American Rat Trap Laws
The notion that American rat trap laws make rat and mouse traps illegal in various states is mostly a myth. Confusion usually comes from other trapping and hunting laws that people assume apply to small rodents.
There are rare exceptions in the U.S. where a permit is required to possess rodent traps (covered below). In addition, there have been major efforts to ban inhumane traps that cause needless suffering and are largely ineffective (e.g., glue traps). Organizations such as PETA and The Humane Society campaign to discourage their sale and use.
While exceptions exist, homeowners and businesses are generally encouraged to practice rodent control. Below are some notable facts about rat & mouse trap laws in the United States.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is the most cited exception. Snap and glue traps are not allowed for proactive use. Instead, residents are required to contact exterminators to humanely trap rats and release them in Virginia or Maryland.
However, exceptions apply when rodents have taken up residence inside your home. D.C. does not make catching rats illegal; it simply differs in approved methods.
As the city’s population has grown, so have rodent complaints: from 3,531 in 2016 to 5,310 in 2017 — a 50.38% increase — with reports continuing to rise.
Cats & Dogs
All 50 states currently permit cats and dogs to assist in rat extermination, but using animals for sport is illegal in most areas. Complaints from PETA led to arrests in New York City after a VICE video showed residents proactively hunting rats with small dogs. Laws do not protect killing for sport or actively pursuing rats that are not threatening your home.
Rat Poisons
Many states restrict certain rodenticides. Second-generation anticoagulants are often available only to licensed professionals due to toxicity and risks of secondary poisoning. California has led restrictions; for example, AB 2657 limited their use in state and national parks to protect wildlife like bobcats. Rodenticides also threaten domestic animals and children; educate family members and know what to do if your pet ingests poison.
California
“Mousetrap laws” in California are largely myth. Confusion stems from hunting/fishing license requirements. Licenses are required to fish and hunt (for recreation or commerce), but this does not make catching rats illegal or apply to mousetrap use.
Under Section 116125 of the California Health & Safety Code, citizens are not only allowed to trap rats and mice — they are encouraged to do so for health and safety.
Legally, our traps are categorized like a standard snap trap. They don’t use poison, glue, or other inhumane methods. If snap/traditional traps are legal in your area, there is no legal reason you can’t set up an A24.
Why Mice and Rats Thrive
Mice and rats thrive largely because of human activity. They eat everything from seeds to fruit, and populations can explode if unchecked, leading to crop loss, power outages, and disease transmission. From ancient Egypt’s mousers to modern devices, we’ve continually evolved methods to prevent overpopulation.
Our trap is a best-in-class tool for capturing and dispatching mice and rats. If you’re reading this, you likely live on a farm, in a cabin, or are a homeowner facing rodent issues — perhaps without a cat, or with a cat that doesn’t hunt.
If you’re dealing with mice, rats, or other wild rodents in your home, see our Retail Locations or contact us for help.
What Our Traps Do
The A24 is a quick-kill solution that avoids rodenticides and other toxins. It automatically resets after every strike. An integrated digital counter removes guesswork on CO₂ replacement, and our chocolate and nut-butter formulated lures last up to six months. The system is weather-tested for tough indoor and outdoor environments.
A Better Solution
At AutomaticTrap.com, we provide a reliable, quick-kill rodent control solution. We don’t hate rats and mice, but when removal is necessary to prevent disease or property damage, we believe it should be done without glue traps or slow-acting poisons. Learn more at Automatic Trap, call 1 (877) 992-8868, or email support@automatictrap.com.