Photo: Dylan Ferreira, Unsplash
With California’s increased focus on protecting pets, wildlife, and the environment, legislation is tightening on rodenticide products. Whether you're dealing with rats, mice, gophers, or other rodents in your home or garden, here's what’s changing and what legally works now.
New Rules You Should Know
California recently implemented Assembly Bill 2552, also known as the Poison‑Free Wildlife Act. This law places strong limits on which toxic baits homeowners and unlicensed users can access. The primary goal is to reduce secondary poisoning—when coyotes, birds, pets, or other wildlife are harmed after eating poisoned rodents.
For full details, see the original article from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Rodenticides: Further Restrictions for Use in 2025
Rodenticides Homeowners CAN Use
The following active ingredients remain available for residential use—but only against rats and mice, per product labels:
- Bromethalin
- Cholecalciferol
- Zinc phosphide
Be sure to read the labels carefully—some products may only be registered for specific rodent species.
Rodenticides Homeowners CANNOT Use
Residents and unlicensed applicators cannot use products containing the following active ingredients:
- Brodifacoum
- Bromadiolone
- Chlorophacinone
- Difethialone
- Diphacinone
- Strychnine
- Warfarin
These compounds are effective but highly toxic, posing significant risks to wildlife and pets.
What to Do with Old Rodenticides
If you have expired or unused products with restricted ingredients, do not throw them in the trash. Instead, take them to your local Household Hazardous Waste disposal site for safe handling.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Tips
For even safer rodent control, combine approved baiting with non-chemical strategies:
- Seal holes and cracks in walls and foundations
- Eliminate food and water sources from around your home
- Consider traps (snap or live-capture) in outdoor burrows
- Keep landscaping tidy to reduce rodent harborage
The University of California’s IPM website offers detailed guidance for managing ground squirrels, gophers, moles, rats, and voles.
Quick Reference Table
| Feature | What You Can Use | What You Can’t Use |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Bromethalin, Cholecalciferol, Zinc phosphide | Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, Chlorophacinone, Difethialone, Diphacinone, Strychnine, Warfarin |
| Authorized Users | Homeowners, unlicensed users | Only licensed professionals |
Shop the Right Rodent Control Products
We stock products with the approved active ingredients listed above, along with traps and exclusion hardware—perfect for integrated pest management strategies.
Tip: Always confirm the active ingredient on the product label before purchasing.
Looking Ahead
These regulatory changes took effect in July 2025. Staying informed ensures your rodent-control methods are both legal and wildlife-safe.
Final Word
California’s updated rodenticide rules empower you to protect your home—and the broader ecosystem. Use only approved baits, combine them with smart IPM practices, and dispose of old chemicals responsibly.
Need help choosing the right solution? Visit any of our 3 locations in San Diego or contact us—we’re here to help.
Source: Rodenticides: Further Restrictions for Use in 2025 – UCANR Blog
