Do you have armadillos digging up your yard? You are likely wondering, how do you get rid of armadillos in your yard? Getting rid of armadillos often means stopping them from digging and finding their food. You can do this with simple steps, sometimes using armadillo traps or trying armadillo repellent. If the problem is big, professional armadillo removal might be needed. We will look at different armadillo control methods you can use to stop armadillo digging damage and prevent armadillos in your yard.
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Seeing Why Armadillos Come Around
Armadillos can be a real problem for homeowners. They dig for food. This causes armadillo digging damage. They make holes in your lawn. They can mess up flower beds. They can even harm garden plants. Knowing why they are in your yard helps you stop them.
h4 What They Eat
Armadillos mostly eat insects. They love grubs, worms, and beetles. They use their long claws to dig for these tasty treats. Your yard is like a big dinner table for them if it has lots of bugs. They might also eat other small things they find in the soil.
h4 Where They Live
Armadillos like to dig burrows. An armadillo burrow is their home. They sleep there during the day. They raise their young there. These burrows can be under decks, sheds, or even tree roots. One armadillo can have many burrows. The holes they dig looking for food are not burrows. The burrow is a bigger hole where they live.
h4 Why They Pick Your Yard
They pick yards that have easy food. A well-watered lawn often has lots of grubs. Yards with hiding spots like bushes or structures are good for making an armadillo burrow. If your neighbor has them, they might come to your yard too.
Stopping Armadillos From Getting In
The best way to deal with armadillos is to stop them from coming in the first place. This is called preventing armadillos in yard. It is easier than trying to catch them or scare them away later.
h4 Making Your Yard Less Yummy
You can make your yard less nice for armadillos. Since they eat bugs in the soil, you can control those bugs.
h5 Controlling Lawn Grubs
Many bugs armadillos eat live in your grass. Grubs are a big food source. If you have many grubs, armadillos will visit. You can use products to kill grubs. This takes away a main food source. Use these products safely. Read the label carefully. Do this in the spring or early summer. That is when grubs are small and easy to kill.
h5 Watering Your Lawn Less
Armadillos like soft, moist soil. It is easy to dig in. It also has more bugs. Watering your lawn less often can help. Let the topsoil dry out. Armadillos might go look for food somewhere else. Only water deeply when your grass really needs it.
h5 Clearing Away Hiding Spots
Armadillos need places to hide and make burrows. Clear away piles of wood or brush. Make sure areas under decks and sheds are closed off. This makes it harder for them to find a good place to live.
h4 Building Barriers
Building a fence can stop armadillos. But it needs to be a special kind of fence. Armadillos are good diggers.
h5 Fence Details
A normal fence above the ground is not enough. An armadillo can just dig under it. The fence needs to go into the ground. Dig a trench about one to two feet deep. Put wire mesh or fence material down into the trench. Then bury it. The fence itself should be about one foot above the ground. Make sure there are no gaps. This creates a barrier they cannot easily dig under. This is a solid way of preventing armadillos in yard.
h5 Blocking Off Structures
Armadillos often burrow under homes, sheds, or porches. Close off these spaces. Use strong wire mesh. Attach it from the structure down into the ground. Go one to two feet deep like with the fence. Make sure it is secured well. This stops them from making a home there.
Using Scents and Sounds: Armadillo Repellent
Many people want to use armadillo repellent to make armadillos leave. There are products you can buy. Some people try home remedies. Do these work? It is hard to say for sure.
h4 What Repellents Do
Repellents try to make an area smell bad to armadillos. They might use strong smells like garlic, vinegar, or specific chemicals. The idea is that the armadillo will not like the smell and will go away.
h5 Store-Bought Repellents
You can find armadillo repellent sprays or granules at garden stores. These often contain ingredients like castor oil. The smell is supposed to bother the armadillo. You spread or spray it where you see digging or burrows. You need to use these often, especially after rain. The smell washes away. Do they work? Some people say yes, some say no. Many experts say they are not very effective for long-term armadillo removal. They might work for a short time or make an armadillo move to a different spot in your yard.
h5 Home Remedies
People try different things they have at home.
* Garlic spray
* Vinegar soaked rags
* Mothballs (Be careful, mothballs can be bad for pets and children. They are also not allowed in many places for pest control.)
