Can you keep an armadillo out of your yard? Yes, by using a combination of deterrents, fencing, and exclusion methods.
Armadillos, with their distinctive bony armor and penchant for digging, can be both fascinating and frustrating garden visitors. While their insect-eating habits are beneficial, their burrowing and rooting can wreak havoc on lawns, flowerbeds, and even the foundations of structures. If you’re finding your yard transformed into a minefield of divots and tunnels, it’s time to explore effective strategies for armadillo exclusion. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to reclaim your landscape and implement robust armadillo proofing.
We’ll delve into various armadillo deterrents, explore the effectiveness of fencing for armadillos, discuss practical repelling armadillos techniques, and offer solutions for armadillo burrow removal. Our aim is to provide you with a complete roadmap for humane armadillo control and preventing armadillo digging.
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Why Armadillos Visit Your Yard
Before we can effectively deter them, it’s helpful to understand why armadillos are drawn to our yards in the first place. These nocturnal creatures are primarily insectivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of insects, grubs, earthworms, and other invertebrates. They use their keen sense of smell and strong claws to root around in the soil for these tasty morsels.
- Food Source: Yards with healthy populations of insects, grubs, and earthworms are prime targets. Over-watered lawns or areas with decaying organic matter can attract these food sources, and consequently, armadillos.
- Shelter: Armadillos dig burrows for shelter from predators and extreme weather. Loose, sandy soil, dense vegetation, or areas beneath sheds and decks offer ideal locations for burrow construction.
- Water: Like all living creatures, armadillos need water. They may be attracted to ponds, bird baths, or even damp areas of your yard.
Effective Armadillo Exclusion Methods
Successfully keeping armadillos out of your yard requires a multi-pronged approach. No single method is foolproof, but combining several strategies significantly increases your chances of success.
1. Physical Barriers: Fencing for Armadillos
One of the most reliable methods for armadillo proofing is physical exclusion. Fencing acts as a physical barrier that armadillos cannot easily bypass. However, not just any fence will do. Armadillos are persistent diggers, so the fence needs to be installed correctly.
Types of Fencing Materials:
- Hardware Cloth (1/2 inch or 1/4 inch mesh): This is a robust and effective material. The small mesh size prevents even young armadillos from squeezing through.
- Heavy Gauge Wire Mesh: Similar to hardware cloth, but often thicker and more durable.
- Galvanized Steel: Offers excellent longevity and rust resistance.
Installation Techniques for Armadillo Exclusion:
The key to effective fencing is to bury it. Armadillos will try to dig under any barrier.
- Buried Depth: Bury the fencing material at least 12 inches deep into the ground. This depth deters them from digging underneath.
- L-Footer: For added security, create an “L-footer” by bending the bottom edge of the fence material outward (away from your yard) for about 6 inches, and then burying it horizontally. This makes it much harder for an armadillo to dig under.
- Height: The fence should be at least 2-3 feet tall. While armadillos aren’t known for climbing, a taller fence adds an extra layer of security against jumping or leaning.
- Gates: Ensure all gates are also secured with the same buried fencing technique to prevent entry points.
Considerations for Fencing:
- Aesthetics: While effective, fences can alter the look of your yard. Consider how the fence will integrate with your landscaping.
- Cost: Fencing can be a significant investment, especially for larger properties.
- Effectiveness: Properly installed, buried fencing is one of the most dependable armadillo exclusion methods.
2. Repelling Armadillos: Scent and Sound Deterrents
Repelling armadillos often involves using substances or devices that they find unpleasant. These methods aim to make your yard less attractive without causing harm.
Scent-Based Deterrents:
Armadillos have a strong sense of smell, and certain odors can drive them away.
- Castor Oil: A popular and effective deterrent. Many commercial repellents contain castor oil. You can also make your own by mixing castor oil with water and a small amount of liquid dish soap. Apply this mixture around the perimeter of your yard and near any suspected burrow entrances. Reapply after rain.
- Ammonia: The strong odor of ammonia can be off-putting to armadillos. Soak rags in ammonia and place them around your yard. Be cautious, as ammonia can also be harmful to plants if applied directly.
- Cayenne Pepper/Chili Powder: While less scientifically proven for armadillos specifically, the irritation from spicy elements might deter them. Sprinkle liberally around affected areas.
