So, you’re wondering, “Can I keep armadillos out of my yard?” Yes, you absolutely can! These armored creatures, while fascinating, can cause quite a bit of trouble with their digging habits. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about armadillo proofing your yard and preventing armadillos from becoming unwelcome guests. We’ll explore various armadillo deterrents and methods for humane armadillo control to ensure your garden remains pristine.
Why Armadillos Dig in Your Yard
Armadillos aren’t just digging for fun. They are primarily looking for food. Their diet consists mainly of insects, grubs, earthworms, ants, and termites. When your lawn or garden becomes a buffet, they’ll happily tunnel away to find these tasty treats.
What Armadillos Eat
- Insects and Larvae: This includes grubs, beetle larvae, and other crawling insects found in the soil.
- Earthworms: A favorite, especially after rain when they are closer to the surface.
- Ants and Termites: They will tear apart ant hills and termite mounds.
- Small Vertebrates: Occasionally, they might snack on small frogs, lizards, or even carrion.
The Damage Armadillos Cause
Their digging can lead to several problems:
- Lawn Damage: Circular or irregular holes dug into your grass.
- Flower Bed Destruction: Uprooted plants and disturbed soil in gardens.
- Foundation Issues: Though less common, persistent digging near foundations can cause minor instability.
- Trip Hazards: The holes left behind can be dangerous for people and pets.
Effective Strategies for Armadillo Deterrents
Keeping armadillos away requires a multi-pronged approach. You need to make your yard less appealing and, if necessary, block their access.
Making Your Yard Less Attractive
The most sustainable way to stop armadillos digging is to remove what attracts them.
1. Control Insect Populations
- Reduce Grubs: Grubs are a major food source. Address grub infestations in your lawn to remove a primary attraction.
- Beneficial Nematodes: These microscopic worms can be applied to your lawn to naturally control grub populations.
- Milky Spore: This natural bacterium targets Japanese beetle grubs.
- Proper Lawn Care: Healthy, well-maintained lawns are less susceptible to heavy grub infestations. Aeration and proper watering can help.
- Eliminate Other Pests: Address ant and termite problems promptly. If you have visible ant hills or signs of termites, tackle these infestations.
2. Reduce Water Availability
Armadillos need water. While you can’t eliminate all water, consider:
- Fix Leaky Faucets and Hoses: Ensure no constant water sources are readily available.
- Don’t Overwater: Water your lawn and garden only when necessary.
3. Minimize Shelter Opportunities
Armadillos seek sheltered places to rest or build burrows.
- Clear Debris: Remove woodpiles, dense brush, leaf litter, and other overgrown areas where armadillos might hide or burrow.
- Seal Off Under Decks and Sheds: These areas provide ideal shelter. Use sturdy materials to block access.
Scent and Sound-Based Armadillo Repellents
Some people find success using scents or sounds to deter armadillos. The effectiveness can vary.
Natural Armadillo Repellent Options
- Castor Oil: Many anecdotal reports suggest that spraying a mixture of castor oil and water on lawns and gardens can repel armadillos. The idea is that they dislike the oily residue on their skin and burrowing areas.
- Mixture: Typically, a ratio of 1-2 tablespoons of castor oil per gallon of water, with a little dish soap to help emulsify, is recommended.
- Application: Spray around the perimeter of your yard, especially on areas they frequent. Reapply after rain.
- Essential Oils: Some strong-smelling essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or citronella, might deter them. Mix a few drops with water and spray.
- Cayenne Pepper/Chili Powder: Sprinkling these around garden beds can irritate their noses and feet, making the area unpleasant for them. Reapply frequently.
- Ammonia-Soaked Rags: Placing rags soaked in ammonia in affected areas can mimic the scent of predators, potentially scaring them away. This is a stronger deterrent but needs frequent reapplication and can be overpowering.
Sound and Vibration Repellents
- Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are supposed to be unpleasant to animals. Their effectiveness against armadillos is often debated, and they may only work temporarily or not at all.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices detect movement and spray water, startling the animal. This can be quite effective for humane armadillo control as it frightens them without causing harm.
Armadillo Exclusion and Barriers
Physical barriers are often the most reliable way to keep armadillos out of specific areas.
Armadillo Proofing Your Garden Beds
This is crucial for protecting your plants.
1. Burying Fencing
- Material: Use sturdy wire mesh fencing, such as chicken wire or hardware cloth (1/2-inch mesh is good).
- Depth: Bury the fencing at least 12-18 inches deep into the ground.
- Height: Ensure the fence extends at least 6-12 inches above ground level.
- Inward L-Shape: For added security, bend the bottom edge of the fence outward at a 90-degree angle (an L-shape) for about 6 inches before burying it. This makes it harder for them to dig under.
- Installation: Dig a trench around the garden bed, install the fencing, and backfill the trench securely.
2. Using Landscape Edging
- Materials: Heavy-duty plastic, metal, or stone edging can create a barrier.
- Depth: Similar to wire fencing, ensure the edging is buried deep enough (at least 8-10 inches) to prevent digging underneath.
- Sturdiness: Armadillos are strong diggers, so flimsy edging won’t work.
Armadillo Barriers for Your Entire Yard
If armadillos are a widespread problem, you might consider fencing your entire yard.
- Type of Fence: A solid fence made of wood, vinyl, or sturdy metal is best.
- Height and Depth: Similar to garden fencing, aim for a fence that’s at least 2-3 feet high and ideally extends 6-12 inches below ground. Burying it or adding an L-shaped footer can significantly improve armadillo exclusion.
