Your Guide: How To Get Rid Of Armadillos Digging In Yard

Can you stop armadillos from digging in your yard? Yes, there are several effective methods to deter armadillos and prevent them from damaging your lawn. This guide will walk you through how to get rid of armadillos digging in your yard, focusing on humane and practical solutions to manage armadillo burrow control and armadillo lawn damage.

Armadillos can be a nuisance for homeowners. Their digging habits can wreak havoc on gardens, lawns, and even foundations. These nocturnal creatures are primarily insectivores, using their strong claws to unearth grubs, earthworms, ants, and other invertebrates that live in the soil. While they play a role in the ecosystem, their digging can cause unsightly holes and uneven terrain, leading to what is commonly known as armadillo lawn damage. Fortunately, there are many effective ways to address this problem, from employing robust armadillo deterrents to more direct methods of armadillo exclusion.

How To Get Rid Of Armadillos Digging In Yard
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Why Are Armadillos Digging in Your Yard?

Armadillos are on a mission: food. They have a keen sense of smell and can detect insects buried beneath the soil. When they find a promising patch of earth, they use their powerful claws to dig in search of their next meal. Your yard, with its soft soil and abundance of tasty invertebrates, is likely a prime dining spot for them. They don’t dig to destroy; they dig to survive. Understanding their motivations is the first step to implementing successful strategies to stop armadillos from digging.

Food Source: The primary driver for armadillo digging is the presence of insects, grubs, and other small invertebrates.
Shelter: Armadillos also dig burrows for shelter, especially during colder months or to raise their young. These burrows can be quite extensive.
Water: While not as common a reason as food or shelter, they may dig in moist areas for a water source.

Identifying Armadillo Damage

Armadillo lawn damage typically appears as shallow, conical holes, often a few inches deep and several inches wide. These aren’t the deep, extensive burrows of other animals. You might also see overturned sod or disturbed soil where they’ve foraged. Unlike moles that leave raised mounds, armadillos excavate downwards.

Shallow Holes: These are the most common sign, resembling small craters.
Disturbed Soil: Areas where they have actively dug to find food.
Upturned Sod: Patches of grass can be flipped over in their search for grubs.

Humane Armadillo Removal and Deterrents

The goal is to make your yard less appealing to armadillos and encourage them to move elsewhere. Humane armadillo removal focuses on discouraging them from inhabiting your property without causing them harm. This involves a combination of making your yard inhospitable and blocking access to their preferred food sources.

Natural Armadillo Solutions

Many homeowners prefer natural armadillo solutions that don’t involve harsh chemicals or harm to the animals. These methods are often effective and environmentally friendly.

Repelling Armadillos with Scent

Armadillos have a strong sense of smell, and certain odors are unpleasant to them. Applying these around your yard can act as an effective armadillo repellent.

Castor Oil: A mixture of castor oil and water, sprayed around the yard, can deter armadillos. The oil makes the soil unpleasant to dig in. Mix 2 tablespoons of castor oil with 1 gallon of water and a tablespoon of liquid dish soap (to help emulsify the oil). Apply this solution generously to lawns and garden beds. Reapply after rain.
Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder: Sprinkling these spicy powders in and around affected areas can irritate their sensitive noses and feet. Be cautious when applying, as it can also affect pets and children.
Garlic or Onion: Strong odors from garlic or onions can also be off-putting to armadillos. You can plant garlic or onions around your garden beds, or use crushed garlic or onion mixed with water as a spray.
Coffee Grounds: Used coffee grounds, when scattered liberally, can deter armadillos. The scent and texture are thought to be unpleasant for them.

Habitat Modification

Making your yard less attractive to armadillos by removing their food sources is a key strategy for preventing armadillos digging.

Grub Control: The most significant attractant for armadillos is the abundant grub population in many lawns. Using grub control products, especially beneficial nematodes, can significantly reduce their food supply.
- Beneficial Nematodes: These microscopic worms are natural predators of grubs and other soil-dwelling pests. Applying them to your lawn is an excellent natural armadillo solution.
- Chemical Grub Killers: If natural methods aren’t sufficient, consider using chemical grub killers as a last resort. Follow product instructions carefully.
Eliminate Standing Water: Armadillos need water. Fixing leaky pipes, draining birdbaths that are not used, and ensuring good drainage can make your yard less appealing.
Reduce Mulch: Thick layers of mulch can provide a damp, cool environment that attracts insects, a favorite food for armadillos. Reducing mulch depth or using coarser mulch can help.

