How To Get Rid Of An Armadillo | Reclaiming Your Yard

Armadillos can be humanely and effectively deterred from your property with a combination of habitat modification and exclusion techniques.

Discovering your meticulously maintained lawn torn up by a nocturnal visitor is frustrating, especially when that visitor is an armadillo. These armored diggers are surprisingly common, and while they mean no harm, their relentless search for food can leave your yard looking like a construction zone. Understanding their habits and applying targeted strategies helps restore peace to your outdoor space.

Understanding the Armadillo Presence

Armadillos are insectivores, primarily seeking grubs, worms, and other invertebrates buried in the soil. Their keen sense of smell guides them to these food sources, prompting them to dig numerous shallow holes, typically 2-5 inches deep, to unearth their meals. These animals are largely nocturnal, meaning they do most of their foraging and burrowing under the cover of darkness, making them elusive.

They prefer areas with loose soil, ample ground cover, and a reliable food supply. Your well-irrigated lawn, rich with insect life, becomes an inviting buffet. Armadillos also dig larger burrows for shelter, often near foundations, dense shrubbery, or woodpiles, which can compromise structures or landscaping.

Identifying Armadillo Damage

The tell-tale signs of an armadillo are distinct and usually appear overnight. Small, conical holes scattered across the lawn or garden are the most common indicator. These holes often look like someone poked a stick into the ground or dug shallow divots with their snout.

Beyond the characteristic holes, you might notice lifted sod, disturbed mulch beds, or uprooted shallow-rooted plants. Larger burrows, about 7-8 inches in diameter, can be found under porches, sheds, dense bushes, or alongside foundations. These burrows serve as their homes and can extend several feet deep and long, posing a structural concern.

Common Armadillo Damage Signs

Sign	Description
Shallow, Conical Holes	Typically 2-5 inches deep and wide, appearing across lawns and garden beds.
Uprooted Plants & Sod	Areas where turf or small plants have been dislodged as they dig for insects.
Disturbed Mulch Beds	Mulch scattered or overturned from their foraging activities.
Larger Burrows	Entry holes (7-8 inches wide) found under structures, dense foliage, or woodpiles.

How To Get Rid Of An Armadillo Safely and Effectively

Addressing an armadillo problem requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on reducing attractants and implementing physical barriers. Direct confrontation is not advisable, as these are wild animals. The goal is to make your property less appealing to them and prevent their entry.

Exclusion Methods: Building Barriers

Fencing provides the most reliable long-term solution to keep armadillos out. A sturdy fence, properly installed, creates a physical barrier they cannot easily bypass. Armadillos are not adept climbers, but they are persistent diggers.

• Fence Material: Use heavy-gauge wire mesh or hardware cloth. Chain-link fences with small openings also work.
• Height: A fence at least 24 inches high is generally sufficient above ground.
• Depth: Bury the fence at least 12-18 inches deep to prevent burrowing underneath. Bending the bottom 6 inches of the mesh outward in an “L” shape before burying adds an extra deterrent, making it harder for them to dig directly down at the fence line.
• Angle: Consider angling the top of the fence outward at a 40-degree angle to deter any attempts at climbing.
• Securing Structures: Block off access under porches, decks, and sheds with buried wire mesh. Ensure no gaps remain where an armadillo could squeeze through.

Habitat Modification: Making Your Yard Less Appealing

Removing their food source and shelter options significantly reduces your yard’s attractiveness to armadillos. This strategy requires consistency and patience.

1. Reduce Insect Populations: Treat your lawn for grubs and other soil-dwelling insects. This removes their primary food source, compelling them to seek sustenance elsewhere. Consult a local agricultural extension office for advice on appropriate, environmentally friendly pest control methods for your region. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides extensive resources on integrated pest management practices for various pests, including those that attract armadillos, promoting sustainable solutions.
2. Remove Shelter: Clear away dense brush piles, low-hanging shrubs, and debris that armadillos might use for cover or to establish burrows. Keep woodpiles stacked neatly and off the ground.
3. Secure Composting Areas: If you compost, ensure bins are fully enclosed and secured to prevent armadillos from digging for insects or food scraps.
4. Fix Leaky Irrigation: Overly moist soil attracts earthworms and grubs, which in turn attract armadillos. Repair any leaky sprinklers or pipes to maintain appropriate soil moisture levels.

