Can you trap an armadillo and release it elsewhere? Yes, you can trap an armadillo for relocation, but it’s crucial to do so humanely and legally, as armadillo removal regulations vary by location. This guide will walk you through safe and effective methods to encourage these unique creatures to find a new residence away from your yard. Armadillos are fascinating animals, often misunderstood and sometimes unwelcome guests in our gardens and lawns. While they can cause some damage with their digging, it’s possible to coexist or encourage them to move on without causing them harm.
Why Armadillos Visit Your Yard
Before we discuss how to get an armadillo out of your yard, it’s helpful to understand what attracts them in the first place. Deciphering what attracts armadillos is the first step in successful humane armadillo removal.
Food Sources
Armadillos are primarily insectivores. They have a keen sense of smell and use their strong claws to dig for their favorite meals:
- Insects: This includes ants, termites, beetles, grubs, and earthworms.
- Larvae: They love the juicy grubs found in your lawn.
- Small Vertebrates: Occasionally, they might snack on small frogs, snakes, or even carrion.
If your yard offers a buffet of these invertebrates, it’s like a five-star restaurant for an armadillo.
Shelter and Habitat
Armadillos also seek out safe places to burrow and shelter. They prefer:
- Loose, Well-Drained Soil: Ideal for digging burrows.
- Dense Vegetation: Provides cover from predators and the elements.
- Areas Near Water: They need water for drinking and sometimes even swimming.
- Shaded Spots: To escape the heat.
Areas with overhanging decks, sheds, woodpiles, or thick brush can be very appealing as potential den sites.
What Attracts Armadillos to Gardens
Your garden, in particular, can be a prime target because it often offers both food and suitable digging conditions.
- Moist Soil: Gardens are frequently watered, making the soil softer and easier to dig.
- Fertilized Soil: Fertilizers can encourage insect and earthworm populations, a food source.
- Mulch: Mulch can harbor insects and provide a good digging medium.
- Leaf Litter: Offers cover and food for insects.
Humane Armadillo Removal Strategies
Now that we know why they’re there, let’s explore how to get an armadillo out of your yard safely and humanely. The goal is to make your yard less appealing, encouraging them to move on naturally, or to gently guide them away.
Creating Unwelcoming Environments (Armadillo Proofing)
The most effective and long-term solution is to modify your yard to make it less attractive to armadillos. This involves a combination of eliminating food sources and securing potential shelter.
Eliminating Food Sources
- Reduce Insect Populations:
- Avoid overwatering your lawn, which can attract earthworms.
- Treat grub infestations promptly with beneficial nematodes or appropriate lawn treatments.
- Keep your lawn at a moderate height; very short grass exposes more insects.
- Clean up fallen fruit and pet food, which can attract insects.
- Manage Yard Debris:
- Remove leaf litter and brush piles, as these harbor insects and provide cover.
- Store firewood off the ground and away from structures.
Securing Potential Shelter
- Block Access to Structures:
- Seal any gaps or holes under sheds, decks, porches, and garages. Use sturdy wire mesh or metal flashing.
- Fill in any existing burrows near your home, but ensure no armadillo is inside before doing so.
- Fence Your Yard:
- While a full fence might be overkill, you can create barriers around specific areas like your garden.
- A fence needs to be at least 12-18 inches deep and 12-18 inches high, with the bottom edge buried to prevent burrowing underneath.
- L-shaped fencing, with the bottom bent outward and buried, is very effective.
Armadillo Deterrents and Repellents for Armadillos
Various deterrents can help persuade an armadillo to leave your property. It’s often best to use a combination of methods for greater effectiveness.
Scent and Taste Repellents
These products are designed to make the soil or plants unappealing to armadillos.
- Castor Oil: Many commercial repellents contain castor oil. You can also create your own mixture by diluting castor oil with water and a bit of dish soap. Spray this mixture on affected areas.
- Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder: Sprinkling these around problem areas can irritate an armadillo’s nose and feet. Reapply after rain.
- Ammonia: The strong smell of ammonia can deter them. Soak rags in ammonia and place them near burrows or entry points. Be cautious as ammonia can be harmful to plants and pets if used excessively.
- Commercial Repellents: Look for products specifically labeled for armadillos. These often contain castor oil or other natural irritants. Always follow product instructions carefully.
Important Note: Repellents are most effective when used consistently and after rainfall or watering.
