How do you get rid of armadillos in your yard? Armadillos can dig up your lawn and garden looking for food. This can cause a lot of damage. Getting rid of them for good takes effort. You need to find them, figure out why they are there, and use the right steps to make them leave. This guide will show you how to handle armadillos. It covers many ways you can try.
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Seeing the Signs They Are There
Before you try to get rid of armadillos, you need to be sure they are the problem. Different animals dig in yards. Skunks, raccoons, and squirrels can dig too. Armadillos leave certain signs. Learning these signs helps you know it is an armadillo.
Freshly Dug Holes
This is the most common sign. Armadillos dig many small holes. They dig these holes while they look for food. The holes are usually shallow. They are often 3 to 5 inches wide. They look like someone poked the ground with a stick or a trowel. You might see many of these holes in one area. They are looking for bugs and worms.
Paths in the Grass
Armadillos often follow the same paths. They walk from where they hide to where they look for food. Over time, they can make small trails in the grass. These paths are narrow. You might see them leading to areas with lots of digging. They can look like tiny worn-down roads.
Armadillo Burrows
Armadillos dig bigger holes too. These are their homes. These are called burrows. An “armadillo burrow” is a main sign. Burrows are usually about 7 to 8 inches wide. They are often found near things that offer cover. Look under decks. Look under sheds. Check near bushes. Look near foundations of buildings. A burrow can be many feet long underground. Seeing a burrow means an armadillo is living nearby.
Damaged Plants
Sometimes, armadillos dig near plants. They might dig up roots while looking for food. This can damage or kill plants. You might see plants looking loose or falling over.
Spotting Armadillos
You might see the armadillo itself. They are most active when the sun is not bright. They like to look for food in the evening. They are also active at night. You might see them early in the morning too. If you see a strange animal with a shell-like back walking across your yard, it is likely an armadillo.
Why Armadillos Like Your Yard
Armadillos come to your yard for two main reasons. They are looking for food. They are also looking for shelter. If your yard has plenty of these things, it becomes a good place for them.
What They Eat
Armadillos mostly eat insects. They love grubs. Grubs are the baby form of beetles. They live in the soil. Armadillos also eat worms, spiders, and other small bugs. Sometimes they eat small fruits or roots. But their main food is bugs in the ground. If your lawn has many grubs, it is like a buffet for armadillos.
Where They Hide
Armadillos need a safe place to rest. They dig burrows for this. Burrows keep them safe from weather. Burrows protect them from animals that might try to eat them. A yard with thick bushes, sheds, or decks offers good spots to dig a burrow. These spots give cover. The armadillo feels safe digging there.
Steps to Get Armadillos Out
Getting armadillos out takes a few steps. You need to make your yard less nice for them. You need to use methods to make them leave. This is part of “Armadillo control methods.”
Change What They Eat
Since armadillos dig for food, taking away their food source can help.
* Treat for Grubs: You can use treatments for grubs in your lawn. This removes a main food source. Less food means less reason to dig. This can help “Prevent armadillo damage.” Look for products made for killing lawn grubs. Use them as directed.
* Water Less: Armadillos like soft, moist soil for digging. If you water your lawn less, the soil gets harder. It is harder for them to dig for bugs. This can make your yard less appealing.
Remove Hiding Spots
Armadillos need places to hide and make burrows. Making your yard less safe for them can help.
* Clear Brush: Remove piles of leaves, wood, or brush. These give armadillos places to hide.
* Fill Burrows: Once you are sure an armadillo is not in the burrow, fill it in. Use dirt and rocks. This takes away their home. Watch the burrow first. If you don’t see the armadillo come out for a few nights, it might be safe to fill. Be careful, filling an active burrow can trap an animal.
Using Smells They Hate
Some people try using smells to keep armadillos away. These are “Armadillo repellent” methods. Many natural things are tried. These are called “Natural armadillo deterrents.”
* Common Natural Smells:
* Garlic
* Vinegar
* Cayenne pepper or other hot peppers
* Ammonia (soaked rags near burrows)
* Mothballs (use with care, they can be bad for other animals and the soil)
* Do They Work? Science shows these natural smells often do not work well for long. Armadillos have a strong drive to find food. A bad smell might stop them for a short time. But if food is still there, they will likely come back. They might just dig around the smell.
