Armadillos can cause real problems in your yard. They dig. This digging leads to unsightly patches and damaged plants. People often ask, what attracts armadillos to their property? Mostly, it is the promise of food found just below the surface of your lawn. They love to eat insects, grubs, worms, and other small things living in the soil. Your healthy, bug-filled lawn is like a buffet for them. This guide will help you protect your lawn from these digging pests. We will cover how to spot them, why they come, and many ways to get them to leave.
Image Source: crittercontroloflakecounty.com
Signs an Armadillo is Visiting
How do you know if an armadillo is causing the trouble? Look for certain signs.
Armadillo holes in yard are the biggest clue. These holes are usually about 3 to 5 inches wide and 1 to 3 inches deep. They look like little cone shapes dug into the dirt. An armadillo digs these holes while searching for food. You might see several of these holes appear overnight.
Other signs include:
- Loose soil: They root around like pigs, turning over soil in garden beds or under bushes.
- Uprooted plants: Sometimes, they accidentally dig up small plants while searching for food.
- Damaged sidewalks or foundations: In their search, they can dig tunnels under structures. This can weaken them over time.
- Tracks: Look for three-toed tracks. They walk on their claws.
If you see these signs, chances are you have an armadillo problem. Armadillo damage lawn is often quite visible, with multiple holes spread out.
Why They Choose Your Yard
As mentioned, food is the main reason what attracts armadillos. Your yard might have a lot of insects and grubs. This makes it a good place for them to hunt.
Other factors can also pull them in:
- Water: A water source like a bird bath, pet bowl, or even wet soil can attract them. They need water to live.
- Shelter: Places to hide or build a den are inviting. This could be under porches, decks, sheds, or thick bushes.
- Soft soil: Armadillos find it easier to dig in loose, moist soil. Well-watered lawns or freshly tilled gardens are easy targets.
If you can figure out what is drawing them in, you can take steps to make your yard less appealing.
Making Your Yard Less Appealing
The best way to stop armadillo digging is to make your yard a place they do not want to be. This involves making it hard for them to find food, water, or shelter.
Controlling Their Food Source
Since they are looking for bugs, reducing the insect population in your lawn can help.
h4. Lessening Lawn Grubs
Grubs are a favorite food for armadillos. These are the larvae of beetles like June bugs or Japanese beetles.
- Beneficial nematodes: These are tiny worms that attack grubs in the soil. You can buy them at garden stores. Apply them to your lawn following the directions. They are safe for people and pets.
- Milky spore: This is a natural disease for Japanese beetle grubs. It takes time to work but can last for many years.
- Avoid overwatering: Grubs like moist soil. Let your lawn dry out between watering sessions.
Reducing grubs will not get rid of armadillos on its own. But it makes your yard less of a buffet.
Removing Other Attractants
Look around your yard for things that might call to an armadillo.
h4. Water Sources
- Put pet water bowls away at night.
- Fix leaky pipes or sprinklers that keep an area wet.
- Ensure bird baths do not overflow or spill onto the ground.
- Improve drainage in soggy areas of your yard.
h4. Shelter Spots
- Seal off spaces under porches, decks, and sheds. Use sturdy wire mesh or boards.
- Keep bushes trimmed so they do not offer thick cover near the ground.
- Remove piles of brush or debris where they might hide.
By removing their reasons to visit, you make your property less attractive.
Building Physical Barriers
A more direct way to keep armadillos out is to build a fence. This is often the most effective armadillo deterrents. But it needs to be the right kind of fence. Armadillos are good diggers. A simple surface fence will not work.
Creating an Armadillo Proof Fence
An armadillo proof fence needs to go into the ground.
- Material: Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth or poultry wire. The mesh should be small enough so they cannot squeeze through (about 1 inch or less).
- Height: The fence should be at least 2 feet tall above ground.
- Depth: This is key. The fence must go into the ground at least 12 to 18 inches deep.
- Angle: Bending the bottom of the fence outward into an “L” shape underground can help. This makes it harder for them to dig under it. They hit the mesh underground and get confused or give up.
h4. Fence Placement
Consider fencing off only the most important areas. This could be a garden bed, a patio, or the whole yard. A full perimeter fence is best for the whole yard.