Auditory and Visual Deterrents
While less proven, some people find success with these methods:
- Ultrasonic Devices: These emit sounds at frequencies only animals can hear. Their effectiveness can vary greatly, and armadillos may become accustomed to them.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: A sudden spray of water can startle an armadillo and encourage it to move on.
- Bright Lights: Placing lights in areas where armadillos frequent might disrupt their nocturnal habits.
Live Trapping (Trap Armadillo)
If other methods fail, live trapping is an option for armadillo removal. This should be done with care and in compliance with local laws.
Choosing the Right Trap
- Size: You’ll need a live trap large enough to comfortably accommodate an armadillo (typically 30-36 inches long, 10-12 inches wide and high).
- Type: A standard Havahart-style trap with one or two doors works well.
Effective Baiting Techniques
- What to Use:
- Earthworms: These are a favorite. Place a handful inside the trap.
- Grubs: Similar to earthworms, they are highly attractive.
- Canned Dog Food: The scent can be enticing.
- Fruit: Overripe fruit like bananas or melons can also work.
- Placement:
- Place the bait at the very back of the trap to ensure the armadillo triggers the door mechanism.
- Create a scent trail leading into the trap by scattering a small amount of bait outside the entrance and leading inside.
Trap Placement
- Along Known Trails: Set the trap along paths you’ve seen the armadillo use.
- Near Burrows: Place it close to active burrow entrances.
- Camouflage: Cover the trap with leaves, branches, or a light tarp to make it look less conspicuous and more natural.
Checking the Trap
- Frequency: Check the trap at least twice a day, morning and evening. Leaving an animal trapped for extended periods can be stressful and harmful.
- Weather: Avoid setting traps during extreme heat or cold, as this can be dangerous for the trapped animal.
Relocation
- Legalities: Crucially, check your local and state wildlife regulations regarding trapping and relocating wildlife. Some areas prohibit it or require permits.
- Distance: If relocation is permitted, release the armadillo at least 5-10 miles away from your property, in a suitable habitat that is not on private property without permission. Releasing them too close will likely result in them returning.
- Release Site: Choose an area with plenty of cover, access to water, and a likely food source, such as a nature preserve or undeveloped land.
Caution: Armadillos can bite if they feel threatened. Wear thick gloves when handling a trapped armadillo.
Armadillo Exclusion: Sealing Them Out
Once you’ve encouraged an armadillo to leave, you need to ensure it can’t get back in. This is where exclusion comes in.
- Repair Holes: Seal all entry points into burrows and under structures.
- Install Barriers: Use sturdy wire mesh, sheet metal, or concrete to block access to crawl spaces. Bury the mesh at least 12 inches deep and extend it 12-18 inches outward at a 90-degree angle to prevent digging underneath.
- Fill Burrows: After confirming the armadillo is gone, fill in any burrows. Use soil mixed with gravel or sand to make it less appealing for future digging.
What Attracts Armadillos: A Deeper Dive
To effectively prevent armadillos from becoming a problem, we need to delve deeper into what makes your yard a desirable location for them. Fathoming these attractants is key to successful prevent armadillos strategies.
Soil Composition and Moisture
Armadillos are not picky eaters, but they are particular about their digging conditions.
- Ideal Soil: They prefer soft, moist soil that is easy to excavate. This is why newly tilled gardens and lawns that are frequently watered are so attractive.
- Compacted Soil: Heavily compacted soil or dry, hard-packed earth is less appealing.
Landscaping Choices
Your landscaping decisions can inadvertently invite armadillos.
- Dense Ground Cover: Thick, lush ground cover can hide insects and provide excellent camouflage for armadillos.
- Mulch Beds: Mulch is a fantastic habitat for insects and provides a soft digging surface.
- Overgrown Areas: Areas with tall grass, weeds, and brush offer shelter and attract insects.
- Undisturbed Areas: Armadillos prefer quiet, undisturbed spots to dig their dens.
Proximity to Water Sources
While not a primary attractant, access to water can solidify an armadillo’s decision to stay in an area.
- Ponds, Streams, and Ditches: These provide drinking water and can also harbor aquatic insects.
- Bird Baths and Pet Water Bowls: Even small sources of water can be utilized.
Seasonal Considerations
Armadillos are more active during certain times of the year.
- Spring and Summer: This is when they are breeding and foraging most actively.
