How to Get Rid of Armadillos Digging in Your Yard: Humane Removal & Prevention

Can you get rid of armadillos digging in your yard? Yes, you can! This guide will show you how to humanely remove them and stop them from digging in the future. Dealing with armadillos digging up your lawn can be frustrating. Their digging can create unsightly holes, disrupt your garden beds, and even damage sprinkler systems. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage these armored visitors without causing them harm. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and tools for successful armadillo damage control.

Why Armadillos Dig

Before we dive into removal, let’s understand why armadillos dig. These fascinating creatures, particularly the Nine-banded Armadillo common in the Southern United States, are primarily insectivores. Their strong claws and powerful snouts are perfectly adapted for digging.

Their Primary Motivations:

Food Source: Armadillos are on a constant hunt for their favorite meals: insects. This includes grubs, ants, termites, beetles, and other invertebrates found in the soil. They’ll dig to unearth these tasty treats.
Shelter: Armadillos dig burrows for shelter. These burrows provide protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. They often dig multiple burrows within their territory.
Nesting: Pregnant females will dig specialized burrows to give birth and raise their young.
Exploration: Like many animals, armadillos explore their environment, and digging is a natural part of that process.

Humane Armadillo Removal Strategies

When armadillos become a nuisance, the first priority is humane armadillo removal. This means avoiding any methods that could cause them undue stress or injury.

1. Live Trapping

Live trapping is a highly effective and humane method to remove armadillos from your yard.

Choosing the Right Trap:

Size: Opt for a trap that is large enough for an armadillo to enter comfortably. A trap around 32 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 10 inches high is generally suitable.
Type: Cage traps with a spring-loaded door are most common. Ensure the trap is sturdy and well-constructed.

Baiting the Trap:

Armadillos are attracted to certain smells and tastes.

Insects: Earthworms, grubs, or mealworms are excellent bait. Place them inside the trap, further back to encourage the armadillo to fully enter.
Canned Pet Food: Wet dog or cat food with a strong aroma can also be effective.
Fruits: Ripe fruits like bananas or avocados can sometimes attract them.

Trap Placement:

High-Traffic Areas: Place the trap along known armadillo pathways, near burrows, or where you’ve seen the most digging.
Camouflage: Gently cover the trap with leaves or branches to make it less intimidating to the animal.

Checking the Trap:

Regularly: Check the trap at least twice a day, preferably in the early morning and late afternoon. This is crucial to ensure the captured animal is not exposed to extreme weather or stress for too long.
Release: Once you’ve captured an armadillo, relocate it to a suitable habitat away from residential areas. Check your local wildlife regulations for specific relocation guidelines. A common recommendation is to move them at least 10-20 miles away to prevent them from returning.

2. Habitat Modification

Making your yard less appealing is a key part of armadillo exclusion. Armadillos are drawn to areas that offer easy access to food and shelter.

Eliminate Food Sources:

Reduce Insect Populations: The most effective way to deter armadillos is to reduce the insect population in your yard.
- Address Grubs: Grubs are a major attractant. Consider using beneficial nematodes or insecticidal soaps to control grub infestations in your lawn.
- Clean Up Debris: Remove fallen fruit, leaf litter, and compost piles, as these harbor insects.
- Limit Watering: Overly moist soil can attract more insects. Adjust your watering schedule.

Remove Shelter and Burrowing Opportunities:

Fill in Existing Burrows: If you find armadillo burrows, fill them in with soil and tamp it down firmly. This discourages their use and makes it harder for them to dig new ones.
Clear Debris: Remove woodpiles, brush piles, dense vegetation, and any other objects that could provide shelter or hiding places.
Secure Foundations: Seal off any openings under sheds, decks, porches, or crawl spaces. Armadillos love to burrow in these protected areas.

Preventing Future Armadillo Digging

Once you’ve removed the immediate problem, the focus shifts to stop armadillos digging and prevent them from returning. This involves a combination of deterrents and exclusion methods.

