Can you get armadillos out of your yard? Yes, you can get armadillos out of your yard using a combination of deterrents, habitat modification, and, if necessary, humane removal methods. This guide will walk you through effective strategies to achieve this.
Armadillos, with their unique armor and nocturnal habits, can turn a well-kept yard into a frustrating landscape of dug-up lawns and damaged gardens. Their primary goal is to find food, which usually means insects like grubs, ants, and earthworms. Unfortunately, their digging to find these snacks can wreak havoc on your prized petunias or the very foundation of your flowerbeds. So, how do you reclaim your outdoor space from these determined diggers? This comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools to effectively manage armadillo activity on your property. We’ll explore various methods, from simple repellents to more involved exclusion techniques, ensuring you can tackle the problem with confidence.
Why Armadillos Visit Your Yard
Armadillos are not malicious creatures; they are simply looking for food and a safe place to live. Your yard likely provides both.
Food Sources Armadillos Seek
- Insects: Grubs, beetles, ants, termites, and earthworms are the mainstays of an armadillo’s diet. If your lawn has a healthy population of these, it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet for an armadillo.
- Small Vertebrates: Occasionally, they might snack on small frogs, snakes, or even carrion, but insects are their preferred meal.
Shelter Needs
- Burrows: Armadillos dig burrows for shelter, to escape predators, and to raise their young. They prefer loose soil, often found in garden beds, under sheds, or near dense vegetation.
Early Signs of Armadillo Infestation
Catching the problem early makes armadillo control much easier. Look for these tell-tale signs:
Visual Clues
- Shallow Holes: These look like small, conical divots in your lawn, typically only a few inches deep. This is from the armadillo probing for insects with its snout.
- Deeper Burrows: These are more significant excavations, often a few inches wide and extending several feet into the ground. They are usually found near foundations, under bushes, or in compost piles.
- Damaged Plants: Uprooted flowers, disturbed mulch, and damaged root systems can indicate an armadillo has been foraging in your garden beds.
- Tracks: Armadillo tracks are usually distinct, with three claw marks on each toe, similar to a bird’s track but larger.
Effective Strategies for Deterring Armadillos
The goal is to make your yard an unappealing place for armadillos, encouraging them to seek food and shelter elsewhere.
Habitat Modification to Discourage Armadillos
Making your yard less attractive is a key component of deterring armadillos.
Reducing Food Availability
- Manage Insect Populations: If your lawn is overrun with grubs or other insects, consider targeted insect control. However, be mindful of using broad-spectrum pesticides, as they can harm beneficial insects and the wider ecosystem.
- Grub Control: Apply nematodes or beneficial fungi that specifically target grubs.
- Ant Control: Address ant colonies promptly, as they are a primary food source.
- Remove Compost and Debris: Piles of leaves, grass clippings, or wood are prime hiding and feeding spots for insects, which in turn attract armadillos. Regularly clear these areas.
- Limit Watering: While your lawn needs water, overwatering can create damp soil that harbors more earthworms and insects, making it more appealing.
Eliminating Shelter
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home’s foundation, sheds, and decks for any openings that armadillos could use to burrow underneath. Seal these with sturdy materials like hardware cloth or concrete.
- Clear Dense Vegetation: Armadillos like cover. Trim back overgrown bushes and remove dense ground cover, especially near the foundations of your home.
- Fill Existing Burrows: Once an armadillo has moved out, fill any abandoned burrows with soil and tamp it down firmly. This discourages them from returning and prevents future burrowing in the same spot.
Natural Deterrents and Repellents
Many homeowners prefer get rid of armadillos naturally using non-toxic methods.
Scent and Taste Deterrents
- Castor Oil: This is a popular ingredient in many commercially available armadillo repellent products. The strong smell and taste are unpleasant for them. You can create a DIY spray by mixing one tablespoon of castor oil with one tablespoon of liquid dish soap in a gallon of water. Spray this generously around your lawn and garden beds.
- Cayenne Pepper/Chili Powder: The heat from these spices can irritate an armadillo’s sensitive snout and feet. Sprinkle liberally around affected areas. Reapply after rain.
- Garlic and Onion: Strong odors can be a deterrent. Mince garlic and onions and scatter them in problem areas, or create a spray by blending them with water and straining.
