Keeping armadillos out of your yard involves a few main steps. You need to make your yard less appealing to them. This means taking away their food and places to hide. You can also put up barriers to block their entry. Sometimes, humane trapping or calling a professional might be needed. It’s often a mix of these methods that works best.
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Why Armadillos Visit Your Yard
Armadillos come into yards for simple reasons. They are looking for food. They also need shelter. Your yard might have just what they want.
What They Look For
Armadillos eat mostly insects. They love grubs, worms, and other small things in the soil. They dig to find these snacks. A yard with healthy soil often has plenty of food for them. This is a big reason why they dig. They are simply trying to eat. A yard with lots of bugs is like a free buffet for an armadillo.
They also look for a safe place to rest or have their young. Armadillos dig burrows. These burrows are their homes. They might dig burrows under bushes, decks, or sheds. These spots offer cover and protection. If your yard has good hiding spots, it might attract them. Overturned soil, maybe from gardening, can also draw them in. It makes the digging easier for them.
Sometimes, a water source can attract them too, especially in dry times. A leaky faucet or a pet’s water bowl can be inviting.
Spotting Armadillos In Your Yard
You might not see an armadillo itself. They are most active at night. But they leave signs of their visit. Knowing these signs helps you know you have a problem.
What Armadillo Damage Looks Like
The most common sign is digging. Armadillos dig small holes. These holes are usually 1 to 3 inches deep. They look like little cone shapes or divots in the ground. You might see many of these holes scattered across your lawn.
They dig them while searching for food. They might also root around in mulch or flower beds. This makes the mulch look messy or overturned. They use their strong claws and snout to dig and push soil around.
Sometimes, you might see bigger holes. These could be the start of a burrow. Burrows are often near fences, under bushes, or close to the foundation of your house or other structures like sheds or decks. Preventing armadillo burrows is key because these are their homes.
Other signs can include damaged plants. They might disturb roots while digging. This can cause plants to wilt or die. Sometimes they might knock over small garden items. If you see fresh soil turned over regularly, especially in the morning, an armadillo might be visiting at night.
Making Your Yard Less Appealing
The first step in armadillo control methods is to make your yard a bad place for them to hang out. This means taking away the things they want.
Managing Their Food Source
Armadillos dig mainly for food. If you reduce their food, they are less likely to stay. They love grubs that live under your lawn. Getting rid of these grubs can help a lot with how to get rid of armadillos digging.
You can treat your lawn for grubs. There are different ways to do this. Some people use chemical treatments. These kill the grubs. You can buy these at garden stores. Follow the directions carefully. Check the best time of year in your area to treat for grubs. This is usually in the late spring or early summer.
There are also natural options. Some people use beneficial nematodes. These are tiny worms that live in the soil. They attack and kill grubs and other lawn pests. This is a natural way to get rid of food for armadillos. Milky spore is another natural product. It is a disease that affects certain types of grubs. It takes time to work, but it can last for many years.
Reducing the number of insects in your soil makes your yard less of a dining spot for armadillos. This is a long-term strategy. It doesn’t happen overnight.
Removing Hiding Spots
Armadillos want a safe place to sleep and build their homes. Look around your yard for places they could hide.
Check under bushes. Trim low branches so there is less cover on the ground.
Look under decks and sheds. If there are gaps, armadillos might try to dig under them. We will talk about blocking these spots later with barriers.
Keep your yard tidy. Piles of leaves, wood, or debris can offer shelter. Clean these up.
Make sure there are no easy places to dig burrows near structures. Filling in old holes you find quickly can also help prevent them from coming back to that spot.
Physical Barriers
Putting up fences or other blocks is a very effective way to stop armadillos. This is a key part of armadillo control methods. They can’t get in if they can’t get past the barrier.
Building Fences to Deter Armadillos
A regular garden fence might not be enough. Armadillos are good diggers. They will try to go under a fence.
To build a fence that works, you need to do a few things:
* Make it tall enough: The fence should be at least 2 feet above the ground. This is usually enough to stop them from climbing over.
* Bury it deep: This is the most important part. The fence material should go at least 1 foot deep into the ground. This stops them from digging under it.
* Angle the buried part: Bend the bottom foot of the fence material outwards into an ‘L’ shape. This part goes underground. When the armadillo tries to dig near the fence, it hits this buried, angled barrier. It makes digging under much harder.
