Practical Ways: How To Rid Your Yard Of Armadillos Guide

Armadillos often come into yards looking for food. They dig for insects like grubs, worms, and ants, which are a key part of what attracts armadillos to yard. This digging can cause a lot of trouble, leading to armadillo damage lawn, gardens, and flowerbeds. Getting them to leave requires understanding why they are there and using the right methods to make your yard less appealing.

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Grasping the Armadillo Challenge

Armadillos are unique animals. They have a tough, bony shell. They are known for their digging. This digging is usually done at night. They dig because they are looking for food. Their main food is insects and other small things in the soil. This is why well-watered, healthy lawns full of tasty bugs are like a buffet for them.

Stopping armadillos is not always easy. They are good at finding food. They are also very driven to get it. Simply filling holes won’t work for long. You need to deal with the cause. You also need to use ways to keep them out. This guide will show you practical armadillo control methods. It will help you protect your yard.

Spotting Armadillos in Your Yard

How can you tell if armadillos are visiting? There are clear signs armadillos yard left behind. Looking for these signs is the first step. It tells you that you have an armadillo problem.

Common Signs

• Small Holes: The most common sign. Armadillos dig holes that are usually 1 to 3 inches wide. They are a few inches deep. These holes look like they were made by poking a stick into the ground. They are often cone-shaped. You will find many of these holes scattered across the lawn. This is classic armadillo damage lawn.
• Disturbed Soil: Beyond neat holes, armadillos also tear up patches of turf. They lift sections of grass as they search for food underneath. The ground can look like someone lightly rototilled it in places.
• Shallow Burrows: Armadillos dig deeper burrows for shelter and raising young. The entry to these burrows is usually larger than the feeding holes. It might be 6 to 10 inches wide. Burrows are often found near foundations, sidewalks, brush piles, or dense bushes. getting rid of armadillo burrows is important later.
• Tracks: Armadillos have four toes on their front feet and five on their back feet. Their tracks are often not clear. You might see drag marks from their tails. You might also see trails through dew or mud.
• Seen the Animal: Sometimes, you might see an armadillo at dusk or dawn. They are mostly active when it’s cooler. This confirms they are the problem.

Seeing any of these signs means armadillos are likely the cause. Once you know they are visiting, you can start taking steps to make them stop.

Why Armadillos Visit

Armadillos don’t come to your yard just to be a nuisance. They have simple needs. Your yard might be meeting those needs better than other places. Knowing what attracts armadillos to yard helps you know what to change.

Main Attractions for Armadillos

• Food: This is the biggest draw. Armadillos eat mostly insects, grubs, earthworms, spiders, and other small things living in the soil. A well-kept, watered lawn is a perfect home for these tasty treats. If your lawn has a grub problem, you are sending an open invitation to armadillos.
• Water: Like all animals, armadillos need water. Puddles, leaky sprinklers, pet water bowls left outside, or even moist soil can be a water source.
• Shelter: Armadillos need places to hide and rest during the day. They also need safe spots to build their burrows. Areas with dense bushes, woodpiles, decks, or porches offer good spots for them to dig their homes.
• Easy Digging: Soft, moist soil is much easier for armadillos to dig in than hard, dry ground. Watering your lawn too much can make it an easy digging ground.

If your yard has food, water, shelter, and soft ground, it is attractive to armadillos. Reducing these attractions is a key part of deter armadillos naturally and through other methods.

Safe and Effective Control Methods

Getting armadillos out of your yard and keeping them out usually takes more than one step. There is no single magic fix. A good plan uses different armadillo control methods together.

Natural Deterrents

These methods try to make your yard less pleasant for armadillos. They focus on things armadillos don’t like. This is a way to deter armadillos naturally.

Repelling with Scents and Tastes

Armadillos have a good sense of smell. Some strong smells might make them want to leave.

• Predator Urine: Smells like coyotes or foxes might scare armadillos. You can buy these smells in stores. Place them around the edge of your yard or near digging spots. Reapply often, especially after rain.
• Strong Spices: Some people use cayenne pepper or other strong spices. Sprinkle them on the ground where armadillos dig. The idea is that it bothers their noses or paws. Rain washes it away quickly, so you need to use it often.
• Garlic or Onion Spray: Mix crushed garlic or onions with water. Let it sit. Strain it. Put it in a spray bottle. Spray areas where armadillos are active. The strong smell might keep them away.
• Vinegar: White vinegar has a strong smell. Soak rags in vinegar. Place them near burrows or digging spots.

These armadillo repellent homemade methods are easy to try. But their success can vary a lot. Armadillos are very motivated by food. A strong smell might only stop them for a short time if there are tasty grubs waiting.