- Peppermint Oil: Some anecdotal evidence suggests that the strong scent of peppermint oil can deter armadillos. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them strategically.
- Commercial Repellents: Numerous commercial armadillo repellents are available. Read labels carefully to ensure they are safe for your plants, pets, and children, and follow application instructions precisely.
Sound-Based Deterrents:
Armadillos are generally nocturnal, and sudden or persistent noises can startle them.
- Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but may irritate or scare away animals like armadillos. Their effectiveness can vary greatly, and some animals can become accustomed to them over time.
- Wind Chimes or Radios: Placing radios tuned to talk stations or motion-activated wind chimes near problem areas might startle armadillos away.
Important Notes on Repellents:
- Reapplication is Key: Natural and commercial repellents often need frequent reapplication, especially after rain or watering.
- Targeted Application: Apply repellents around the perimeter of your yard, near existing burrows, and in areas where you see the most activity.
- Combination Approach: Scent and sound deterrents are often best used in conjunction with other armadillo deterrents for maximum impact.
3. Habitat Modification: Making Your Yard Less Appealing
Armadillos are looking for food and shelter. By modifying your yard, you can make it a less desirable location for them.
Reducing Food Sources:
- Control Grubs and Insects: Address underlying insect problems in your lawn. Grubs are a major attractant. Consider using beneficial nematodes or other organic pest control methods.
- Clean Up Debris: Remove leaf litter, woodpiles, and dense brush where insects and other invertebrates can thrive. This also eliminates potential hiding places for armadillos.
- Proper Irrigation: Avoid over-watering your lawn, as damp soil attracts worms and other armadillo food.
Eliminating Shelter:
- Seal Entry Points: Block off access to areas beneath decks, porches, sheds, and crawl spaces. Use sturdy materials like concrete blocks, wire mesh, or solid boards. Ensure there are no gaps.
- Remove Hiding Spots: Trim dense vegetation and keep your yard tidy. Eliminate potential burrowing sites like overgrown bushes or areas with loose soil.
4. Natural Armadillo Barriers
Natural armadillo barriers leverage plants or materials that armadillos find unappealing. While not as foolproof as fencing, they can be a complementary strategy.
- Certain Plants: While no plant is a guaranteed deterrent, some gardeners report success with plants that have strong scents or unpleasant textures. Examples sometimes cited include:
- Coleus Canina (Scaredy Cat Plant): This plant has a strong, pungent odor that some animals dislike.
- Lavender: Its strong fragrance might deter some creatures.
- Mint: The vigorous growth and strong scent of mint could be a deterrent, but it can also spread aggressively.
- Gravel or Coarse Mulch: Armadillos prefer soft, easily diggable soil. A thick layer of coarse gravel or mulch in specific areas might make digging more difficult and less appealing.
5. Humane Trapping and Relocation
In some cases, especially if you have a persistent problem, humane trapping might be considered. This is a more involved process and often requires understanding local regulations.
Types of Traps:
- Live Traps: These are cage-like traps designed to capture animals without harming them. The trap is baited with something enticing, like earthworms or pet food.
Relocation Guidelines:
- Check Local Laws: Before trapping, familiarize yourself with your local wildlife regulations. Relocation laws vary significantly by state and municipality. Some areas prohibit relocating wildlife.
- Proper Baiting: Use appropriate bait. Earthworms, mealworms, or ripe fruit are often effective for armadillos. Place the bait at the back of the trap so the armadillo has to step on the trigger plate.
- Placement: Set traps in areas where you see frequent armadillo activity, especially near burrows or entry points.
- Regular Monitoring: Check traps frequently, at least twice a day (morning and evening). Leaving an animal in a trap for extended periods can cause stress, dehydration, or starvation.
- Relocation Site: If local laws permit relocation, choose a suitable habitat that is at least 10-15 miles away from your property. The new location should have a food and water source and appropriate shelter, and importantly, not be in a residential area where the armadillo could become someone else’s problem.
Ethical Considerations:
- Stress: Trapping and relocation can be stressful for the animal.
- Survival Rate: The success rate of relocated animals can be low due to unfamiliar territory, competition with existing wildlife, and difficulty finding food and shelter.
- Professional Assistance: If you are uncomfortable with trapping, consider contacting local animal control or a wildlife removal service.