* Cayenne pepper
Like store-bought repellents, these often have mixed results. An armadillo might just ignore them. Or they might work for a day or two. Repellents are generally not the most reliable armadillo control methods.
h4 Sound and Light Repellents
Some products make noise or flash lights. The idea is to scare the armadillo. Armadillos are usually out at night. Bright lights might bother them. Loud noises might too. But armadillos can get used to things. A constant light or noise might stop bothering them after a while. These methods are also not proven to be very effective for getting rid of armadillos completely.
h4 Why Repellents Are Not Perfect
Repellents try to make a place unpleasant. But if your yard has a lot of food (bugs) that the armadillo really wants, they might just put up with the bad smell or noise. Finding food is very important for them. They might ignore the repellent to get the food. For real armadillo removal, you often need more active steps.
Catching Armadillos: Using Traps
Trapping is a common way of armadillo control. You can use armadillo traps to catch them. Then you move them somewhere else. This is part of humane armadillo control if done right.
h4 What Kind of Trap?
You need a live trap. This is a cage trap. It catches the animal without hurting it. The best size is a medium to large trap. It should be about 10 inches wide, 12 inches high, and 32 inches long. Look for traps made for raccoons or groundhogs. These work well for armadillos.
h4 Where to Put the Trap
Armadillos follow paths. They often walk along fences, walls, or hedges. Place the trap near where you see digging. Put it along a path they might use. You can also put it near the entrance of an armadillo burrow if you know which one is active. Point the trap entrance towards the burrow or path.
h4 How to Set the Trap
Open the trap door. Make sure the trigger plate inside is set correctly. Test it gently to see how it snaps shut. Make sure it is stable on the ground.
h4 What Bait to Use?
Armadillos eat insects. So, what bait works?
* Worms: This is often the best bait. Armadillos love worms. Put a small dish of dirt with worms in it inside the trap.
* Rotten fruit: Some sources say armadillos like the smell of rotten fruit.
* Mealworms: These are easy to buy at a pet store.
* No bait needed: Sometimes, you don’t even need bait. If you place the trap correctly in the path of an armadillo, they might walk in just because it is in their way. This works well if you guide them into the trap.
h5 Guiding Armadillos to the Trap
You can use wood boards or wire mesh to make a funnel shape leading to the trap entrance. Place the boards on the sides of the trap. Make them wider at one end, leading to the trap. This guides the armadillo as it walks along a path or wall directly into the trap. This is often more effective than just bait.
h4 Checking the Trap
Check the trap often. Check it in the early morning. Armadillos are active at night. You might catch one just before morning. Do not leave an animal in a trap for a long time. They can get scared, hot, or thirsty.
h4 What to Do After Catching One
This is important for humane armadillo control. Once you catch an armadillo:
1. Cover the trap with a blanket or tarp. This calms the animal down.
2. Plan where to take it. You need to move it far away. Some places have rules about moving wild animals. Check your local laws. Do not just take it to your neighbor’s yard!
3. A good distance is at least 5 miles away. Take it to a wild area, like a forest or large natural space, away from homes.
4. Wear thick gloves when handling the trap. Armadillos can scratch.
5. Carefully open the trap door and let the armadillo go.
Remember, catching armadillos means dealing with live animals. Be prepared for this step.
h4 Are Armadillo Traps Always the Answer?
Trapping can work for removing one or two armadillos. But if more armadillos live nearby, new ones might just come to your yard. Trapping needs to be part of a bigger plan that includes preventing armadillos in yard.
Dealing With the Damage
Armadillos cause damage by digging. You need to fix the holes they make.
h4 Fixing Dug-Up Spots
Fill in the holes with soil. Smooth it out. Put down grass seed or repair the sod. Water the area gently. Do this as soon as you see the holes. This makes your yard look better. It also removes spots where an armadillo might look again for food.
h4 Repairing Burrows
If you find an armadillo burrow and you are sure the animal is gone (either you saw it leave, trapped it, or it has been days with no activity), you can fill it in.
1. Use a shovel to fill the hole with dirt.
2. Pack the dirt down firmly.
3. You can place rocks or wire mesh deep in the hole before filling with dirt. This makes it harder for an armadillo to dig there again.
4. Repair the ground above the filled burrow.
If you are not sure if the armadillo is gone, do not fill the burrow. You could trap the animal inside. That is not humane.
When to Call For Help: Professional Armadillo Removal
Sometimes, getting rid of armadillos is too hard to do by yourself. This is when you might need professional armadillo removal services.
h4 When Experts Are Needed
- You have many armadillos.
- They are causing a lot of damage.
- They are burrowing under your house or important structure.
- You cannot catch them yourself.
- You don’t want to deal with live animals.
- You are not sure how to follow local laws about moving animals.
- Other methods you tried did not work.
h4 What Professionals Do
Professional armadillo removal companies know about animal behavior. They have the right tools.
* They can confirm if it is armadillos causing the problem. Other animals dig too.
* They know the best places to set armadillo traps.
* They can humanely catch the armadillos.
