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Natural Resources Building
P.O. Box 42560
1111 Washington ST SE
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Phone: (360) 902-1800

Authority To Enter Private Property

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Does WSDA Place Traps on Private Property?


WSDA places traps on both public and private property in conducting trapping programs. As much as possible, WSDA places traps on public property. Before placing a trap on private property, WSDA attempts to gain the permission of the property owner. If the owner is not at home, the trapper will leave a door hanger or flier at the residence, explaining 1) why a trap has been placed on their property, 2) where the trap has been placed, and 3) giving a telephone number to call for answers to further questions. 

Below are paragraphs from the Revised Code of Washington, which authorize WSDA’s trapping and eradication programs:

RCW 17.24.021 (inspection and investigation)

(1) The director may intercept and hold or order held for inspection, or cause to be inspected while in transit or after arrival at their destination, all plants, plant products, bees, or other articles likely to carry plant pests, bee pests, or noxious weeds being moved into this state from another state, territory, or a foreign country or within or through this state for plant and bee pests and disease.

(2) The director may enter upon public and private premises at reasonable times for the purpose of carrying out this chapter. If the director be denied access, the director may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for a search warrant authorizing access to such premises. The court may upon such application issue the search warrant for the purposes requested.

(3) The director may adopt rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

RCW 17.24.101 (statewide survey and control activity)

If there is reason to believe that a plant or bee pest may adversely impact the forestry, agricultural, horticultural, floricultural, or related industries of the state; or may cause harm to the environment of the state; or such information is needed to facilitate or allow the movement of forestry, agricultural, horticultural, or related products to out-of-state, foreign and domestic markets, the director may conduct, or cause to be conducted, surveys to determine the presence, absence, or distribution of a pest.