- Make sure gates are secure and close tightly to the ground.
- Check the fence often for spots where they might be trying to dig under. Fix any weak spots right away.
Building a proper fence is a bigger job. But it offers a long-term solution to stop armadillo digging.
Using Deterrents and Repellents
Some people try to use smells or tastes that armadillos do not like. These are called deterrents or repellents. Their success can vary greatly.
Effective Armadillo Deterrents
What works for one person might not work for another. Armadillos are driven by hunger. If they are hungry enough, they might ignore bad smells or tastes.
Types of deterrents:
- Smell deterrents: Some products use ingredients like coyote urine, predator scents, or strong-smelling oils (like castor oil or citrus). The idea is that the smell warns the armadillo that a predator is nearby.
- Taste deterrents: These usually involve applying something to the ground that tastes bad. Often they contain ingredients like capsaicin (found in chili peppers).
- Sound deterrents: Devices that make noise or vibrations are sometimes sold. Their effectiveness is questionable. Animals can get used to strange sounds.
- Light deterrents: Motion-activated lights might scare them away at night when they are most active. Like sound, they may get used to them.
h4. Applying Deterrents
Follow the product instructions carefully. You usually need to put them out where you see digging or along the edge of your yard. You will need to reapply them often, especially after rain.
h4. Armadillo Repellent Homemade Options
Many people look for ways to make their own repellents using common items.
Popular armadillo repellent homemade ideas include:
- Castor oil mix: Mix a few ounces of castor oil with a gallon of water and a little dish soap. Spray or sprinkle this mix on the lawn areas where they dig. Castor oil is thought to make the insects in the soil taste bad or irritate the armadillo’s nose.
- Spicy sprays: Mix hot pepper flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper with water and dish soap. Spray this around the yard edges. This can irritate their sensitive noses and paws.
- Mothballs: Some people place mothballs in the holes. However, this is often not effective. Mothballs can also be harmful to pets and the environment. Use caution if considering this.
- Ammonia-soaked rags: Placing rags soaked in ammonia in burrows is sometimes suggested. Like mothballs, this can be harmful and may not deter them long-term.
h5. Homemade Repellent Tips
- Apply often. Rain washes them away.
- Rotate types of homemade repellents. The armadillo might get used to one smell or taste.
- Focus on areas where they dig most or where they enter the yard.
- Be careful with homemade mixes, especially around pets or children.
While homemade repellents can be inexpensive, they are often a temporary fix. They might discourage casual visits but may not stop a determined, hungry armadillo.
Natural Ways to Deter Them
Beyond repellents, there are other methods to get rid of armadillos naturally. These often involve making the environment less welcoming without using harsh chemicals or methods.
Changing Your Yard’s Environment
Think about what they like (easy food, soft soil, cover) and try to change those things.
- Compact the soil: Armadillos prefer loose soil for digging. In areas where they dig often, you could try compacting the soil slightly. This makes digging harder work.
- Improve soil health: A very unhealthy lawn might have a huge population of certain pests (like grubs) that armadillos love. Improving your overall soil and lawn health through proper care might lead to a more balanced ecosystem with fewer primary armadillo food sources.
- Remove hiding spots: We already covered this, but removing brush piles, low-lying bushes, and places under structures takes away their safe spots.
- Make food harder to find: As mentioned, reducing grub populations helps. Letting the lawn dry out slightly between waterings also makes digging harder and might push insects deeper into the soil.
These natural methods take time and consistency. They work best as part of a larger plan to make your yard a difficult place for armadillos to live and eat.
Considering More Direct Methods
If prevention and deterrence are not working, you might need to think about more active ways to deal with the armadillos. This includes trapping or calling in professionals.
Trapping Armadillos
Trapping armadillos can be effective, but it requires effort and knowledge.
h4. Using Live Traps
The most common way is using a live animal trap. These are cage traps designed to catch the animal without harming it.
- Trap Type: Use a sturdy, medium-sized live trap (like those used for raccoons or opossums).
