City continues taking action to control rodent population

As temperatures rise and spring approaches, Eagle Mountain residents can expect an increase in rodent activity, particularly from voles and gophers.

According to Eagle Mountain City Wildlife Biologist Todd Black, the first wave of vole reproduction is about a month away, with gophers following shortly thereafter.

“We’ll start seeing a population increase in about a month,” Black said.

To address the issue, the City has experimented with various mitigation strategies, including trapping, scent deterrents and gassing. However, Black noted that some methods proved more effective than others.

“Scent deterrents weren’t very effective. We tried some trapping and have boosted the number of traps and the amount of time we spend on it,” he said.

Ultimately, the City has settled on smoke bombs as the primary method of control.

“The smoke bombs eliminate oxygen in the burrows and release carbon dioxide,” Black explained. “Our hope is that the rodents will succumb to the effects, and it’s not toxic to birds.” Unlike poisons, which the City previously used, smoke bombs do not pose a risk of bioaccumulation in the food chain.

The City’s efforts focus on reducing rodent populations in parks and open spaces, with a particular emphasis on improved parks where Kentucky bluegrass provides an attractive food source for voles and gophers. To limit their spread, the City is also mowing vegetation close to parks, as gophers tend to avoid crossing pavement.

For residents facing rodent problems on their properties, Black recommends several approaches, including smoke bombs and traps. Each can be purchased at an area home store.

However, Black cautioned that addressing the rodent problem will be an ongoing effort.

 “The environmental conditions are contributing to the problem,” Black said. “We have to be diligent and persistent to stay on top of it.”

The City’s approach aligns with broader concerns about rodent population growth in the region. Last summer, Eagle Mountain saw a surge in vole and mouse populations, which Black attributed to rapid reproduction cycles.

While gophers present a challenge due to their burrowing habits, voles are particularly destructive to lawns. They tunnel under Kentucky bluegrass, causing visible damage. Residents dealing with vole infestations have several options beyond smoke bombs and traps. Natural repellents, such as castor oil, hot sauce, liquid garlic, or pepper, may encourage voles to vacate an area, though they often relocate to a different part of the yard or a neighbor’s property.

Ultimately, controlling rodent populations requires a community-wide effort. Residents are encouraged to reduce trash and debris, which can attract rodents, and to be mindful of their lawn care practices. Overwatering Kentucky bluegrass can create an ideal habitat for voles.

Similar issues have been reported in neighboring communities such as Saratoga Springs and Draper, with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources noting that vole population booms tend to occur in cycles every three to six years.

“It’s an epidemic,” Black emphasized. “But we’re doing as much as we can to stay ahead of it.”

As Eagle Mountain continues its efforts to mitigate the problem, residents are encouraged to take proactive measures on their own properties.