* Commercial Repellents: There are products sold as armadillo repellents. Some use strong smells or tastes. Products with castor oil are sometimes said to work. Castor oil can make the things armadillos eat taste bad. Like natural smells, results can be mixed. They might work for some time, but often they don’t solve the problem completely. Repellents usually need to be used again and again. Rain can wash them away.
Make Noise and Light
Armadillos are shy. They scare easily. Making noise or using bright lights can sometimes scare them away.
* Motion-Activated Lights: Put lights that turn on when something moves. If an armadillo comes near, the light turns on. This might scare it away.
* Loud Noises: Some people use radios or noise makers. Put them near where the armadillo digs. This might make them uncomfortable. Like smells, this often only works for a short time. They might get used to it.
Build Barriers
Putting up fences can be a good way to “Prevent armadillo damage.” But an armadillo fence needs to be special.
* Proper Fence: Armadillos are good at digging. A fence just sitting on the ground will not stop them. The fence needs to go into the ground.
* How to Build It: Dig a trench 1 to 2 feet deep. Put the bottom of the fence in this trench. Bend the bottom part of the fence outward. This part should go away from your yard underground. This makes it hard for the armadillo to dig under the fence. The fence itself should be at least 2 feet tall above the ground. This makes it hard for them to climb over.
* Material: Strong mesh or wire fencing works well. Make sure the holes are not too big.
Catching Armadillos
“Trapping armadillos” can remove them from your yard. This needs care and following rules.
* Types of Traps: Live traps are used. These are cage traps. The armadillo walks in, and the door closes. It does not harm the animal.
* Where to Put Traps: Place traps near active digging areas. Put them along paths you see the armadillo use. Place them near the entrance of an “armadillo burrow.”
* What Bait to Use: Armadillos like bugs. Good baits include:
* Live worms
* Live grubs
* Rotten fruit (like cantaloupe)
* Some people use old meat, but this can attract other animals you don’t want to catch.
* How to Set Traps: Set the trap on a flat surface. Open the door. Place the bait inside, past the trigger plate. Follow the trap maker’s steps.
* Check Traps Often: You must check the trap often. Check it every morning. If an animal is caught, it can get scared or hurt if left for too long.
* What to Do After Catching: This is the most important part. You cannot just take the armadillo anywhere.
* Local Laws: Check your local and state laws about “Wildlife control” and trapping. It might be against the law to trap armadillos. It might be against the law to move them. Moving wild animals can spread sickness. It can also put the animal in a bad spot where it cannot find food or shelter. Or it might just come back to your yard.
* Humane Steps: If laws allow, you might need to move the animal a few miles away. Choose a place with woods and water, away from homes. But this is often not allowed.
* Contact Wildlife Officials: The best thing to do is call your local “Wildlife control” office. Ask them what to do if you catch an armadillo. They can tell you the rules. They might offer help or tell you who can help. In some places, caught animals must be humanely put down (euthanized). This is sad, but it is sometimes the rule to stop the spread of sickness like leprosy, which armadillos can carry.
Calling for Help
Sometimes the problem is too big. Or you might not want to trap animals yourself. This is when you should call for “Professional armadillo removal.”
* When to Call Experts:
* You have many armadillos.
* Other methods have not worked.
* You are not comfortable trapping or handling animals.
* The armadillo has made burrows near your house foundation. This can cause damage.
* You are not sure about the laws for trapping and moving animals.
* What Professionals Do: Experts in “Wildlife control” know how to handle armadillos safely. They know the laws. They have the right traps. They know where to place them. They can remove the armadillo and follow local rules. They might also offer ideas to keep them away later. Calling a professional can be the quickest and most certain way to get rid of armadillos.
Here is a simple look at some common methods:
| Method | How it Works | Pros | Cons | Effectiveness Rating (1-5, 5 is best) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove Food (Grubs) | Takes away their main meal ticket | Addresses root cause, helps lawn | Takes time, might not get all food bugs | 3 |
| Remove Shelter | Fills burrows, clears brush | Destroys home | Armadillo might just dig a new one | 2 |
| Repellents (Smells) | Makes yard smell bad to them | Easy to apply | Often don’t work well or for long | 1 |
| Noise/Lights | Scares them with sudden sights/sounds | Easy to set up | Armadillos often get used to them | 1 |
| Exclusion (Fence) | Stops them from getting in | Very effective if done right | Can be costly, takes work to install deep | 4 |
| Trapping (Live) | Catches the armadillo | Directly removes the animal | Requires checking, laws are tricky, moving may not work or be allowed | 3 (higher if relocation allowed/effective) |
| Professional Help | Experts handle the problem | Most likely to work, follows laws | Costs money | 5 |
Note: Effectiveness ratings are general. What works can depend on your specific yard and the armadillo.