Physical Barriers and Exclusion

Creating physical barriers is a highly effective way to stop armadillos from digging in specific areas. This is where armadillo exclusion comes into play.

Fencing

A well-constructed fence is one of the most reliable methods for armadillo exclusion. However, armadillos are persistent diggers, so the fence needs to be designed to prevent them from going underneath.

Material: Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth, chicken wire (with small mesh), or even solid wood or vinyl fencing.
Depth: The fence should extend at least 12 inches underground.
Angle: Bury the bottom edge of the fence at a 90-degree angle outwards (away from your yard) and bury it at least 6 inches deep. This L-shape makes it very difficult for them to dig under.
Height: A fence that is at least 2-3 feet high is usually sufficient.

Garden Bed Protection

Protecting specific areas like vegetable gardens is crucial to prevent armadillo lawn damage in these prized spots.

Wire Mesh Cages: Build cages around vulnerable plants or entire garden beds using heavy-gauge wire mesh.
Underground Barriers: Install barriers around the perimeter of garden beds, similar to the fencing method described above.

Repellent Sprays and Granules

Several commercial armadillo repellents are available. These often contain strong scents or tastes that armadillos find unpleasant.

Ammonia-based repellents: These mimic the scent of predators.
Predator Urine: Products containing the urine of animals like coyotes or bobcats can scare armadillos away.
Essential Oils: Some repellents use essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or castor oil.

When using any commercial repellent, always read and follow the label instructions carefully. Apply them consistently, as their effectiveness can diminish over time, especially after rain.

Trapping and Relocation (Humane Armadillo Removal)

Trapping is a more direct form of humane armadillo removal. It’s important to use live traps and follow local regulations regarding animal trapping and relocation.

Choosing a Trap: Select a live trap that is large enough for an armadillo (typically 10x12x32 inches or larger).
Baiting: Use enticing baits such as earthworms, grubs, mealworms, or ripe fruit placed at the back of the trap.
Placement: Place the trap along known armadillo pathways, near burrows, or in areas with heavy digging activity.
Checking Traps: Check traps frequently, at least twice a day, to prevent the trapped animal from becoming stressed or dehydrated.
Relocation: If you successfully trap an armadillo, release it at least 5-10 miles away from your home in a suitable habitat (like a wooded area). Check local wildlife regulations before relocating any animal. Some areas have specific rules or require permits for trapping and relocation.

Important Note: Relocation is often a temporary solution, as new armadillos may move into the vacated territory if the habitat remains favorable.

Dealing with Armadillo Burrows

Armadillo burrow control is a critical step in managing their presence. These burrows can weaken the ground, pose tripping hazards, and even damage foundations or underground pipes.

Locating Burrows

Armadillos typically dig multiple burrows in an area, often using several for shelter and foraging. Look for larger openings, usually about 7-8 inches in diameter and 4-6 inches high. These are the main entrances to their dens.

Encouraging Exit

If you can identify an active burrow, you can try to encourage the armadillo to leave before attempting to seal it.

Noise: Making noise near the burrow entrance can sometimes startle them out.
Water: Pouring water into the burrow can make it uncomfortable.
Ammonia-soaked Rags: Placing ammonia-soaked rags near the entrance can deter them with the smell.

Sealing Burrows

Once you are certain the burrow is empty, it’s time for armadillo burrow repair.

Confirm Empty: Ensure no armadillos are inside. You can do this by covering the entrance with a light material like burlap or newspaper. If it’s disturbed the next day, it’s still occupied.
Excavate: Dig out the entrance to expose the full extent of the burrow.
Fill: Fill the burrow with soil, gravel, or concrete if it’s near a foundation. Compact the material to prevent sinking.
Reinforce: For areas prone to repeated digging, consider reinforcing the ground with chicken wire or hardware cloth before backfilling.

Caution: Never seal a burrow entrance without being absolutely sure it’s empty. You could trap an animal inside, leading to its death and potentially creating a more significant problem with odor and decay.

Preventing Armadillos Digging in the Future

Long-term prevention is key to avoiding recurring armadillo problems. Implementing a comprehensive strategy will help stop armadillos from digging in your yard for good.

Consistent Application of Deterrents

Regularly reapply natural armadillo solutions and commercial repellents, especially after rain or watering. Consistency is vital for maintaining an effective deterrent effect.

Lawn Maintenance

A well-maintained lawn is less attractive to armadillos.

Mow Regularly: Keep your grass at a moderate height. Overgrown grass can hide insects and provide cover for armadillos.
Aeration: Aerating your lawn improves soil health and drainage, which can make it less appealing for digging.
Dethatching: Remove thatch buildup, which can harbor pests.