* They know where it is safe and legal to release them.
* They can give advice on preventing armadillos in yard for the future. This might include helping you with exclusion methods or suggesting ways to manage the soil.
h4 Cost of Professional Services
Getting professional armadillo removal costs money. The price depends on:
* How many armadillos there are.
* How hard they are to catch.
* How much damage is already done.
* Where you live.
Get quotes from a few companies. Make sure they are licensed and insured. Ask them about their methods for humane armadillo control.
Comparing Armadillo Control Methods
Here is a simple look at different ways to control armadillos.
| Method | How it Works | Pros | Cons | Effectiveness (Likely) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventing Entry | Fences, blocking access points | Stops them long-term, humane | Can cost money and take work to set up | High |
| Reduce Food (Grubs) | Treat lawn for insects | Takes away main reason they visit | Need right product/time, might harm other bugs | Medium to High |
| Armadillo Repellent | Smells or sounds to scare them away | Easy to use | Often not very effective or long-lasting | Low |
| Armadillo Traps | Live trap to catch them | Can remove specific animals | Need right trap/placement, requires checking/moving animal, new ones can come | Medium |
| Professional Help | Experts catch and remove animals | Effective, less work for you, humane | Costs money | High |
For best results, often a mix of methods works well. First, try preventing them from entering and reducing food. If they are already there, trapping might be needed.
More About Humane Armadillo Control
Many people want to get rid of armadillos without hurting them. This is humane armadillo control.
h4 Live Trapping
As discussed, live trapping is a humane way to catch an armadillo. The key is checking the trap often and releasing the animal in a safe place quickly. Make sure the release site is far away and suitable for the armadillo to live. It should have food and shelter and not be near other homes.
h4 Why Not Kill Them?
Besides being unkind, killing armadillos might not solve your problem. Other armadillos could move in. Plus, many areas have laws about killing wild animals. Humane methods are often preferred. They focus on changing your yard so the armadillo wants to leave or cannot get in.
h4 Making Your Yard Unattractive
This is a very humane method. If your yard doesn’t have much food or good places to hide, armadillos will likely go somewhere else on their own. This takes time but is gentle. This connects back to reducing grubs and making your yard less easy to dig in by watering less.
Knowing the Armadillo Burrow
Finding an armadillo burrow is a sign you have a visitor living close by.
h4 How a Burrow Looks
An armadillo burrow is usually a round hole. It is about 6 to 8 inches wide. It goes into the ground, often under something like a bush, shed, or porch. There might be a pile of dirt near the entrance. They are different from the many smaller holes they dig when looking for food.
h4 What to Do About a Burrow
First, you need to know if it is active. You can do this:
1. Gently put some loose soil or leaves in the entrance of the hole.
2. Check it the next day. If the dirt or leaves are pushed away, an armadillo is likely using the burrow.
3. If it stays undisturbed for 2-3 days, the burrow might not be active.
If the burrow is active, you need to get the armadillo out before closing it. This is where trapping comes in. You can place a trap right at the entrance of the active armadillo burrow. This is a prime spot for catching armadillos.
Once you are sure the burrow is empty, you can fill it in firmly as described before. You can also place wire mesh or large rocks inside before filling to make it hard to dig again in that exact spot.
Integrating Armadillo Control Methods
Using just one method might not be enough. Often, the best way to get rid of armadillos is to use a few different armadillo control methods together.
h4 A Step-by-Step Plan
- See the Problem: Notice the armadillo digging damage. Find any armadillo burrow locations.
- Reduce Food: Check for grubs in your lawn. Treat your lawn if needed. Water less often.
- Make it Hard to Enter/Hide: Build simple barriers like fences or block off spaces under structures. This is key for preventing armadillos in yard.
- Consider Trapping: If they are already there and causing trouble, try using armadillo traps. Learn how to set and check them safely for humane armadillo control.
- Fix Damage: Fill holes and burrows once the armadillo is gone.
- Think About Repellents: You can try armadillo repellent, but don’t count on it as the main solution.
- Call Professionals: If the problem is big or you need help, contact a professional armadillo removal service.
This combined approach gives you the best chance for effective armadillo removal and keeping them away.
Learning About Armadillos and Diseases
It is good to know a little bit about armadillos, especially regarding health.
h4 What They Are Like
Armadillos are mammals. They are known for their hard shell. They mostly come out at night (nocturnal). They have poor eyesight but a good sense of smell. They are usually shy.
h4 Armadillos and Leprosy
Yes, it is true that armadillos can carry leprosy. It is the same disease that affects people. However, it is very rare for people in the U.S. to get leprosy from an armadillo. Most people are naturally immune to the disease. The risk is very low. Still, it is wise to be careful.
h5 How to Stay Safe
- Do not touch wild armadillos.