- Placement: Place the trap near active burrows or along paths where you see the armadillo traveling (often along fences or walls). Armadillos tend to follow familiar routes.
- Bait: While armadillos mainly eat live insects they dig up, some baits might attract them into a trap. Worms, overripe fruit, or a mixture of milk and bread are sometimes suggested. However, success with bait is very hit or miss. A more effective method is using “wings” or funnels made of wood or wire leading into the trap entrance. Place these wings along a fence line or leading away from a burrow. The armadillo hits the wing and is guided into the trap opening.
- Setting: Set the trap before dusk, as armadillos are most active at night. Check the trap in the early morning.
- Handling: If you catch an armadillo, wear thick gloves. They can carry diseases. Do not try to handle the animal directly.
- Relocation: Check your local laws regarding relocating wildlife. Many places have rules about where and if you can move animals. It is often best to contact local animal control or wildlife authorities for guidance on what to do once you have trapped one. Releasing them close by will not solve the problem; they will likely return or become a problem for a neighbor. Releasing them far away has its own issues and may not be allowed.
h5. Issues with Trapping
- Catching non-targets: You might catch other animals like skunks, opossums, or cats.
- Legality: As noted, check local laws.
- Is it a long-term solution? Trapping one armadillo might not stop others from moving in if your yard is still attractive.
Trapping is a way to remove a specific animal causing problems now. But it should be combined with prevention methods.
Considering Armadillo Pest Control
If you have a big problem, or trapping feels like too much, you can call professional armadillo pest control.
h4. What Pest Control Does
- Assessment: They will inspect your yard to figure out why armadillos are coming and where they are active.
- Removal: They will use traps to catch the animals.
- Prevention Advice: They can offer advice on how to make your yard less appealing in the future.
- Burrow Treatment/Exclusion: Some may offer services to deal with existing burrows.
h5. When to Call Professionals
- If you have many armadillos.
- If they are causing serious damage (like digging under foundations).
- If you are not comfortable trapping them yourself.
- If local laws make DIY removal difficult.
Professional services cost money but can provide a faster solution and expert advice.
Addressing Armadillo Burrows
Armadillos do not just dig small holes for food. They also dig larger burrows for shelter. These are often found under bushes, decks, sheds, or concrete slabs. These burrows can be quite deep and long.
h4. Dealing with Existing Burrows
- Confirm it’s inactive: Be sure the armadillo is gone before closing up a burrow. You can check by loosely filling the entrance with soil or placing sticks across it. If it remains undisturbed for a few days, the burrow is likely empty.
- Collapse the burrow: Once you are sure it is empty, you can fill the hole with soil or gravel. Compact the material firmly. This prevents another animal from using it.
- Consider exclusion: If the burrow is under a structure, you might need to use wire mesh buried deep in the ground around the edges to stop future digging there.
Ignoring burrows means providing ready-made shelter for armadillos or other animals.
Summary of Methods to Stop Armadillo Digging
Here is a quick look at the different ways to stop armadillo digging:
h4. Table: Armadillo Deterrent Methods
| Method | Description | Effort | Cost | Effectiveness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce Food Source | Control grubs and insects in lawn. | Medium | Medium | Moderate | Long-term approach, helps lawn health. |
| Remove Water/Shelter | Eliminate standing water, seal off access under structures. | Medium | Low-Medium | Moderate | Removes attractants. |
| Physical Fence | Install fence 12-18 inches deep, 2+ feet high, maybe angled. | High | High | High | Most reliable barrier if done right. |
| Commercial Repellents | Sprays or granules with bad smells/tastes. | Low | Medium | Low-Moderate | Needs reapplication, effectiveness varies. |
| Homemade Repellents | DIY mixes like castor oil or spice sprays. | Low | Low | Low | Cheapest, needs frequent reapplication. |
| Natural Environment Changes | Compact soil, improve lawn health, remove brush piles. | Medium | Low | Low-Moderate | Takes time, part of a bigger plan. |
| Live Trapping | Catch animal in a cage trap, relocate (check laws). | High | Medium | High (for one) | Requires effort, checking laws, potential for catching other animals. |
| Professional Control | Hire experts to trap and remove armadillos. | Low | High | High | Fastest for removal, offers expert advice. |
| Address Burrows | Fill in empty burrows, use exclusion around structures. | Medium | Low | Moderate | Prevents re-use of existing shelter. |
Often, using a mix of these methods works best. You might start with prevention and natural methods. If problems continue, move to deterrence or trapping.
