How to Get Rid of Armadillos: A Comprehensive Guide to Humane Removal

Armadillos, with their unique armored shells and nocturnal habits, can be fascinating creatures. However, they can quickly become unwelcome guests when they start digging up your yard, damaging your garden, or burrowing under your structures. If you’re facing an armadillo problem, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with these persistent critters. This comprehensive guide will walk you through proven, humane methods to get rid of armadillos and prevent them from returning.

## Understanding Armadillos: Why They’re in Your Yard

Before diving into removal methods, it’s helpful to understand why armadillos are attracted to your property in the first place. Armadillos are primarily insectivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of insects, grubs, worms, and other invertebrates. They use their powerful claws to dig for food, which unfortunately, can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden.

Here are some key reasons why armadillos might be frequenting your yard:

* **Food Sources:** Lawns rich in grubs and insects are an armadillo’s dream buffet. Compost piles and mulched areas can also be appealing.
* **Shelter:** Armadillos prefer to build their burrows in sheltered areas, such as under decks, sheds, foundations, and dense vegetation.
* **Water:** While they don’t need much surface water, a consistent water source like a leaky faucet or birdbath can be an attraction.
* **Proximity to Natural Habitats:** If your property borders a wooded area, you’re more likely to encounter armadillos.

Understanding these attractants is the first step in effectively managing armadillo issues. By eliminating or mitigating these factors, you can make your property less desirable to them.

## Identifying Armadillo Damage

Knowing the signs of armadillo activity can help you confirm their presence and focus your efforts. Common signs include:

* **Shallow Holes and Digging:** Armadillos dig small, cone-shaped holes, usually 3 to 5 inches in diameter, while foraging for food. You’ll often find these scattered across your lawn or garden.
* **Uprooted Plants:** As they dig for insects, armadillos can disrupt and uproot plants, including vegetables and flowers.
* **Burrows:** Armadillo burrows are usually 4 to 8 inches in diameter and can be found near foundations, under sheds, decks, or in dense vegetation. These burrows may have multiple entrances.
* **Torn-Up Mulch:** Armadillos often rummage through mulched areas in search of food.
* **Scratched Areas:** You might notice shallow scratches in the soil, indicating where they have been digging.
* **Tracks:** Armadillo tracks are small, three-toed prints. Their tail might also leave a drag mark in soft soil.

If you see these signs, it’s likely you have an armadillo problem and need to take action.

## Humane Methods for Getting Rid of Armadillos

When dealing with wildlife, it’s crucial to use humane and ethical methods. Trapping and relocation or exclusion are the most effective approaches for armadillo removal. Here’s a detailed look at each method:

### 1. Live Trapping and Relocation

Live trapping is a humane way to capture and relocate armadillos. Here’s how to do it:

**Step 1: Choose the Right Trap**

* **Size:** Use a large, live animal trap, specifically designed for animals the size of armadillos. A trap measuring at least 10″ x 12″ x 32″ is generally recommended. Choose a sturdy, well-made trap to prevent escapes.
* **Type:** A single-door or double-door trap can work effectively. Double-door traps might be preferable for their ability to allow the armadillo to enter from either direction.
* **Material:** Opt for a trap made of strong, rust-resistant metal. Avoid flimsy or poorly constructed traps that might injure the animal.

**Step 2: Baiting the Trap**

* **Effective Baits:** Armadillos are not typically attracted to traditional baits. However, you can try these:
* **Earthworms:** Scatter a handful of earthworms inside the trap. This is often the most effective bait.
* **Grubs and Insects:** If you’ve collected grubs from your lawn, they can serve as a natural attractant.
* **Spoiled Fruit:** Ripe or overripe fruit, like bananas or melons, might attract an armadillo, especially in the summer.
* **Commercial Lures:** Some commercial armadillo lures are available, though their effectiveness can vary.
* **Placement:** Place the bait at the back of the trap. This ensures that the armadillo must fully enter the trap before triggering the door mechanism.

**Step 3: Setting the Trap**

* **Location:** Place the trap near areas of known armadillo activity. These might include near burrows, along pathways they commonly travel, or near areas they’ve been digging in. The ideal location is near their access points but not directly on their burrow entrances as they usually avoid traps near their homes.
* **Camouflage:** Camouflage the trap with natural materials, such as leaves or branches. Avoid completely covering the trap, as this might hinder its proper operation. This helps the trap blend in with the surroundings making it less intimidating to approach.
* **Placement:** Place the trap firmly on level ground, so it doesn’t rock or tip over when an animal enters. Make sure that the trigger plate is working correctly.
* **Check Trap:** Check your trap regularly, at least twice a day (morning and evening) and more frequently in extreme weather. This will ensure that you remove the trapped animal promptly and reduce its stress.

**Step 4: Relocating the Armadillo**

* **Distance:** Once the armadillo is trapped, relocate it at least 5 miles away from your property to prevent it from returning. