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Is It Legal to Kill Gophers in California?

California Gopher Control Laws — What You Need to Know

Yes, it is legal to kill gophers in California. Pocket gophers (Thomomys species) are classified as nongame mammals under California Fish and Game Code Section 4152. Property owners and tenants may control gophers that are causing damage to their property using any legal method, without a hunting license or permit.

California Law on Gopher Control

Under California Fish and Game Code Section 4152, nongame mammals — including pocket gophers — that are injuring crops or other property may be taken at any time or in any manner by the owner or tenant of the premises. This means:

  • No hunting license is required to trap or kill gophers on your own property
  • There is no season or bag limit for gopher control on private property
  • Trapping, carbon monoxide treatment, and poison bait (with applicable restrictions) are all legal methods
  • You do not need a pest control license to control gophers on your own residential property

    • Are Gopher Traps Legal in California?

    Yes — gopher traps are legal in California for use on private property by property owners and tenants. The most common legal trap types include Macabee traps, Gophinator traps, and box traps. These are sold widely at hardware stores and garden centers throughout Southern California.

    There are no restrictions on trap type for controlling gophers causing property damage on private land.

    Is Gopher Poison Legal in California?

    Gopher poison bait is legal in California, but with important restrictions:

    First-generation anticoagulants (diphacinone, chlorophacinone) are available to homeowners for gopher control without a license. Second-generation anticoagulants (brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone) are restricted-use pesticides in California. Since 2021, these compounds are prohibited for use by homeowners and can only be applied by licensed pest control operators under a Restricted Materials Permit. Zinc phosphide bait is available to homeowners but has significant safety restrictions — it cannot be used near schools, water bodies, or areas accessible to children and pets.

    Are Ground Squirrels Protected in California?

    California ground squirrels are also classified as nongame mammals and can be controlled by property owners when causing damage. However, ground squirrel control using rodenticide is subject to additional restrictions, particularly regarding protected raptors and non-target wildlife.

    Carbon monoxide treatment and trapping are the preferred legal methods for ground squirrel control in most residential and HOA settings.

    Is It Legal to Relocate Gophers in California?

    Relocating gophers is legal but not recommended. Live-trapped gophers released in a new location face high mortality rates as they lack established tunnel systems and food sources. Gophers released on public land may also create problems for the new location. Most professional pest control operators use lethal methods for gopher control.

    Professional Gopher Control — Legal, Safe, Guaranteed

    Rodent Guys uses trapping and carbon monoxide treatment — both fully legal, chemical-free, and safe for pets, wildlife, and the environment. All gopher control includes a 60-day guarantee.

    Call 909-599-4711 for professional gopher control throughout Southern California.

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