Armadillo Exclusion Fence Specifications

Component	Recommended Specification	Purpose
Material	Heavy-gauge wire mesh or hardware cloth	Provides a sturdy, chew-resistant barrier.
Above-Ground Height	24-30 inches	Deters climbing attempts.
Below-Ground Depth	12-18 inches, with 6-inch outward “L” bend	Prevents burrowing underneath the fence line.

Trapping Armadillos: A Targeted Approach

Live trapping can be an effective method for removing a persistent armadillo, especially when other methods have not succeeded. This requires careful consideration and adherence to local regulations regarding wildlife trapping and relocation.

Choosing and Setting a Trap

A large, sturdy live trap (often called a Havahart trap) designed for raccoons or opossums works well for armadillos. Place the trap along known travel paths, near burrows, or where you observe fresh digging activity. Armadillos typically travel along fences, foundations, or dense vegetation.

Baiting traps can be challenging as armadillos primarily eat live insects. Some success has been reported with overripe fruit, mealworms, or a nylon stocking filled with rotten fruit or earthworms to attract them with scent. A shallow dish of water might also draw them in warmer climates. The University of Georgia Extension provides resources on humane trapping and relocation practices for nuisance wildlife, emphasizing species-specific considerations and legal obligations. “extension.uga.edu” outlines guidelines for managing various wildlife pests, including methods for safe trapping.

Trap Placement and Monitoring

Position the trap on a level surface and camouflage it with leaves or branches. Check the trap frequently, at least every few hours, as trapped animals can experience stress, dehydration, or heatstroke. Never leave a trapped armadillo exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

Relocation and Regulations

Before trapping, verify your local and state regulations regarding the capture and relocation of armadillos. Some areas prohibit relocation, requiring trapped animals to be humanely euthanized or handled by licensed professionals. If relocation is permitted, transport the armadillo several miles away to a suitable, unpopulated habitat with ample food and water, away from other residential areas.

Repellents and Deterrents: Limited Success

Many commercial armadillo repellents claim to deter these animals, but their effectiveness is often inconsistent and short-lived. Products containing castor oil are frequently marketed for armadillo control. The theory behind castor oil is that it makes the soil taste unpleasant to the grubs, or it irritates the armadillo’s nose and skin.

Sonic repellents, motion-activated sprinklers, and bright lights are also suggested deterrents. While a sudden spray of water or light might startle an armadillo initially, they quickly habituate to these disturbances, rendering them ineffective over time. Relying solely on repellents rarely resolves a persistent armadillo problem.

Professional Assistance: When to Call for Help

If armadillo activity persists despite your best efforts, or if you are dealing with a significant infestation, contacting a professional wildlife control service is advisable. These experts possess the knowledge, equipment, and licenses required to handle nuisance wildlife effectively and legally.

Professionals can accurately assess the situation, identify entry points, and implement comprehensive removal and exclusion plans. They are also knowledgeable about local regulations, ensuring all actions comply with wildlife protection laws. This can save you time, effort, and potential frustration in the long run.

How To Get Rid Of An Armadillo — FAQs

What attracts armadillos to a yard?

Armadillos are primarily attracted to yards by the abundance of their favorite food sources, such as grubs, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling insects. Soft, moist soil makes digging easy, and dense vegetation or structures provide shelter for their burrows. Yards with these features become ideal foraging and living spaces for them.

Are armadillos dangerous to humans or pets?

Armadillos are generally not aggressive and prefer to flee when startled. They can carry diseases, including leprosy, which is a concern for humans, though transmission is rare. Their sharp claws can inflict scratches if they feel threatened, so direct handling should always be avoided for safety.

Do armadillo repellents truly work?

The effectiveness of armadillo repellents, including those with castor oil, is often limited and inconsistent. While they might offer temporary deterrence, armadillos typically habituate to them or find alternative food sources nearby. Physical barriers and habitat modification offer more reliable, long-term solutions for control.

Is it legal to trap and relocate armadillos?

The legality of trapping and relocating armadillos varies significantly by state and local jurisdiction. Some areas permit humane trapping and release, while others have strict regulations or prohibit it entirely. Always check with your local wildlife agency or animal control before attempting to trap any wild animal.

How deep do armadillo burrows typically go?

Armadillo burrows can extend surprisingly deep and long, typically ranging from 2 to 6 feet deep and up to 25 feet in length. They often create multiple entrances and tunnels, using these burrows for shelter, nesting, and escaping predators. These extensive tunnels can cause damage to foundations and underground utilities.