. This visual tool can help you anticipate and accept the possible repercussions of your actions, fostering a habit of thoughtful decision-making.

Author Retires From Molecatching and Advocates Compassionate Population Management

Hamer makes the decision to retire from molecatching, marking a crucial turning point in his life and his connection to nature. He advocates for a more compassionate and ethical approach to managing moles.

Embrace Wildflower Meadows and Moles for a Healthy Ecosystem

In this section, Hamer proposes alternative solutions to traditional mole control, urging readers to embrace the role moles play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, highlighting their contributions to soil health. Hamer encourages a shift away from perfectly groomed yards in favor of wildflower meadows, suggesting that a healthy ecosystem involves accepting a certain degree of "wildness."

Other Perspectives

• Some people might have safety concerns, as molehills and tunnels can create tripping hazards, especially in public spaces like parks or on sports fields.
• Traditional mole control methods might be preferred by some landowners who have specific aesthetic or practical reasons for maintaining a mole-free landscape.
• The maintenance of wildflower meadows can still require management to prevent the encroachment of invasive species or to maintain a balance of native flora.
• Wilder yards could potentially attract unwanted wildlife that might be hazardous or a nuisance, such as rodents or insects that could then invade homes.

The Molecatching Profession's Past and Culture

The book delves into the rich history and folklore of mole-catching, explaining how the profession has evolved over centuries.

Molecatching Dates to Roman Times, Practitioners Often Seen As Having Special Powers

Hamer traces molecatching back to Roman times, highlighting its deep connection to human civilization and agriculture. He explains how early molecatchers were often viewed with a mix of admiration and suspicion, sometimes seen as possessing magical abilities due to their intimate knowledge of moles' secretive realm.

Molecatchers Valued for Managing Moles and Protecting Crops

In this section, Hamer details the significant role molecatchers played in protecting crops and green spaces. He explores the social and economic value placed on their services, tracing how their skills were passed down across generations.

Practical Tips

• Partner with a local nursery to distribute "Pest Control Packs" consisting of plants known to repel common garden pests. By selecting and grouping these plants, you're providing a natural, chemical-free method of protecting gardens, much like molecatchers did in the past. This initiative can help educate others on sustainable gardening practices and promote a healthier environment.
• You can learn about your local ecosystem to better understand the roles of various animals, including those considered pests. By researching online or visiting a local nature center, you'll gain insight into how each species fits into the environment. For example, if you discover that moles aerate the soil which benefits your garden, you might decide against removing them.
• Create a simple online platform where neighbors can exchange services that have social and economic value, inspired by the historical role of molecatchers. This could be a Facebook group or a Nextdoor post where you offer to share your own skills (like fixing leaky faucets or teaching guitar) and encourage others to list their unique services. The exchange of services strengthens community bonds and provides a modern take on the barter system, reflecting the historical significance of specialized roles like molecatchers.
• Start a skill-sharing blog or podcast focused on preserving old-fashioned skills. Identify a skill you're passionate about that's becoming rare, research it, and practice it yourself. Then, share your journey of learning and mastering this skill through a blog or podcast. This not only helps you develop a new skill but also inspires others to learn and preserve such knowledge.

New Technologies Have Advanced the Capture of Moles

Hemer details how the profession has adapted over time, particularly with the development of increasingly efficient trapping technologies. The advancements in trapping technology reflect a changing human relationship with the natural world.

Molecatchers Adapt Techniques For Evolving Farms and Suburbs

This section explores how those who catch moles have adapted their techniques to changing landscapes, moving from traditional farming communities to the suburban sprawl. The author describes how mole catchers are currently encountering new challenges.

Other Perspectives

• The statement doesn't consider that mole populations may not be as prevalent or problematic in suburban areas, potentially reducing the need for adaptation of mole-catching techniques.
• The adaptation to suburban areas might not be a transition but rather an expansion of services, with mole catchers operating in both rural and suburban settings.

