Can you get rid of armadillos in your yard? Yes, you can effectively manage and deter armadillos from your yard through a combination of prevention, removal, and control methods. This guide will walk you through the best strategies to achieve armadillo control and get rid of armadillos for good.
Armadillos, with their unique bony armor and impressive digging skills, can quickly turn a well-maintained yard into a minefield of holes. These nocturnal creatures are primarily insectivores, using their strong claws to dig for grubs, worms, and other invertebrates. While they might seem harmless, their digging habits can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and even building foundations. Learning how to deter armadillos and implement effective armadillo removal is key to reclaiming your outdoor space.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about armadillo prevention, from identifying the signs of their presence to implementing humane and effective solutions. We’ll explore various armadillo deterrents, discuss the best methods for armadillo extermination (when necessary and legally permissible), and provide practical advice on armadillo proofing your property.
Image Source: i.ytimg.com
Identifying Armadillo Activity
Before you can tackle the problem, you need to be sure armadillos are the culprits. Look for these tell-tale signs:
- Small, cone-shaped holes: Armadillos dig shallow holes, typically 1 to 3 inches deep and 1 to 5 inches wide, as they forage for insects just below the soil surface.
- Larger burrow entrances: When they establish a permanent burrow, the entrance can be much larger, often 5 to 7 inches wide and 4 to 5 inches high. These burrows are usually found along foundations, under sheds, decks, or dense vegetation.
- Tracks: Armadillo tracks are distinctive, resembling those of a small reptile or bird, with four claw marks visible on the front feet and five on the hind feet.
- Damaged lawns and gardens: The extensive digging can leave your lawn looking uneven and riddled with divots, while gardens can be uprooted.
- Grubs and insects: Armadillos are attracted to areas with abundant food sources, so a sudden increase in grub or insect activity might precede their arrival.
Why Armadillos Dig
To effectively get rid of armadillos, it’s important to understand their motivations:
- Food Source: Their primary diet consists of insects, grubs, earthworms, ants, and termites. They dig to unearth these buried food sources.
- Shelter: Armadillos dig burrows for nesting and protection from predators and extreme weather. They often create multiple burrows within their territory.
- Nesting: Females dig deeper burrows for giving birth and raising their young.
Effective Strategies for Armadillo Control
Achieving successful armadillo control requires a multi-faceted approach. Simply removing one or two won’t solve the problem if the attractants remain.
1. Habitat Modification: Removing Attractants
The most sustainable way to deter armadillos is to make your yard less appealing to them. This involves eliminating their food sources and shelter.
Reducing Food Sources
- Limit Grub Infestations: Armadillos love grubs. If your lawn has a healthy grub population, it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet for them.
- Beneficial Nematodes: Introduce beneficial nematodes into your soil. These microscopic organisms parasitize grubs, effectively controlling their population without harmful chemicals. Apply them during the early morning or late evening when the soil is moist.
- Milky Spore: This natural bacterium targets Japanese beetle grubs and is effective over time. It’s a long-term solution for grub control.
- Proper Lawn Care: Healthy, well-maintained lawns are less susceptible to severe grub infestations. Ensure proper watering, fertilization, and aeration.
- Remove Outdoor Pet Food: Leaving pet food outdoors overnight can attract insects, which in turn attract armadillos. Store pet food indoors.
- Secure Compost Piles: Compost piles can be a rich source of insects. Ensure your compost bin is well-sealed or located away from the main yard areas you want to protect.
Eliminating Shelter
- Clear Debris: Remove piles of leaves, brush, logs, and other debris where armadillos might seek shelter.
- Seal Off Under Structures: Armadillos often burrow under decks, porches, sheds, and even houses. Seal any openings with sturdy wire mesh or hardware cloth, ensuring it’s buried at least a foot deep and extends outward to prevent digging underneath.
2. Physical Barriers: Armadillo Proofing Your Yard
Armadillo proofing is a crucial step in preventing them from accessing your property and causing further damage.
Fencing
- Material: Use sturdy materials like heavy-gauge wire mesh (hardware cloth is ideal), chicken wire, or solid fencing.
- Height and Depth: The fence should be at least 2 feet high to prevent them from easily climbing over. Crucially, it needs to be buried at least 12 inches deep and have an outward-facing L-shaped flange at the bottom to prevent them from digging underneath.