You can use different materials for the fence. Sturdy wire mesh or hardware cloth works well. The mesh holes should be small enough so the armadillo cannot squeeze through. Quarter-inch or half-inch mesh is good. Make sure the fence is strong. It needs to stand up to their attempts to push through or under.
The fence needs to go around the entire area you want to protect. A fence on just one side won’t work. They will just go around it. Building fences to deter armadillos takes effort, but it can be a long-lasting solution.
Other Barrier Ideas
You might not need to fence your whole yard. Maybe you just need to protect a certain area.
* Around decks or sheds: You can attach wire mesh or lattice around the bottom of these structures. Bury the bottom edge into the ground like with a fence. This prevents armadillos from digging burrows underneath. This is crucial for preventing armadillo burrows in these common spots.
* Around gardens or flower beds: If armadillos are digging in specific beds, you can put a low barrier around them. Again, bury the bottom part. Even a barrier that is only 1 foot tall but buried 1 foot deep can help protect small areas.
* Filling holes: If you find an armadillo burrow, you can try filling it. Use soil mixed with gravel or rocks. This makes it harder to re-dig. Make sure the armadillo is not in the burrow when you fill it. You can do this by watching the hole at dawn or dusk. See if an armadillo leaves. Or, you can place loose soil or paper gently in the entrance. If it’s still there the next day, the burrow might be empty.
Using Repellents
Some people try using things that smell or taste bad to armadillos. These are armadillo repellent options. The idea is that the armadillo will not like the smell or taste and will go away.
Armadillo Repellent Options
There are different types of repellents you can buy.
* Scent repellents: These often use ingredients like predator urine (like coyote), castor oil, or other strong smells. The idea is that the armadillo smells danger or something unpleasant. You spray or sprinkle these around the yard or near areas they are digging.
* Taste repellents: Some sprays make the plants or soil taste bad.
Do these repellents work well? The results are often mixed. Armadillos are mainly driven by finding food. If your yard has a lot of grubs, a repellent might only make them move to a different spot in your yard. They might ignore the smell or taste if they are hungry enough. Rain can wash sprays away. You need to reapply them often.
Some people have had some luck with repellents. Others find they don’t do much. They might work better to keep armadillos from coming in in the first place, rather than making one leave once it’s already settled.
Natural Ways to Deter Armadillos
People also try natural ways to deter armadillos. These often use strong smells from common things.
* Castor oil: This is a common ingredient in commercial repellents. You can mix castor oil with soap and water and spray it. The smell is supposed to bother them.
* Predator smells: Some people suggest putting down things that smell like animals that hunt armadillos. This could be dog fur or urine around the yard edge. Be careful with this, as it might attract other animals you don’t want.
* Spicy smells: Some try things like cayenne pepper. Sprinkle it where they are digging. Again, rain washes this away easily.
* Garlic or onion sprays: Making a strong-smelling spray from garlic or onions is another idea.
Like commercial repellents, natural ways to deter armadillos have mixed results. They are usually not a guaranteed fix. They might offer a temporary solution or work better when combined with other methods like food control.
Using bright lights at night has also been suggested. Since armadillos are nocturnal (active at night), bright lights might make them feel unsafe and leave. Motion-activated lights could startle them when they enter the yard.
Noise makers are sometimes used. Loud noises or sudden sounds might scare them off. Motion-activated sprinklers are another option. A sudden spray of water can scare an armadillo away.
Direct Control Methods
Sometimes, changing the yard or using repellents isn’t enough. You might need to take more direct action. This is part of armadillo control methods.
Trapping Armadillos Humanely
Trapping is a way to remove an armadillo that is already in your yard. If you choose to trap, it’s important to do it humanely. This means not harming the animal.
You will need a live trap. These are cage traps. The armadillo goes into the cage to get bait, and the door closes behind it. Traps should be sturdy and large enough for an armadillo (about 10x12x32 inches).
Where to place the trap? Put it where you see the most armadillo activity. This is often near fresh digging or close to a burrow entrance. Armadillos often walk along known paths, like along fences or building foundations. Placing the trap along these paths can work well. You can use guiding boards or fencing pieces to make a funnel leading into the trap entrance. This helps guide the armadillo inside.