Molecatching Lifestyle Mirrors Author's Wanderer Experiences

Hamer draws parallels between the historical lifestyle of molecatchers and his own experiences as a young wanderer. He recognizes a shared connection between the solitary nature of both lives and how they foster a deep connection to the rhythms of the natural world.

Author's Relationship With Land Fosters Empathy With Traditional Molecatchers

The author's personal experiences of living off the land, sleeping outdoors, and embracing solitude allows him to understand and empathize with the itinerant lifestyle and resourcefulness of conventional mole catchers. He sees them as kindred spirits, connected by their intimate understanding of nature's complexities.

Practical Tips

• You can deepen your understanding of traditional practices by volunteering with conservation groups that use historical land management techniques. By working alongside experts in hedge-laying, dry stone walling, or coppicing, you'll gain hands-on experience and a greater appreciation for the skills and knowledge that have shaped the landscape over centuries.
• Volunteer for a citizen science project that involves tracking and reporting on local wildlife. This hands-on experience will give you insight into the ecological balance and the importance of each species in maintaining it. Projects could include monitoring bird nests, photographing wildflowers for a biodiversity study, or participating in a bioblitz where you help catalog all species in a specific area over a short period.

Author's Career Change and Future Vision

The book concludes with the author's decision to shift away from molecatching and advocate for a future where humans co-exist with wildlife in a more compassionate and sustainable way.

Author's Discomfort With Killing Moles Ends Molecatcher Career

Hamer describes his emotional turning point, triggered by his experience of having to end a mole's existence by hand. This event becomes a powerful catalyst for his retirement and reveals his growing compassion for all life.

Advocating a Compassionate Approach to Mole Management

Hamer argues that more compassionate methods to address mole activity exist than taking lethal action against them. He encourages readers to consider the ecological benefits of these creatures before resorting to lethal means of control.

Other Perspectives

• Non-lethal methods may require more time, effort, and resources than some landowners are willing or able to invest.
• In areas where mole populations are excessively high, the ecological benefits might be outweighed by the negative impacts, such as over-aeration of soil leading to desiccation of plant roots.

Future Vision: Coexisting With Moles Through Non-Lethal Strategies

This section focuses on the author's vision for a future where humans shift from a mindset of domination and control. He advocates for a more balanced and respectful connection to nature.

Author Advocates For Moles' Soil Benefits and Planting Wildflower Meadows Over Lawns

Hamer explicitly argues for alternative approaches to managing mole populations without resorting to lethal methods. He encourages readers to consider moles' valuable role in maintaining healthy soil, advocating a shift toward accepting less controlled, more biodiverse landscapes. He re-imagines the idealized verdant turf as a teeming, vibrant wildflower meadow, allowing for both beauty and ecological balance. Through his poignant account, Hamer encourages readers to abandon the desire to control nature and work toward a more empathetic and harmonious co-existence.

Practical Tips

• Create a DIY mole deterrent using natural ingredients like castor oil and dish soap mixed with water. Spray this mixture around the perimeter of your garden and in areas where mole activity is high. The castor oil is unpleasant to moles and can encourage them to move elsewhere without harming them.
• Transform your garden waste into habitats by creating brush piles. Instead of bagging up fallen branches, leaves, and dead plants, stack them in a corner of your yard. This pile will decompose naturally, providing shelter and food for insects, birds, and small mammals, and will enrich the soil as it breaks down, fostering a more diverse and self-sustaining environment.
• Partner with a local nursery to create a "wildflower starter kit" tailored to your region's climate and soil conditions. This kit could include a selection of seeds, a planting guide, and tips for maintaining a wildflower meadow. By working with experts, you ensure that you're planting species that will succeed in your area, and you support local businesses that are likely to have insights into the best wildflower varieties for your specific environment.
• Create a 'no intervention' zone in your garden or a section of your home where nature can take its course without human interference. This allows you to observe how ecosystems self-regulate and adapt over time, providing a hands-on lesson in the resilience and complexity of nature. You might see how a fallen log becomes a microhabitat or how plants naturally compete and cooperate without your involvement.