SWISSINNO Gopher & Vole Trap PRO SuperCat Instruction Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the SWISSINNO Gopher & Vole Trap PRO SuperCat. This reusable tunnel trap is designed for effective control of voles and field mice in your garden. Its innovative dual-trigger system ensures a high catch rate with minimal effort. Please read this manual carefully before use to ensure safe and optimal operation.

Safety Information

• Keep traps out of reach of children and pets.
• Always handle the trap with care. The spring mechanism is powerful.
• Wear gloves when handling the trap to avoid transferring human scent, which can deter voles.
• Do not use soap, detergents, or chemicals to clean the trap, as these can interfere with the mechanism and leave odors.

Product Overview

The SWISSINNO Gopher & Vole Trap PRO SuperCat is a robust and reusable device for pest control. It features a dual-trigger system that activates from both directions, ensuring consistent results. No bait is required for its operation.

Image: Two SWISSINNO Gopher & Vole Trap PRO SuperCat units, showing their design and packaging.

Image: A small vole near red berries, illustrating that no bait is needed for the trap's effectiveness due to Swiss patented technology.

Image: The trap installed in garden soil, demonstrating its discreet placement and dual-direction trigger system.

Setup

Proper placement is key for effective trapping. The trap should be placed directly into an active vole tunnel.

1. Locate the Vole Tunnel: Use a probe (such as the optional SWISSINNO probe) to find active vole tunnels. The probe will suddenly plunge into the ground without resistance when it strikes a tunnel. Look for fresh vole mounds or disturbed soil.
2. Prepare the Hole: Using a hole cutter (like the SWISSINNO hole cutter accessory), create a neat vertical hole (approximately 6 cm or 2.5 inches in diameter) directly down into the tunnel. Extend the hole an additional 2 cm (0.75 inches) into the floor of the tunnel.
3. Set the Trap: Pull the top handle of the SuperCat trap upwards until it locks into place. This sets the trap. The visible indicator on the handle will show it's ready.
4. Insert the Trap: Carefully insert the set trap into the prepared hole. Ensure the opening of the trap is aligned with the vole tunnel. The trap should sit firmly in the ground.
5. Secure the Trap: Gently pack soil around the trap to prevent light from entering the tunnel and to ensure stability. Do not obstruct the trap's opening or trigger mechanism.

Image: Illustration of the trap's setting mechanism, showing the handle pulled up when set and down when triggered.

Image: Step-by-step guide on using the accessory kit to locate tunnels, create the correct size hole, and position the trap for optimal results.

Video Demonstration: While there is no official seller video available for this specific model, the following video from an influencer demonstrates a similar setup process.

Operating the Trap

Once the trap is set and placed in an active tunnel, it will automatically trigger when a vole or field mouse passes through. The visible indicator on the top of the trap will drop down when it has been triggered, signaling a catch.

• Checking the Trap: Regularly check the trap for activity. The dropped indicator means a catch has occurred.
• Removing a Catch: To remove a caught animal, carefully pull the trap out of the ground. The design allows for clean and hygienic removal without direct contact.
• Resetting the Trap: After removing the animal, clean the trap if necessary (see Maintenance section) and reset it by pulling the top handle upwards until it locks. Re-insert the trap into the same or a new active tunnel.

If a trap has not been triggered after a day, it is likely no voles are present in that specific area, and the trap should be moved to a new location with signs of activity.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your SWISSINNO Gopher & Vole Trap PRO SuperCat, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Traps should be cleaned with hot water only. Do not use soap, detergents, or chemicals, as these can leave foreign odors that deter voles and may interfere with the mechanism.
• Odor Prevention: Voles avoid unfamiliar smells. Clean the trap regularly with hot water and bury it in soil for a short period before use to help it absorb natural earth odors. Always wear gloves when handling the trap to prevent transferring human scent.
• Storage: When not in use, store the trap in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing issues with your trap, consider the following common problems and solutions:

• Trap Not Triggering:
  • Ensure the trap is placed in an active tunnel. If no activity is detected after a day, move the trap to a new location.
  • Check for foreign odors. Clean the trap with hot water and handle with gloves.
  • Verify the trap is properly set and the trigger mechanism is clear.
• Access Portals Clogged with Soil:
  • Moles and voles sometimes block traps with soil. To prevent this, relocate the trap and rinse it with water.
  • Cutting additional openings or damaging other tunnel sections can improve effectiveness by encouraging the vole to clear the path through the trap.
  • If the problem persists, a different type of trap may be needed for particularly stubborn or sensitive pests.
• Low Catch Rate:
  • Ensure you are targeting the correct pest. Voles have elongated bodies, short legs, large ears, and small eyes, while moles have compact bodies, large front paws, and nearly invisible ears. Vole tunnels are typically oval, clean, and free of roots, extending over approximately 100 m². Mole tunnels are deeper and create larger, neater mounds.
  • Consider the number of traps needed. For an average home garden (200–500 m²), 2 to 4 traps are usually sufficient.
  • Voles are solitary, except during mating season (April-October). If a vole is caught, the trap should be reset until no more voles are captured. If a tunnel remains undisturbed for a day, no vole is present, and the trap can be relocated.

Specifications

Warranty & Support

For warranty information or technical support, please visit the official SWISSINNO website or contact their customer service directly. Details can typically be found on the product packaging or the brand's online store.

You can visit the SWISSINNO Store for more products and information: SWISSINNO Store