What bait to use? This can be tricky. Armadillos eat live insects. Putting out vegetables or fruit usually doesn’t work. Some suggested baits include:
* Live worms or grubs (hard to keep alive in a trap).
* Overripe fruit (might attract other animals).
* A shallow pan of water (can work in dry weather).
* Simply placing the trap along a path they use, without bait, can also work. They might walk into it out of curiosity or just following their usual route.
Check the trap often. You should check it at least once in the early morning. Leaving an animal in a trap for a long time, especially in heat or cold, is not humane. It can also attract other animals.
Once you catch an armadillo, what do you do? This is very important. Check your local laws! In many places, it is against the law to trap animals and move them somewhere else. Releasing an animal in a new place can also be bad for the animal and for the environment. It might not find food or shelter. It could spread disease.
If you are allowed to relocate, you need to move the armadillo several miles away. Find a suitable, wild area if possible. Release it quickly and calmly.
Because of the difficulty in baiting and the rules about relocation, trapping armadillos humanely can be challenging for a homeowner.
Other Armadillo Control Methods
Habitat modification, like getting rid of food and shelter, is a major armadillo control method we already covered. Using physical barriers is another.
Sometimes, if allowed by local rules, other methods might be used, but they are often not humane or effective for homeowners. For example, killing armadillos might be allowed in some areas, but it is generally not recommended or necessary for nuisance control and can be difficult and dangerous. Lethal methods should only be considered as a last resort and often require professional help.
Focusing on prevention and humane removal (like trapping if allowed and done correctly, or exclusion with barriers) is usually the best approach for homeowners.
Stopping Burrowing
Armadillo burrows are a big problem. They can damage foundations, sidewalks, and plant roots. Preventing armadillo burrows is crucial.
Preventing Armadillo Burrows
The best way to prevent new burrows is to follow the steps above.
* Remove food: Less food means less reason to stay and build a home.
* Remove shelter: Clean up debris and close off spaces under structures.
* Use barriers: Fencing buried properly stops them from digging burrows along edges or under buildings. This is the most effective way to block burrowing attempts.
If you find an active burrow:
1. Confirm it’s active: Gently place some loose soil, leaves, or crumpled paper in the entrance. Check it the next day. If the material is moved, the armadillo is likely using the burrow.
2. Wait for the armadillo to leave: Armadillos usually leave their burrows in the evening or at night to feed. You can try watching at dusk.
3. Fill the burrow: Once you are sure the armadillo is out, fill the burrow completely. Use soil mixed with gravel, rocks, or even concrete rubble. This makes it very hard for the armadillo to reopen the hole. Pack it down tightly.
4. Monitor the area: Keep an eye on the spot. The armadillo might try to dig a new burrow nearby. Have your barriers in place and continue making the yard less appealing.
Filling burrows is important not just to prevent the armadillo from using it again, but also to prevent injuries. People or animals could trip and fall in a burrow hole.
When to Call for Help
Dealing with armadillos can be tough. Sometimes the problem is too big or too hard to handle on your own. This is when you might need professional help.
Professional Armadillo Removal Services
Pest control companies or wildlife removal services can help. They have experience dealing with armadillos.
Why call a professional?
* They know armadillo behavior: They understand where to look for burrows and travel paths.
* They have the right equipment: They have strong traps and tools for installing barriers or treating for pests.
* They know the laws: Professional services know the rules about trapping and relocating wildlife in your area. This is very important for humane and legal removal.
* They offer different armadillo control methods: A professional can assess your situation and suggest the best approach or combination of methods for your specific yard. They might offer trapping, exclusion services (installing barriers), or advice on habitat changes.
* They can handle difficult situations: If the armadillo is living under your house or a structure, removal can be complex and might require tools or knowledge a homeowner doesn’t have.
Getting professional armadillo removal services can save you time and effort. It also increases the chance of solving the problem effectively and humanely. Ask about their methods. Ensure they follow humane practices and local regulations. Get quotes from a few different services.