- Ammonia: The strong smell of ammonia is often disliked by armadillos. Soak rags in ammonia and place them in shallow containers around your yard. Be cautious with ammonia, as it can be harmful if ingested by pets or children.
Sound and Vibration Deterrents
- Ultrasonic Repellers: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but are meant to annoy and drive away burrowing animals. Their effectiveness can vary, and armadillos may become accustomed to them over time.
- Wind Chimes and Radios: Unexpected noises can startle armadillos. Placing wind chimes or a radio set to a talk station in your yard can sometimes disrupt their activities, especially at night.
Physical Barriers for Armadillo Proofing Your Yard
Creating physical barriers is one of the most effective ways to prevent armadillos from accessing specific areas.
Fencing
- Type of Fencing: Use a sturdy, woven wire fence, such as hardware cloth or chicken wire. The mesh should be small enough to prevent them from squeezing through.
- Installation: For maximum effectiveness, bury the bottom of the fence at least 6-12 inches into the ground. This prevents armadillos from digging under it. You can also bend the bottom 6 inches outwards at a 90-degree angle and bury it to create an “L” shape, which makes it harder for them to undermine.
- Height: The fence should be at least 2-3 feet tall.
Ground Covers and Mulches
- Coarse Gravel: Armadillos prefer digging in soft soil. A thick layer of coarse gravel around garden beds can make digging more difficult and less appealing.
- Prickly Mulch: Materials like rose bush trimmings or pinecones can create an uncomfortable surface for armadillos to dig through.
Humane Armadillo Removal Methods
If deterrents aren’t enough, you might need to consider humane armadillo removal. This typically involves trapping.
Live Trapping Armadillos
Live traps are the most humane way to capture an armadillo that is causing significant damage.
Choosing the Right Trap
- Size: Select a trap that is large enough for an armadillo, typically around 10 inches wide, 12 inches tall, and 30-36 inches long. A cage trap with a single-door or double-door design works well.
- Bait: What bait works best for armadillos?
- Worms and Grubs: Live earthworms or grubs are highly attractive.
- Canned Sardines or Tuna: The strong smell is a good attractant.
- Mealworms: These are readily available at pet stores.
- Melon: Pieces of ripe cantaloupe or watermelon can also be effective.
Trap Placement
- Near Burrows or Trails: Place traps along known armadillo trails or near active burrows.
- Along Fences: If you have a fence, place traps along its base where they might try to dig under.
- Camouflage: Cover the trap with leaves or branches to make it appear natural and less threatening.
Checking and Relocating Traps
- Frequent Checks: It is crucial to check traps at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening. An animal left in a trap for too long can become stressed, dehydrated, or injured.
- Relocation: If you capture an armadillo, transport it to a suitable habitat far from your home, at least 10-15 miles away. Ensure the relocation site has food, water, and appropriate shelter. Always check local regulations regarding wildlife relocation, as it may be illegal or require permits.
Addressing Armadillo Burrows
Armadillo burrow removal is an important part of the process.
Why Remove Burrows?
- Structural Damage: Burrows can undermine foundations, patios, and walkways.
- Trip Hazards: Open burrows pose a significant risk of injury.
- Habitat for Other Pests: Abandoned burrows can become homes for snakes, rats, and other undesirable creatures.
How to Safely Remove Armadillo Burrows
- Confirm Absence: Before filling a burrow, be absolutely sure no armadillos are inside. You can block the entrance with a board or dirt and check the next day to see if it’s been disturbed. If it has, the armadillo is still using it.
- Fill the Burrow: Once you’re certain the burrow is empty, fill it completely with soil, gravel, or concrete. Tamp the material down firmly to prevent further digging in that spot.
- Install Barriers: Reinforce the area with fencing or other barriers to prevent armadillos from creating new burrows nearby.
Armadillo Exclusion Techniques
Armadillo exclusion is about preventing them from entering or re-entering specific areas.
Sealing Entry Points
- Foundations: Use sturdy materials like 1/4-inch hardware cloth, concrete, or sheet metal to seal any gaps or holes around your home’s foundation.
- Decks and Patios: Extend barriers beneath decks and patios, burying them at least 6-12 inches deep.