Using Other Natural Items

• Mothballs: Some people use mothballs. Mothballs contain naphthalene. This is a chemical. The smell is strong. Place them near burrow entrances. However, mothballs can be bad for pets and children. They can also hurt the environment. Many experts do not recommend using mothballs for animal control.
• Castor Oil: This is often mentioned. Mix castor oil with soap and water. Spray it on the lawn. The idea is that it makes the soil or the food in it taste bad. Mix about 6 ounces of castor oil with 2 ounces of dish soap. Add a gallon of water. Shake well. Spray it over the lawn. Do this in the evening. Reapply after rain or watering. This method has some reports of working for grubs, which would then reduce the food source for armadillos.

Natural repellents are worth trying as a first step. They are generally safe for the yard. But don’t rely on them completely. They are often best used along with other methods.

Physical Barriers

Keeping armadillos out physically is often the most reliable long-term solution. This means building a fence. An armadillo fence needs to be built a certain way because armadillos are good diggers.

Building an Effective Armadillo Fence

• Height: The fence should be at least 2 feet tall. Armadillos are not great climbers, but they might try to get over a very short fence.
• Depth: This is the most important part. The fence must go into the ground. It needs to go down at least 1 foot. This stops them from digging under it.
• Material: Strong mesh wire or solid fencing works. Chicken wire is too weak. Heavy-gauge wire mesh or hardware cloth is better.
• Angle (Optional but helpful): Bend the bottom 1 foot of the fence material outwards (away from the yard) at a 90-degree angle. Bury this part underground. If an armadillo tries to dig under the fence, it will hit this buried part sticking out. This makes it harder for them to get in.
• Installation: Secure the fence posts firmly. Attach the wire mesh tightly to the posts. Make sure there are no gaps wider than a few inches. Armadillos can squeeze through small spaces.

Fencing off a small, specific area like a garden is easier than fencing a whole yard. Fencing the whole yard can be expensive and a lot of work. But it is the best way to prevent armadillos from entering at all.

Trapping Armadillos

Catching armadillos is a direct way to remove them. how to catch armadillos involves using a trap. You need a live trap for this.

Using an Armadillo Trap

• Type of Trap: Use a large live trap. A raccoon-sized trap works well. It should be at least 10 inches wide, 12 inches high, and 30 inches long.
• Placement: Put the trap near active burrow entrances. Place it along paths armadillos use. Look for trails near bushes or fences. You want to put the trap right in their path. They often follow the same routes. You can set up guiding boards or mesh in a V-shape leading into the trap entrance. This helps steer the armadillo inside.
• Baiting: This is tricky. Armadillos eat live bugs. They are not usually drawn to typical baits like fruit or vegetables. Some suggest using rotten fruit to attract insects, which then might attract the armadillo. Or placing old nylon stockings filled with rotten meat or fish near the trap. However, the most effective way is often not using bait. Instead, place the trap directly in the armadillo’s travel path or right in front of a burrow entrance.
• Setting the Trap: Open both ends of the trap if it has two doors. Prop one end open or use the trip plate. Make sure it is stable.
• Checking the Trap: Check the trap often. Check it early in the morning. Animals can get scared or stressed in traps. You don’t want to leave them there for long.

What to Do After Catching One

This is very important. Before you set any traps, you MUST check your local laws. Rules about trapping and relocating wild animals vary greatly by location.

• Relocation: If allowed, you might need to take the armadillo miles away (e.g., 5-10 miles) in a suitable habitat (like a wooded area, away from homes). This prevents it from returning or becoming a problem for someone else nearby. Be careful when handling the trap. Wear thick gloves. Do not try to touch the armadillo.
• Other Options: In some areas, relocation might not be allowed or recommended. Officials might tell you to contact animal control or a pest control service. They might have specific rules about humane handling.

Trapping takes patience. You might not catch the armadillo right away. If you catch one, others might still be around. Trapping is a method to remove problem animals, but it doesn’t stop new armadillos from coming if your yard is still attractive.

Habitat Modification

This means changing your yard to make it less appealing to armadillos. It goes back to what attracts armadillos to yard.

Reducing Food Sources

• Grub Control: Since armadillos eat grubs and other lawn insects, reducing these pests can help. You can use chemical grub control products. Follow the instructions carefully. Or you can use natural options like beneficial nematodes. These are tiny worms that kill grubs. Apply them when grubs are young. Reducing the food source makes your yard less interesting to armadillos.
• Lawn Watering: Don’t water your lawn more than it needs. Keep the soil from being constantly wet and soft. This makes digging harder for armadillos. It also makes the environment less friendly for the insects they eat.

Removing Shelter Spots

• Clean Up Clutter: Remove piles of wood, brush, or debris near your house or in the yard. These give armadillos places to hide or burrow under.
• Secure Structures: Block off access under porches, decks, sheds, or foundations. Use sturdy wire mesh or boards buried at least 1 foot deep. This prevents them from building burrows in these safe spots.

Habitat modification is a proactive approach. It makes your yard less inviting from the start. This can be very effective as a long-term solution.