Comparing Ways to Keep Armadillos Away
Here is a quick look at the different methods:
| Method | How it Works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Control (Grub Removal) | Reduces main food source in soil | Addresses root cause of digging | Takes time; requires products/treatment |
| Shelter Removal | Eliminates places to hide or burrow | Simple cleanup | May require trimming/minor landscaping |
| Fencing/Barriers | Physically blocks entry | Very effective when done right | Can be costly; requires installation effort |
| Repellents (Scent/Taste) | Makes yard smell/taste bad | Easy to apply | Often ineffective; needs frequent reapplication |
| Natural Deterrents | Uses common strong smells/sounds/lights | Uses household items; non-toxic (mostly) | Results are mixed; often temporary |
| Trapping (Humane) | Catches the animal to remove it | Removes the specific problem animal | Baiting is hard; need right trap; laws vary; relocation tricky |
| Filling Burrows | Makes existing homes unusable | Addresses immediate problem area | Armadillo might dig new one nearby; need to make sure animal is out |
| Professional Services | Expert help, equipment, legal knowledge | Highest chance of success; less work for homeowner | Costs money |
Using one method might help, but often a combination works best for effective armadillo control methods.
The Best Way To Handle Armadillos
There is no single magic trick to get rid of armadillos. The most effective approach is usually layered.
- Start with prevention: Make your yard less attractive. Work on reducing grubs. Clean up potential hiding spots.
- Add barriers: Put up fences or block access under structures where they like to burrow. This is key for preventing armadillo burrows near buildings.
- Try repellents with caution: You can try repellents or natural methods, but don’t rely only on them.
- Consider trapping: If prevention and barriers aren’t enough, and it’s legal in your area, humane trapping can remove the animal. Be prepared for what to do after trapping.
- Call a professional: If the problem is ongoing, severe, or you are uncomfortable with trapping, professional armadillo removal services are often the best solution.
Think of it like layers of defense. Each step makes your yard harder for armadillos to live in.
Keeping Them Away For Good
Getting an armadillo to leave is one thing. Keeping them from coming back is another. This needs ongoing effort.
- Keep your lawn healthy but work on grub control regularly.
- Check your barriers often. Repair any damage.
- Keep areas under decks and sheds sealed.
- Fill in any new holes as soon as you see them.
- Be aware of what attracts armadillos to yards in your area (maybe a neighbor has a garden they like).
- Sometimes, new armadillos will move into an area if the habitat is good. Staying on top of prevention is key.
It’s a bit of work, but protecting your yard from armadillo damage is possible with the right steps.
Common Questions About Armadillos
Q: What time of day are armadillos most active?
A: Armadillos are usually most active at night. They often come out in the late evening or at dusk and search for food throughout the night. Sometimes, they might be seen during the day in cooler weather or if they are disturbed.
Q: Do armadillos carry diseases?
A: Yes, armadillos can carry diseases. One disease they are known for is leprosy. While the risk to humans is low, it’s why you should never handle an armadillo without thick gloves and caution. Keep pets away from them too.
Q: Can armadillos climb?
A: Armadillos are not good climbers. They are built for digging. A low fence won’t stop them from digging under, but they are unlikely to climb over a fence that is even just a foot or two tall.
Q: How fast can armadillos dig?
A: Armadillos are very fast diggers. They can dig a hole or a short burrow surprisingly quickly when they want to. This is why digging under fences or quickly making small holes for food is easy for them.
Q: Will my pet dog or cat keep armadillos away?
A: While a pet might bark at or chase an armadillo, they are unlikely to keep them away long-term. The armadillo might just wait until the pet isn’t around. Also, a confrontation could injure your pet or expose them to disease. It’s better to use physical barriers.
Q: Are armadillos dangerous?
A: Armadillos are generally not aggressive towards humans. They are shy and will usually try to run away or quickly dig a burrow if scared. The main risks are from their digging (creating holes you could trip in) and the potential for carrying diseases. It’s best to avoid contact with them.
Q: How many babies do armadillos have?
A: Nine-banded armadillos, which are common in the US, almost always give birth to four identical babies at a time. They are all from the same egg.
Conclusion
Dealing with armadillos in your yard requires patience and using several different methods. By reducing their food, removing hiding spots, installing strong barriers, and potentially using humane trapping or professional help, you can protect your yard. Keep an eye out for signs of digging and act quickly to fill burrows and reinforce your defenses. While no method is foolproof on its own, a combined effort offers the best chance to keep armadillos from making your yard their home.