- Gates: Ensure any gates are also securely designed to prevent armadillos from slipping through or under.
Property Seals
- Foundations: Check the foundations of your home, sheds, and other structures for any cracks or openings. Seal these promptly with concrete, mortar, or sturdy mesh.
- Vents and Crawl Spaces: Ensure that any vents or openings leading to crawl spaces are covered with strong wire mesh.
3. Repellents and Deterrents
While not always a standalone solution, armadillo deterrents can be an effective part of a broader strategy.
Natural Deterrents
- Peppermint Oil: Armadillos are believed to dislike the strong scent of peppermint. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around affected areas or near burrow entrances. Reapply regularly as the scent fades.
- Cayenne Pepper/Chili Powder: The irritant properties of capsaicin can be unpleasant for armadillos. Sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder around the perimeter of your yard or near damaged areas. Be cautious with pets and children.
- Castor Oil: Similar to peppermint, castor oil is thought to be a repellent. Mix castor oil with water and a little dish soap (to help it emulsify) and spray it on lawns and gardens.
- Garlic: The strong scent of garlic can also deter them. Crushed garlic or garlic spray can be applied.
Commercial Repellents
Several commercial repellents are available, often containing ingredients like castor oil, urea, or essential oils. Always follow product instructions carefully and consider the safety of pets and children. The effectiveness of commercial repellents can vary, and they often require frequent reapplication.
4. Trapping and Relocation: Humane Armadillo Removal
For persistent infestations, armadillo removal through trapping might be necessary. The goal is to humanely capture and relocate the animals.
Humane Armadillo Traps
- Types of Traps: Live traps, often called Havahart traps, are the most common and humane option. These are typically cage-like structures with trigger mechanisms that close the doors once the animal enters.
- Baiting the Trap:
- Food: Use strong-smelling baits like earthworms, mealworms, canned sardines, or fruits.
- Placement: Place the trap near active burrows or frequently traveled paths.
- Camouflage: Cover the trap with leaves or branches to make it appear more natural and less intimidating to the armadillo.
- Checking the Trap: Check the trap frequently – at least twice a day (morning and evening). Leaving an animal trapped for extended periods can cause stress, dehydration, or injury.
- Relocation:
- Legality: Be aware of local regulations regarding trapping and relocating wildlife. Some areas have specific rules or require permits.
- Distance: Relocate the armadillo at least 10-20 miles away from your property to prevent it from returning. Choose a suitable habitat with access to food and water.
- Handling: Wear thick gloves when handling the trap and the animal. Armadillos can bite if they feel threatened, and they can carry diseases like leprosy.
Important Note: Trapping should be a last resort, especially if simpler prevention methods can be implemented. Relocation can also be stressful for the animal and may not be effective if the habitat at the new location is unsuitable.
5. Dealing with Existing Damage
Once you’ve addressed the armadillo population, you’ll need to repair the damage.
- Repairing Holes:
- Small Holes: Rake the soil smooth and reseed the affected areas. Ensure good soil contact for new seeds.
- Larger Holes/Burrows: Fill larger holes with soil and tamp it down firmly. You may need to add topsoil and reseed.
- Foundation Damage: If armadillos have burrowed near your foundation, assess the structural integrity. Small damages can often be repaired with concrete patch material. For more significant damage, consult a professional.
6. When to Consider Professional Help
If you’re facing a severe infestation, damage to structures, or are uncomfortable with trapping yourself, it’s time to call a professional wildlife removal service. They have the expertise, equipment, and knowledge of local regulations to handle the situation effectively and humanely. They can offer tailored solutions for armadillo extermination if permitted and necessary, or more advanced armadillo control methods.
Armadillo Prevention: Long-Term Solutions
The most effective way to manage armadillos is through consistent armadillo prevention. This means continuing with habitat modification and armadillo proofing even after you no longer see signs of activity.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your property for new burrowing activity or potential entry points.
- Maintain Healthy Lawn: A healthy, dense lawn is less appealing to armadillos than sparse, grub-infested turf.
- Secure Outdoor Areas: Keep sheds, decks, and other structures sealed and debris-free.
- Be Vigilant: Armadillos are persistent. If one problem is solved, another might move in if your yard remains an attractive environment.
Armadillo Extermination: Is it an Option?
Armadillo extermination is generally not recommended or necessary for most homeowners.