Armadillo Burrow Removal
Once you’ve successfully excluded armadillos from your yard, you’ll likely be left with the aftermath of their digging – burrows. Addressing these is important for both aesthetic and safety reasons.
Why Remove Burrows?
- Aesthetics: Holes in your lawn detract from its appearance.
- Tripping Hazards: Burrows can create uneven ground, posing a tripping risk for people and pets.
- Structural Damage: In rare cases, extensive burrowing near foundations can cause structural issues.
- New Inhabitants: Old burrows can attract other unwanted critters like snakes or rats.
Steps for Armadillo Burrow Removal:
- Confirm the Burrow is Abandoned: Ensure the armadillo is no longer using the burrow. You can do this by observing the burrow entrance for a few days. If there’s no activity, it’s likely abandoned. You can also try gently filling the entrance with soil; if it’s reopened within a day or two, it’s still in use.
- Excavate and Fill: The most straightforward method is to dig out the burrow to ensure it’s completely collapsed. Then, fill the hole with soil.
- Level and Reseed: Tamp down the soil firmly. If the area is bare, you can add topsoil and reseed it to match the surrounding lawn.
- Compact the Area: In areas where burrowing is a recurring problem, consider compacting the soil after filling to make it less appealing for future digging.
- Install Fencing: As mentioned earlier, the best way to prevent future burrowing is with properly installed fencing.
What to Avoid When Dealing with Armadillos
While it’s tempting to find quick fixes, some methods can be ineffective, inhumane, or even illegal.
- Poisons: Never use poisons or toxic substances. These are indiscriminate and can harm pets, children, and beneficial wildlife. They are also often illegal for use against wildlife.
- Lethal Traps: Avoid traps that kill the animal. Humane armadillo control should be the priority.
- Repellents That Harm Plants: Be cautious with strong chemicals. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area of your lawn or garden first.
- Ignoring the Problem: If you have an armadillo infestation, ignoring it will only allow the problem to worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Armadillo Control
What do armadillos eat?
Armadillos primarily eat insects, grubs, earthworms, spiders, termites, and other small invertebrates. They may occasionally consume small vertebrates, eggs, or carrion.
Are armadillos dangerous?
Armadillos are generally not considered dangerous to humans or pets. They are shy creatures and will typically try to escape rather than confront. Their primary defense mechanism is their armor and digging rapidly. While they can carry diseases like leprosy, the risk of transmission to humans is extremely low, especially if you avoid direct contact with them or their droppings.
Can armadillos damage my house foundation?
Yes, in rare cases, extensive burrowing by multiple armadillos near a building’s foundation could potentially cause some minor structural issues, especially in softer soils. However, this is not a common occurrence.
How can I tell if it’s an armadillo digging in my yard?
Armadillo digging typically results in shallow holes or divots, often conical in shape, as they root for insects. They also dig larger burrows for shelter, which can be several inches in diameter and lead underground. You might also see their distinctive tracks or find their droppings, which are often pellet-like.
What is the best time of year to implement armadillo control measures?
You can implement control measures year-round. However, spring and early summer are often when armadillos are most active as they forage for food and may have young. Addressing the problem before populations become established is always ideal.
How do I get rid of an armadillo that’s already burrowed under my house?
If an armadillo has burrowed under your house, it’s crucial to act carefully.
1. Identify the Entry Point: Find out how the armadillo is getting under your house.
2. Encourage Exit: Try repelling armadillos by placing strong-smelling deterrents like ammonia-soaked rags or commercial repellents near the burrow entrance.
3. Seal the Entrance: Once you are certain the armadillo has left (monitor for several days), immediately seal the entry point with sturdy materials like concrete blocks or heavy-gauge wire mesh. Bury it slightly to prevent re-digging.
4. Habitat Modification: Address why it chose that spot. Remove attractants like excess moisture or debris that could be providing a food source or shelter.
5. Professional Help: If you cannot locate the entry point or are uncomfortable dealing with it, contact a professional wildlife removal service.
By understanding armadillo behavior and employing a combination of armadillo deterrents, sturdy fencing for armadillos, effective repelling armadillos tactics, and proper armadillo burrow removal, you can successfully implement armadillo proofing and enjoy a pest-free yard. Remember, humane armadillo control and preventing armadillo digging are achievable goals with the right strategies and consistent effort.