1. Armadillo Repellents

Several armadillo repellent options can help keep them away.

Commercial Repellents:

Castor Oil-Based Products: Many commercial repellents utilize castor oil. The strong smell and taste are offensive to armadillos, making them avoid treated areas. Apply these according to the product’s instructions, typically around the perimeter of your yard or problem areas.
Predator Urine: The scent of natural predators like coyotes or bobcats can deter armadillos. These are available in granular or spray forms.

Natural Armadillo Deterrents:

Looking for natural armadillo deterrents? Several home remedies can be effective.

Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle cayenne pepper generously around your yard, especially near gardens and burrow entrances. The irritant nature of capsaicin can discourage them from digging. Reapply after rain.
Garlic: The strong smell of garlic can also deter armadillos. You can plant garlic around your garden beds or create a garlic spray (blend garlic cloves with water, strain, and spray).
Peppermint Oil: The strong scent of peppermint oil can be off-putting. Mix a few drops with water and spray around your yard.
Coffee Grounds: Some anecdotal evidence suggests that used coffee grounds can deter armadillos due to their scent and texture. Sprinkle them around your yard.

Important Note on Repellents: Repellents are often most effective when used in conjunction with other methods. Their effectiveness can also be reduced by rain, so reapplication is usually necessary.

2. Armadillo Exclusion and Proofing

Armadillo proofing yard is about creating physical barriers and making your property inaccessible.

Fencing:

Durable Fencing: Install sturdy fencing around your yard or specific garden areas.
Depth is Key: For effective armadillo exclusion, the fence needs to be buried at least 12 inches deep into the ground. Armadillos are adept diggers, so a shallow fence will not deter them.
Inward Bend: Consider bending the bottom 6 inches of the fence outward at a 90-degree angle. This makes it harder for them to dig under.
Material: Use materials like heavy-gauge galvanized steel or reinforced wire mesh.

Sealing Entry Points:

Under Structures: As mentioned earlier, thoroughly seal any gaps or openings under sheds, decks, porches, or crawl spaces. Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth or sheet metal.

3. Scare Tactics

While not as reliable as physical barriers or repellents, some scare tactics can help deter armadillos.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices detect movement and spray a burst of water, startling the armadillo and encouraging it to leave.
Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are meant to be unpleasant for animals like armadillos. Their effectiveness can vary, and some animals may become accustomed to them over time.

Dealing with Armadillo Burrow Control

Addressing existing armadillo burrow control is essential for preventing further damage and deterring re-occupation.

Filling Burrows Safely

Empty the Burrow First: Before filling, ensure the burrow is empty. You can try to gently encourage the armadillo to leave by making noise or shining a light into the entrance at dusk.
Fill with Soil: Use soil, gravel, or sand to fill the burrow. Tamp it down firmly to prevent collapse and discourage re-digging.
Consider Drainage: If the burrow is in an area prone to waterlogging, adding a layer of gravel at the bottom before filling with soil can improve drainage and make the spot less appealing for future burrowing.

Making Burrows Uninhabitable

Remove Attractants: Clean up any food sources or debris near the burrow entrance.
Apply Repellents: Apply natural armadillo deterrents or commercial repellents around the burrow entrance after filling.

Best Armadillo Traps and Considerations

When live trapping is your chosen method for humane armadillo removal, selecting the best armadillo traps is important.

Trap Types and Features:

Live Cage Traps: As discussed, these are the most humane. Look for:
- Galvanized Steel: Durable and rust-resistant.
- Spring-Loaded Door: Ensures a quick and secure capture.
- Smooth Edges: To prevent injury to the animal.
- One-Door vs. Two-Door: Two-door traps can sometimes be more effective as they offer more entry options and can be placed across a pathway.

Where to Acquire Traps:

Hardware Stores: Many local hardware stores carry live animal traps.
Farm Supply Stores: These often have a good selection of traps.
Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Chewy, or specialized pest control suppliers offer a wide variety of traps.