Stopping Them From Coming Back
Getting rid of an armadillo is one thing. Keeping them away is another. This is key for “Prevent armadillo damage” in the future.
* Keep Up Prevention: Continue making your yard less appealing. Keep watering low. Treat for grubs if they come back. Keep bushes and areas clear so armadillos don’t feel safe making new burrows.
* Check Barriers: If you put up a fence, check it often. Make sure no part is damaged. Make sure it is still deep in the ground. Armadillos are always looking for new ways in.
* Be Watchful: Keep an eye out for new signs of digging. The sooner you see new holes, the sooner you can act. Small problems are easier to fix than big ones.
Things to Remember
When dealing with armadillos, keep a few things in mind.
* Local Laws: We said this before, but it is very important. “Wildlife control” laws are different everywhere. What you can do with a trapped animal changes from place to place. Always check first. Call your local animal control or state wildlife office.
* Humane Treatment: Try to be kind to the animal. If you trap it, check it quickly. Do not leave it out in the sun or cold. If you must move it, try to find a good spot if the law allows. Remember, armadillos are just looking for food and shelter.
* Armadillos and Sickness: In some areas, armadillos can carry the sickness called leprosy. It is rare for humans to get it from them. But it is wise to be careful. Do not touch a wild armadillo. Wear gloves if you must handle a trap or fill a burrow. Wash your hands well after working in the yard where they have been. Keep pets away from them too.
Questions People Ask
Here are answers to common questions about armadillos in yards.
Are armadillos dangerous?
Armadillos are not known to attack people or pets. They are shy. If scared, they might jump straight up. This could surprise you. The main risk is them possibly carrying sickness like leprosy. This is why it is best not to touch them and to be careful around their burrows.
Do armadillo repellents really work?
Most studies and experiences show that repellents, both natural and store-bought, are not very effective for long. They might make an armadillo leave a small spot for a short time. But if food is still in your yard, the armadillo will likely come back or dig nearby.
What is the best way to catch an armadillo?
Live cage traps are used for “Trapping armadillos.” Place the trap near their burrow or path. Bait it with worms or fruit. Remember, trapping requires you to know what to do with the animal after you catch it. Check your local laws first.
Can I fill in their burrows right away?
You should not fill in an “armadillo burrow” right away if you think the armadillo is inside. Trapping an animal in its home is not humane. Watch the burrow entrance for a few nights. If you do not see the armadillo go in or out, it might be safe to fill. You can also put loose paper in the entrance. If the paper is still there after a day or two, the burrow might not be active.
How deep should a fence be to stop armadillos?
A fence to stop armadillos needs to go deep into the ground. Aim for 1 to 2 feet deep. Bend the bottom part outward underground. This makes it hard for them to dig under the fence into your yard. The fence should also be at least 2 feet tall above the ground.
What time of day are armadillos most active?
Armadillos are mostly nocturnal. This means they are most active at night. You might see them looking for food in the late evening or early morning too.
Will armadillos leave on their own?
Maybe, but not likely if your yard has food and shelter. If you take away their food source (like grubs) and make your yard less safe, they might move on to find a better spot. But often, you need to use active “Armadillo control methods” to get them to leave for good.
Final Steps
Getting rid of armadillos and stopping them from coming back takes work.
1. First, be sure you have armadillos by looking for the signs.
2. Figure out why they like your yard (food, shelter).
3. Use steps to make your yard less appealing. Get rid of food sources. Fill old burrows.
4. Choose methods like barriers or trapping if needed. Remember the rules for trapping.
5. Keep watch and keep doing prevention steps to stop them from coming back.
Be patient. It might take time to solve an armadillo problem. If the problem is big, or you are not sure what to do, calling a “Professional armadillo removal” service is often the best way to get the job done right and follow all the rules. By taking these steps, you can help keep your yard free from armadillo damage.