- Legality: In many areas, killing armadillos is illegal or heavily regulated. Always check your local wildlife laws before considering any lethal methods.
- Effectiveness: Armadillo extermination through poisons or traps designed for lethal removal is often inhumane, dangerous to non-target species (including pets and beneficial wildlife), and can lead to secondary poisoning issues.
- Replacement: If you kill armadillos, their territory will likely be occupied by new individuals unless the attractants are removed.
The focus should always be on humane armadillo traps and non-lethal methods for armadillo removal and armadillo control.
Common Armadillo Deterrents and Their Effectiveness
Here’s a quick look at some common armadillo deterrents and their general effectiveness:
| Deterrent Type | How it Works | Effectiveness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peppermint Oil | Strong scent is believed to repel them. | Moderate; requires frequent reapplication. | Can be applied to cotton balls or mixed with water. Safe for most plants. |
| Cayenne Pepper | Irritant properties when encountered. | Moderate; can be washed away by rain. | Needs frequent reapplication. Can irritate pets and humans. |
| Castor Oil | Disrupts their digestive system when ingested. | Moderate; generally safe for plants. | Often mixed with water and sprayed. May need multiple applications. |
| Garlic Spray | Strong odor repels them. | Low to Moderate; scent fades quickly. | Easy to make at home. |
| Motion-Activated Sprinklers | Startles animals with a burst of water. | Moderate; can be effective for temporary deterrence. | May require multiple units for larger yards. Can be noisy. |
| Vibrating Devices | Creates ground vibrations that scare them. | Low; armadillos can become accustomed to it. | Effectiveness is often debated. |
| Fencing (with burial) | Physical barrier preventing access. | High; the most effective long-term solution. | Requires proper installation to be effective. |
| Habitat Modification | Removes food sources and shelter. | High; addresses the root cause of the problem. | Long-term, sustainable solution. Requires consistent effort. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How can I tell if I have armadillos?
You can tell if you have armadillos by looking for small, cone-shaped holes in your lawn and garden, larger burrow entrances, distinct tracks, and uprooted plants.
Q2: What do armadillos eat?
Armadillos primarily eat insects, grubs, earthworms, ants, termites, and other invertebrates found underground. They will also occasionally eat small reptiles, amphibians, and carrion.
Q3: Are armadillos dangerous to humans?
Armadillos are generally not aggressive and will try to escape rather than fight. However, they can bite if cornered or threatened. Their main risk to humans is the potential to carry diseases like leprosy, though transmission is rare.
Q4: Can I use poison to get rid of armadillos?
Using poison for armadillo extermination is strongly discouraged. It is often illegal, inhumane, and poses significant risks to pets, children, and other wildlife. Focus on humane and preventative methods.
Q5: How long does it take to get rid of armadillos?
The time it takes to get rid of armadillos varies depending on the severity of the infestation and the methods used. Consistent armadillo prevention and armadillo control strategies, combined with armadillo proofing, are key to long-term success. It can take several weeks to months to see significant results and establish effective armadillo control.
Q6: Can I repel armadillos with smells?
Yes, certain strong smells like peppermint oil, castor oil, and cayenne pepper are believed to deter armadillos. However, their effectiveness can be limited, and frequent reapplication is usually necessary.
Q7: What is the best way to trap an armadillo?
The most humane method is using a live, cage-style trap (like a Havahart trap) baited with strong-smelling foods like earthworms or canned sardines. Place the trap near active burrows and check it frequently.
Q8: How deep should armadillo fencing be buried?
For effective armadillo proofing, fencing should be buried at least 12 inches deep and ideally have an outward-facing L-shaped flange at the bottom to prevent digging underneath.
Q9: What if an armadillo has burrowed under my house?
If an armadillo has burrowed under your house or another structure, it’s crucial to seal all other potential entry points first. Then, you can attempt to trap and relocate the animal. However, significant structural damage might require professional assessment and repair. This is where expert armadillo removal is often needed.
Q10: Can I fill in armadillo burrows while they are still in use?
Filling in burrows while occupied is inhumane and can cause animals to dig out and potentially damage structures in their desperation. It’s best to trap and remove the armadillo first, then fill the burrow.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage and get rid of armadillos in your yard, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable outdoor space. Remember that consistency and a combination of methods are the most successful approaches to long-term armadillo control.