- Dry Spells: During dry periods, armadillos may seek out more consistently moist areas like irrigated lawns and gardens.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When dealing with an armadillo problem, it’s easy to make mistakes that can be ineffective or even harmful.
Using Toxic Baits or Poisons
Never use poisons or toxic baits. These are not only ineffective for armadillos (as they primarily eat insects) but also pose a serious risk to pets, children, beneficial wildlife, and the environment.
Disturbing Active Burrows
Avoid blocking or filling burrows if you suspect an armadillo is inside. This can trap and harm the animal. Wait until you are sure the burrow is vacant.
Relocating to the Wrong Place
Releasing an armadillo in an unsuitable habitat or too close to your home defeats the purpose. Always check regulations and choose a distant, appropriate location.
Aggressive Removal Methods
Chasing, harming, or cornering an armadillo can lead to bites and is inhumane. Stick to passive deterrents and humane trapping methods.
When to Call a Professional for Humane Armadillo Removal
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might need professional assistance for humane armadillo removal.
When to Consider Professional Help
- Persistent Problem: If armadillos keep returning despite your efforts.
- Multiple Burrows: If there are numerous burrows that are difficult to manage.
- Access Issues: If burrows are in hard-to-reach places (e.g., under foundations).
- Uncertainty: If you are unsure about local regulations or the best methods to use.
- Safety Concerns: If you are uncomfortable handling a trapped animal.
What to Look for in a Professional
- Licensed and Insured: Ensure they are properly licensed by your state.
- Humane Practices: Verify that they specialize in humane wildlife control and exclusion.
- Reputable: Look for reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers.
- Knowledgeable: They should be able to explain their methods and why they are effective.
Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Yard
Ultimately, the goal is to create a yard that doesn’t attract wildlife like armadillos while still being enjoyable.
Tips for a Wildlife-Friendly Yard
- Manage Irrigation: Water your lawn efficiently and avoid overwatering.
- Keep it Tidy: Regularly clean up leaf litter, fallen fruit, and debris.
- Secure Trash Cans: Prevent them from attracting insects or other critters.
- Consider Native Plants: Native plants often require less water and attract fewer nuisance insects.
- Properly Store Pet Food: Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively deter armadillos and encourage them to relocate to a more suitable habitat, ensuring a peaceful coexistence with nature. Remember, the key is patience, consistency, and a commitment to humane methods when you need to remove armadillos from garden areas or your yard in general.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will a fence stop an armadillo?
A: A properly installed fence can be a very effective armadillo proofing method. It needs to be at least 12-18 inches high and have the bottom edge buried at least 12 inches deep. An L-shaped footer buried underground, extending outward, is even better as it discourages digging underneath.
Q2: What are the best armadillo deterrents?
A: The most effective deterrents involve making your yard unattractive by removing food sources (insects) and eliminating shelter. Scent repellents containing castor oil, cayenne pepper, or ammonia can also work. Motion-activated sprinklers can also be a good deterrent.
Q3: Can I use mothballs to repel armadillos?
A: While some people use mothballs, they are generally not recommended. Mothballs contain chemicals that can be toxic to pets, children, and wildlife if ingested or inhaled. Their effectiveness as an armadillo deterrent is also questionable.
Q4: How do I know if an armadillo is in the burrow before I block it?
A: Look for fresh digging activity, droppings, or the armadillo itself. The best approach for safe armadillo removal is to wait and observe. If you see an armadillo frequently entering or leaving a specific burrow, it’s likely occupied. Try setting up a humane trap near the burrow entrance. Once you are confident it’s empty, you can then proceed with sealing it.
Q5: Are armadillos dangerous?
A: Armadillos are generally not aggressive and will typically try to escape if threatened. However, they can bite if cornered or if they feel their young are in danger. They also carry the bacteria that causes leprosy, so it’s best to avoid direct contact.
Q6: How can I prevent armadillos from coming back?
A: Prevention involves ongoing yard maintenance. Continue to manage insect populations, keep your yard clean of debris, and ensure that potential shelter areas like under decks and sheds are securely sealed. Regularly checking for and filling any new burrows is also crucial.
Q7: Is trapping an armadillo humane?
A: Live trapping can be humane if done correctly. This includes using appropriately sized traps, baiting them effectively, checking them frequently, and relocating the animal responsibly to a suitable habitat away from human populations. Humane armadillo removal prioritizes the animal’s welfare.