- Gate Security: Ensure gates are also securely closed and don’t have gaps underneath.
Humane Armadillo Control and Removal
If you have an armadillo that has already burrowed or is causing significant damage, you might need to consider removal.
Live Trapping
This is the most humane method for removing an armadillo from your property.
- Trap Type: Use a large live trap suitable for medium-sized animals.
- Bait: Popular baits include earthworms, grubs, or a mixture of peanut butter and sardines. Place the bait at the back of the trap so the animal must step on the trigger plate.
- Placement: Set the trap in an area where you have seen armadillo activity, preferably near their burrows or foraging paths.
- Checking the Trap: Check the trap frequently, at least twice a day (morning and evening). Never leave an animal trapped for extended periods, especially in hot or cold weather.
- Relocation: If you catch an armadillo, you must relocate it legally. Check your local wildlife regulations, as trapping and relocating wildlife can be restricted or require permits. Relocating an animal too far from its natural habitat can also be detrimental to its survival.
Dealing with Existing Burrows
If an armadillo has already dug a burrow:
- Fill the Burrow: Once you are certain the burrow is empty (wait a few days after seeing activity), fill it with soil, rocks, or gravel. This discourages them from returning to that specific spot.
- Discourage Re-burrowing: Use one of the deterrents mentioned earlier around the filled burrow.
What NOT to Do for Armadillo Problems
Some methods might seem like solutions but are ineffective or inhumane.
- Poisons: Never use poisons. They are indiscriminate, can harm pets, children, and other wildlife, and are often illegal.
- Lethal Traps: Avoid kill traps. Humane control is always preferred.
- Harassment: While you want them gone, excessively chasing or harassing them is unlikely to be effective long-term and can be stressful for the animal.
Armadillo Damage Prevention: A Summary
Preventing armadillos is about making your yard a less desirable place for them to find food, water, and shelter, and then physically blocking their access.
Key Steps for Armadillo Proofing
- Identify Food Sources: Target grub and insect control in your lawn.
- Eliminate Shelter: Clear debris and secure spaces under structures.
- Install Barriers: Use sturdy fencing buried deep around vulnerable garden areas.
- Apply Deterrents: Experiment with natural repellents like castor oil or motion-activated sprinklers.
- Maintain Your Yard: Keep your lawn mowed and your garden tidy.
How to Stop Armadillos Digging: A Long-Term Plan
Stopping armadillos digging requires consistent effort.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically check your yard for new signs of digging.
- Upkeep of Barriers: Ensure fences are secure and there are no new gaps.
- Continue Pest Control: Maintain insect control measures, especially in warmer months.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Armadillo activity might increase during certain seasons (e.g., breeding season, or when food sources are abundant).
Common Questions About Armadillos in Yards
Q1: Can armadillos hurt my pets?
While armadillos generally try to avoid conflict and will flee if threatened, they can defend themselves with their sharp claws if cornered. It’s rare, but a dog might get scratched trying to interact with one. The main concern is usually the holes they dig, which can be trip hazards.
Q2: Are armadillos dangerous to humans?
Armadillos are not inherently dangerous to humans. They are not aggressive and do not carry rabies. However, like any wild animal, they can carry bacteria such as Salmonella in their feces, so it’s wise to wash your hands after cleaning up their mess or handling anything they’ve disturbed.
Q3: How do I know if it’s an armadillo digging the holes?
Armadillo holes are typically shallow, funnel-shaped depressions, often about 3-5 inches in diameter and 1-3 inches deep. They tend to be scattered across the lawn or concentrated where insects are found. Other animals like moles or voles create different types of tunnels or mounds. Armadillo burrows, where they create larger dens, are usually larger, about 7-8 inches wide and 4-6 inches high, and often found under structures, dense brush, or at the base of trees.
Q4: What is the best time of day to see armadillos?
Armadillos are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. You are most likely to see them foraging for food during these times.
Q5: Can I use mothballs as an armadillo repellent?
Mothballs are sometimes suggested, but they are generally not recommended. They contain chemicals that can be harmful to children, pets, and other wildlife, and their effectiveness as a repellent for armadillos is questionable. Many local regulations also prohibit their use in outdoor settings due to environmental concerns.
Q6: How fast can armadillos dig?
Armadillos are surprisingly fast and efficient diggers. They can excavate a burrow or forage for food in a matter of minutes. Their strong claws and powerful limbs are well-suited for digging through soil and roots.
Q7: Will armadillos dig through my fence?
Armadillos are capable diggers, but they are more likely to go under a fence than dig through it. If a fence is not buried deep enough, they can often tunnel beneath it. A well-installed fence with an underground footer is essential for effective armadillo exclusion.
Q8: What if an armadillo has burrowed under my house?
This is a more serious situation. If an armadillo has burrowed under your house or shed foundation, it’s best to consult with a wildlife control professional. They can safely assess the situation, determine if the burrow is active, and recommend humane removal and repair methods. Do not block the entrance if you suspect the animal is still inside, as this can lead to the animal dying and causing odor or structural issues.
Q9: Are there any professional services for armadillo problems?
Yes, wildlife removal or pest control services that specialize in humane wildlife management can help. They can offer services like live trapping, removal, and advice on long-term prevention and repair of damage.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce or eliminate armadillo activity in your yard, protect your landscaping, and enjoy your outdoor space without the constant concern of their digging. Remember that patience and persistence are key to successful armadillo control.