Temporary Exclusion Barriers
- Around Gardens: You can temporarily fence off sensitive garden areas with chicken wire or hardware cloth, ensuring the barrier is buried to prevent digging underneath.
- Around Trees: To protect young trees, place wire mesh around their bases, burying it slightly.
When to Call Professionals for Armadillo Control
While many of these methods can be done yourself, there are times when professional help is warranted.
Signs You Need Professional Assistance
- Persistent Infestation: If you’ve tried multiple methods without success, a professional pest control service specializing in wildlife removal may have more effective tools and strategies.
- Difficult-to-Access Burrows: Burrows under foundations or in inaccessible areas may require professional expertise to address safely.
- Concerns about Wildlife: If you’re uncomfortable handling trapped animals or are unsure about local regulations, professionals can ensure safe and legal humane armadillo removal.
Prevent Armadillos from Returning
The key to long-term success is making your yard consistently less appealing.
Ongoing Maintenance
- Regular Inspections: Continue to inspect your property for new burrows or signs of digging.
- Maintain Barriers: Ensure any fencing or seals are in good repair.
- Yard Hygiene: Keep your lawn and garden beds tidy, removing debris and overgrowth.
- Water Management: Avoid overwatering your lawn, especially in areas where you’ve had problems.
Combining Strategies for Best Results
No single method is foolproof. The most effective approach to armadillo control is often a combination of:
- Deterrents: Making your yard smell and feel unpleasant.
- Habitat Modification: Removing food and shelter sources.
- Exclusion: Physically blocking access to vulnerable areas.
- Removal (if necessary): Humanely relocating persistent individuals.
By implementing these strategies consistently, you can significantly reduce or eliminate armadillo activity in your yard, protecting your landscape and enjoying your outdoor space once again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What do armadillos eat?
Armadillos primarily eat insects, such as grubs, ants, termites, and earthworms. They will also eat small invertebrates and occasionally small vertebrates like frogs or snakes.
Are armadillos dangerous to humans?
Armadillos are generally not dangerous to humans. They are shy and will usually try to escape if approached. They do not attack, but they can bite if cornered or handled. They are also known to carry and transmit leprosy to humans, so direct contact should be avoided.
Can armadillos damage my house foundation?
Yes, armadillos can damage house foundations by digging burrows near them. These burrows can weaken the soil structure supporting the foundation, and in severe cases, could lead to settling or cracks.
How can I make my yard less attractive to armadillos?
You can make your yard less attractive by reducing their food sources (controlling insects), eliminating shelter (clearing debris, filling burrows), and installing barriers like fences. Using natural armadillo repellent scents like castor oil or cayenne pepper can also help.
Is it legal to trap and relocate armadillos?
Legality varies by state and local jurisdiction. It’s essential to check with your local wildlife or animal control agency before trapping and relocating any wildlife. In some areas, it may be illegal, or specific permits might be required.
How deep do armadillo burrows go?
Armadillo burrows can vary in depth, but they typically extend 5-7 feet into the ground and can be up to 15 feet long. Some may even have multiple entrances and chambers.
What is the best time to set armadillo traps?
The best time to set armadillo traps is in the late afternoon or early evening, as armadillos are primarily nocturnal and most active during these hours and throughout the night.
Can I use mothballs to repel armadillos?
While mothballs (naphthalene) are sometimes suggested as a repellent, they are generally not recommended. Mothballs can be toxic to pets and children, and their effectiveness against armadillos is often limited and temporary. Natural repellents are a safer and often more effective alternative for deterring armadillos.
How can I prevent armadillos from digging in my flowerbeds?
To prevent armadillos from digging in flowerbeds, you can use physical barriers like hardware cloth buried around the perimeter of the beds. Applying a thick layer of coarse gravel or prickly mulch can also make digging difficult and uncomfortable for them. Consistent use of a natural armadillo repellent is also beneficial.
What’s the most effective way to get rid of armadillos permanently?
Achieving permanent removal often requires a sustained effort combining multiple strategies. This includes consistently modifying your habitat to remove food and shelter, employing effective armadillo proofing yard techniques with barriers, and using armadillo repellent regularly. If a particular animal is causing ongoing issues, humane trapping and relocation might be necessary, followed by reinforcing the area to prevent armadillos from returning. Consistent maintenance and vigilance are key.