Legal Considerations:

Local Regulations: Always check your local and state wildlife regulations regarding trapping and relocating wildlife. Some areas may have restrictions or require permits.
Animal Welfare: Ensure you are adhering to best practices for animal welfare when using traps.

Troubleshooting Armadillo Problems

Sometimes, a single approach isn’t enough. Here’s how to troubleshoot persistent armadillo digging.

Persistent Digging:

Assess Food Sources: Are you sure you’ve eliminated all major insect attractants? Even a small grub infestation can keep them coming back.
Reinforce Exclusion: If fencing is in place, check for any breaches or areas where they might be finding access. Bury the fence deeper if necessary.
Combine Deterrents: Use multiple natural armadillo deterrents or a combination of repellent types.

Multiple Burrows:

Systematic Approach: You may need to address each burrow individually by filling and treating them.
Perimeter Defense: Focus on making the entire yard less appealing by securing the perimeter and reducing food sources broadly.

Armadillos Under Structures:

Thorough Sealing: This is the most critical step. Ensure no gaps remain. Armadillos are persistent and will exploit any small opening.
Trap Near the Entrance: If you can identify the entry point, place a live trap directly in front of it.

Armadillo Damage Control Summary Table

Problem Area	Solution	Key Considerations
Digging for Food	Reduce insect populations, especially grubs. Clean up debris.	Apply beneficial nematodes, use insecticidal soaps, adjust watering.
Burrowing for Shelter	Fill existing burrows, clear debris piles, seal under structures.	Ensure burrows are empty before filling; use sturdy materials for sealing.
Yard Intrusion	Install buried fencing, use repellents, seal entry points.	Fence depth of at least 12 inches with an outward bend; reapply repellents.
Persistent Return	Combine multiple deterrents, habitat modification, and exclusion.	Be patient and consistent; assess all potential attractants and entry points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are armadillos dangerous to humans or pets?

While armadillos are generally not aggressive and will typically try to escape rather than confront, they can bite if cornered or handled. They are also known to carry leprosy, so it’s best to avoid direct contact and wear gloves if you need to handle one. Keep pets supervised when outdoors in areas where armadillos are present.

Q2: What is the best time of year to deal with armadillos?

Armadillos are most active during warmer months, typically from spring through fall. Dealing with them during their active season is generally more effective. Females may give birth in late winter or early spring, so avoiding trapping or disturbing burrows during this specific period is advisable if possible.

Q3: Can I use poison to get rid of armadillos?

No, using poison is strongly discouraged and often illegal. Poisoning is not a humane method of control and can pose significant risks to non-target animals, including pets and beneficial wildlife. It can also contaminate the environment.

Q4: Will armadillos damage my house foundation?

While armadillos are primarily known for digging in lawns and gardens, they can sometimes burrow under structures like sheds, decks, or porches, which could potentially impact foundations if they dig extensively near them. Sealing off these areas is crucial for armadillo damage control.

Q5: How do I know if it’s an armadillo burrow?

Armadillo burrows are typically 3-5 inches in diameter and can be up to 15 feet long. They often have a characteristic fan-shaped mound of dirt near the entrance from where they’ve been digging. You might also see armadillo tracks, which resemble those of a small dog or raccoon.

Q6: What if I find baby armadillos in a burrow?

If you discover a burrow containing young armadillos, it’s best to leave it undisturbed. The mother will typically move her young once they are old enough. Attempting to remove them yourself can be dangerous for both you and the young animals. Once they have moved out, fill the burrow.

Q7: How long does it take for armadillo repellent to work?

The effectiveness of armadillo repellent can vary. Some may see results within a few days, while others might require several weeks of consistent application. It often works best when combined with other methods like habitat modification and exclusion.

By implementing these humane removal and prevention strategies, you can effectively stop armadillos digging in your yard and protect your landscape. Remember that persistence and a multi-faceted approach are key to successful armadillo proofing yard and maintaining a peaceful coexistence with nature.