- Wear gloves if you need to handle a trap or fill a burrow.
- Wash your hands well with soap and water after being in your yard, especially after working in the soil where armadillos have been digging.
- Do not eat armadillo meat. (While some people do this in certain areas, it is a way the disease can spread).
Being careful is smart, but there is no need to be overly worried about catching leprosy from an armadillo in your yard. The main problem they cause is the armadillo digging damage.
Keeping Them Away Long-Term
Getting rid of armadillos once is good. Keeping them away is better. Preventing armadillos in yard is an ongoing task.
h4 Regular Yard Care
Keep your yard clean. Remove brush piles. Trim bushes. This takes away places armadillos like to hide.
Check your fences and barriers often. Repair any holes or weak spots.
h4 Managing Soil Health
Healthy soil might have fewer grubs that armadillos want. Think about how you care for your lawn and garden beds. Reducing chemical use can help good bugs, but you might still need grub control if that is what is attracting armadillos.
h4 Talking to Neighbors
If your neighbors also have armadillo problems, talk to them. If everyone on the street works on preventing armadillos in yard, it can be more effective. A neighborhood approach to armadillo control methods is better than just one house trying.
h4 Monitoring
Keep an eye out for new digging. If you see fresh armadillo digging damage, act quickly. It is easier to deal with one armadillo starting to explore than a family that has made a home.
Different Armadillo Control Methods Summary
- Habitat change: Make your yard less appealing (less food, fewer hiding spots). This is a key part of preventing armadillos in yard.
- Exclusion: Build barriers to keep them out. This is a direct physical method.
- Repellents: Try to scare them away with smells or sounds. Often not very effective for long-term armadillo removal.
- Trapping: Catch them using armadillo traps. This requires catching armadillos and moving them. This is a form of armadillo removal.
- Professional help: Get experts for difficult cases. They offer professional armadillo removal services.
Humane armadillo control should be the goal for all these methods. Avoid harm to the animal. Focus on making your yard somewhere they don’t want to be.
The armadillo burrow is the home base. Addressing it (once empty) and preventing new burrows is important. Repairing armadillo digging damage makes your yard look better and removes food sources.
Getting rid of armadillos takes patience. It might take trying a few things. But with the right steps, you can protect your yard from these digging animals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Armadillos
h4 How fast can armadillos dig?
Armadillos can dig very fast. They have strong claws. They can dig a burrow in just a few minutes if the ground is soft. This is why barriers need to go deep underground.
h4 What time of day are armadillos most active?
Armadillos are mostly nocturnal. This means they are most active at night. You might see them around sunset or in the early morning hours. During hot weather, they might come out during the day sometimes.
h4 Are armadillos dangerous?
Armadillos are generally not dangerous to people or pets. They are shy. They prefer to run away or jump up if scared. They can scratch or bite if cornered, but this is rare. The main risk is the small chance of them carrying leprosy, but as discussed, this risk is very low with basic care like not touching them and washing hands. Their main danger is the armadillo digging damage they cause to yards.
h4 Can armadillos climb?
No, armadillos are not good climbers. They are built for digging. A fence that is just 1 foot above ground is usually enough height, as long as it goes deep into the ground to stop them from digging under.
h4 How long does it take to get rid of armadillos?
It depends on the method and the specific armadillo. Preventing armadillos in yard with fences can work right away. Trapping can catch one in a night or two if placed well. Reducing grubs takes time for the product to work and for the armadillo to learn there’s no food. Professional armadillo removal might solve the problem quickly if they catch the animal, but preventing new ones takes time. Be patient.
h4 Should I fill an armadillo burrow if I see an armadillo go in?
No, do not fill a burrow if you see an armadillo go inside. You could trap the animal in the burrow. That is not humane. Wait until you are sure the burrow is empty before filling it. You can place a trap near the entrance to try and catch the armadillo when it comes out, usually at night.
h4 Do armadillos travel far?
Armadillos can travel a few miles, but they often stay in an area if they can find food and shelter. Removing the food source (grubs) and shelter (burrows) in your yard makes your property less appealing to them and reduces their reason to stay or visit.
h4 What is the most effective armadillo control method?
Often, the most effective method is a combination approach focusing on preventing them from entering your yard and removing their food sources. Building effective barriers (fences going deep) and managing lawn grubs are usually more reliable than just using repellents or hoping to trap every armadillo. Professional armadillo removal is most effective when you need quick results or have a big problem.
Using these steps and knowing about armadillos helps you protect your yard. Good luck!