Living with Armadillos (If You Can)
For some people, especially those with large properties or in rural areas, completely keeping armadillos out might be impossible. If the damage is minor and not near structures, you might choose to tolerate their presence. They do eat some garden pests! However, significant armadillo damage lawn issues usually require action.
Persistence is Key
Getting rid of armadillos and keeping them away takes time and effort. Do not expect overnight success. Be consistent with whatever methods you choose. Check your yard regularly for new signs of digging. Adjust your approach based on what seems to be working or not working.
Stopping armadillo digging is possible. By understanding why they come and using a mix of prevention, deterrence, and possibly removal methods, you can protect your lawn and enjoy your yard again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h3. Common Questions About Armadillos in the Yard
h4. How long do armadillos stay in one place?
Armadillos are often on the move, especially when searching for food. They might visit your yard nightly if it is a good food source. They might stay longer if they build a burrow for shelter.
h4. Are armadillos dangerous?
Armadillos are generally not aggressive. They are more likely to run away. However, they can carry diseases like leprosy (though transmission to humans is rare). It is best to avoid direct contact with them and keep pets away.
h4. Do armadillo repellents really work?
Their effectiveness is mixed. They might deter some armadillos, especially those just passing through. But a hungry or determined armadillo might ignore them. They work better as part of a plan with other methods.
h4. Can armadillos climb fences?
No, armadillos cannot climb well. They are built for digging. A fence that is tall enough (2+ feet) is an barrier above ground. The key is stopping them from going under it.
h4. What time of day are armadillos most active?
Armadillos are usually most active at dawn and dusk, and throughout the night. They are less common during the heat of the day. This is when they do most of their digging.
h4. Will killing grubs get rid of armadillos?
It will help make your yard less attractive over time. Grubs are a main food source. Reducing them means less easy food for armadillos. But they eat other things too, so it is rarely a magic solution on its own. It is a good step in a larger plan.
h4. Can I just fill in the armadillo holes in my yard?
You can fill in the small cone-shaped feeding holes. But if you have larger burrow holes, you need to make sure the animal is gone first before filling it in. Simply filling holes will not stop an armadillo from digging new ones if it is still in your yard looking for food.
h4. Is it legal to trap armadillos?
Laws about trapping and relocating wildlife vary by location. Before you trap, check with your local animal control, wildlife agency, or city/county laws. Relocating animals can also cause problems for the animal or other areas.
h4. How can I tell the difference between armadillo digging and other animal digging?
- Armadillos: Leave cone-shaped holes, 3-5 inches wide, 1-3 inches deep. They also root around in soil.
- Skunks: Dig smaller, more precise holes (2-3 inches wide) often looking like plugs of sod were lifted. They mainly hunt grubs.
- Squirrels: Dig small, shallow holes (1-2 inches) to bury or retrieve nuts.
- Moles: Do not dig holes on the surface for food. They create raised tunnels just below the surface and volcano-shaped mounds of soil. They eat worms and insects in the soil.
Looking at the type and size of the hole helps figure out the culprit. Armadillo holes in yard are usually quite distinct.
Conclusion
Dealing with armadillos can be frustrating. Their digging causes visible armadillo damage lawn. But with patience and the right strategies, you can protect your yard. Focus on making your property less appealing by managing their food source and removing shelter. Consider building an armadillo proof fence for serious problems. Try effective armadillo deterrents, including potentially armadillo repellent homemade options. For persistent issues, trapping armadillos or professional armadillo pest control are options. By taking action, you can stop armadillo digging and keep your yard looking its best. Remember, consistency is key in keeping these armored visitors from becoming permanent residents.