Integrated Pest Management

Combine several methods for the best results.

Grub Control: Continue to manage grub populations.
Repellents: Use scent-based repellents or physical barriers.
Habitat Modification: Reduce clutter and standing water.

Sealing Entry Points

Identify and seal any potential entry points into crawl spaces, under sheds, or decks where armadillos might seek shelter. Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth.

Armadillo Lawn Damage Repair

After the armadillos have been deterred, you’ll need to repair the damage they’ve caused. This involves several steps to restore your lawn’s appearance and health.

Filling Holes

Loosen Soil: Use a rake to loosen the soil within the holes.
Add Topsoil: Fill the holes with a good quality topsoil, leaving a slight mounding effect to account for settling.
Level: Rake the area smooth to match the surrounding lawn.

Reseeding or Resodding

If the damage is extensive, you may need to reseed or resod the affected areas.

Reseeding: Spread grass seed appropriate for your climate over the repaired holes and any bare patches.
- Timing: Seed in the fall or spring when conditions are ideal for grass growth.
- Watering: Keep the seeded areas consistently moist until germination occurs.
Resodding: For immediate results, you can lay down new sod over the repaired areas.
- Preparation: Ensure the soil is properly prepared before laying the sod.
- Watering: Water the new sod thoroughly and regularly until it establishes.

Lawn Aeration and Fertilization

Once the grass is established, aerate and fertilize your lawn to promote overall health and recovery from the armadillo damage. Healthy, dense turf is more resistant to pest infestations and less prone to digging.

Armadillo Exclusion: A Closer Look

Armadillo exclusion is about actively preventing them from entering specific areas. This goes beyond general repellents and involves physical barriers designed to block their access.

Key Principles of Armadillo Exclusion

Obstruction: Armadillos are not great jumpers or climbers. A solid barrier they cannot dig under or through is the most effective.
Durability: The barrier material needs to be strong enough to withstand their digging attempts.
Complete Coverage: Ensure there are no gaps or weak points that an armadillo can exploit.

Methods for Armadillo Exclusion

Buried Fencing: As detailed earlier, a fence buried at least 6 inches deep with an outward-facing L-bend at the bottom is a robust exclusion method. Hardware cloth with a mesh of 1/2 inch or smaller is ideal.
Solid Barriers: For areas like under decks or porches, solid skirting made of concrete, stone, or heavy-duty mesh can prevent entry. Ensure the base is also secured below ground level.
Gravel Borders: A border of coarse gravel (about 6 inches wide and 3-4 inches deep) around garden beds can be an effective deterrent. Armadillos dislike digging through gravel, and it makes foraging difficult.

Stopping Armadillos from Digging: A Recap

To effectively stop armadillos from digging, employ a multi-pronged approach:

Reduce Food Sources: Target grub populations with nematodes or appropriate lawn treatments.
Apply Repellents: Use natural armadillo solutions like castor oil sprays or commercial repellents. Reapply consistently.
Install Barriers: Use fencing or other physical barriers to exclude them from critical areas.
Seal Burrows: Once empty, fill and seal existing armadillo burrows to prevent reoccupation.
Maintain Lawn Health: A healthy, dense lawn is less attractive to digging pests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Armadillos

Q1: Are armadillos dangerous?
Armadillos are generally not aggressive towards humans or pets. They are timid creatures and will usually try to escape rather than confront. However, they can carry diseases like leprosy, so it’s best to avoid handling them directly.

Q2: Can armadillos damage my house foundation?
While their primary digging is for food, extensive burrowing, especially near a foundation, can weaken soil stability. It’s important to address their burrows promptly if they are close to structures.

Q3: How do I know if an armadillo is in my yard?
Signs include shallow, conical holes in the lawn, overturned sod, and the presence of burrows, typically 7-8 inches in diameter. You might also see them foraging at dusk or dawn.

Q4: Are there any armadillo deterrents that work quickly?
Some commercial repellents and strong natural scents like ammonia can have a relatively quick effect. However, for lasting results, it’s best to combine deterrents with habitat modification and exclusion methods.

Q5: What is the best time to try and get rid of armadillos?
The best time is generally spring and fall when they are most active and looking for food. However, you can implement deterrents and exclusion methods year-round.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can effectively manage armadillo populations, prevent further armadillo lawn damage, and enjoy a pristine yard once again. Remember that patience and persistence are key when dealing with these determined diggers.