Mending Your Yard

After you have dealt with the armadillos, you will likely have damage. armadillo damage lawn can look bad. You will also need getting rid of armadillo burrows.

Dealing with Holes and Digging

• Filling Holes: Carefully fill the small feeding holes with soil. Level the area. You can add grass seed or place small pieces of sod over the spot.
• Repairing Patches: For larger disturbed areas, rake the soil smooth. Add new topsoil if needed. Plant grass seed or lay down sod. Keep the repaired areas watered so the grass can grow back. Use netting or straw over new seed to protect it while it sprouts.

Handling Burrows

• Ensure They Are Empty: Be absolutely sure the burrow is not active. Watch it for a few days. If you see an armadillo go in or out, it’s occupied. If it looks like nothing has been using it, it’s likely empty. You do not want to trap an animal inside. Also, be aware that armadillos might raise young in burrows. This usually happens in the spring. Avoid closing burrows during this time.
• Filling Burrows: Once you are sure a burrow is empty, fill it completely. Use soil, sand, or gravel. Pack it down firmly. You might need a lot of material for a deep burrow.
• Prevent Re-Digging: Place heavy rocks or a section of buried wire mesh over the filled entrance spot. This makes it harder for an armadillo (or another animal) to dig a new burrow there.

Repairing the damage is the final step in solving your current armadillo problem. But remember, if you don’t address what attracts armadillos to yard, they or other armadillos could come back.

Keeping Them Away

Prevention is key. Once you have removed the armadillos and fixed the damage, focus on making your yard unattractive for the future. This involves continuing the deter armadillos naturally efforts and maintaining physical barriers.

Ongoing Prevention Steps

• Reduce Food: Keep up with grub control if needed. Don’t overwater your lawn. A dry lawn is less appealing for digging and has fewer insects.
• Remove Shelter: Keep your yard tidy. Clear away brush and debris regularly. Check and secure openings under structures.
• Maintain Fences: If you put up an armadillo fence, check it often. Make sure it is still buried correctly. Fix any holes or damage right away.
• Use Repellents (Optional): You can continue using some armadillo repellent homemade or commercial products around the edges of your yard. This might help discourage new visitors. But rely more on reducing food and providing barriers.
• Consider Lighting: Some sources suggest bright lights might scare off nocturnal animals like armadillos. Motion-activated lights could startle them when they enter the yard. This is not a guaranteed method, but might help some.

Combining these prevention steps makes your yard a less welcoming place for armadillos. It greatly lowers the chance of them returning.

Important Considerations

When dealing with armadillos, keep these things in mind.

• Local Laws: Always check with your local wildlife agency or animal control office. Rules about trapping, relocating, or harming nuisance animals are different everywhere. Follow the law.
• Armadillos and Health: In some areas, armadillos can carry leprosy. It’s not common, but it’s a risk. Avoid direct contact with armadillos, whether they are alive or dead. Wear gloves if you must handle a trap.
• Patience: Getting rid of armadillos can take time. One method might not work alone. You might need to try different things. Be patient and consistent with your efforts.
• Professional Help: If the problem is severe, or if you are not comfortable dealing with it yourself, call a professional pest control service. They have experience with armadillo control methods and follow local laws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to common questions about armadillos in your yard.

Are armadillos dangerous?

Generally, armadillos are not aggressive towards humans or pets. They are more likely to run away. The main risk is their potential to carry diseases like leprosy, though this risk is low. It’s best to keep a safe distance and avoid touching them.

What do armadillos eat besides grubs?

While grubs, earthworms, and insects are their main diet, armadillos might also eat spiders, small reptiles, amphibians, bird eggs, and sometimes fruit or berries if available. But their digging is almost always for the things in the soil.

How fast can armadillos run?

Armadillos can move surprisingly quickly for short distances. They can also jump vertically about 3 feet when startled. This is why a fence needs to be at least 2 feet high.

Can armadillos climb fences?

Armadillos are not good climbers. A smooth, vertical fence that is tall enough (at least 2 feet) is usually an effective barrier against them climbing over. Their main way past a fence is digging under it.

How many armadillos are usually in a burrow?

A single armadillo usually lives alone in a burrow. Female armadillos give birth to identical quadruplets (four babies) once a year, typically in the spring. These young stay in the burrow for several months before leaving.

Will getting rid of grubs solve the problem completely?

Reducing grubs and other soil insects greatly reduces the main reason armadillos are in your yard. It is a very effective step. But if there are other strong attractions (like easy shelter or water) or if they are just passing through, it might not be a complete fix on its own. It works best as part of a larger plan.

Do armadillos come out during the day?

Armadillos are mostly nocturnal. This means they are active at night. However, they might come out during the day if it is cold or cloudy. They do not like hot weather.

Getting rid of armadillos takes effort. Focus on why they are coming: food, water, and shelter. Use a mix of making your yard less appealing and maybe physical barriers or trapping where allowed. Be patient. By taking these steps, you can protect your lawn and garden from their digging.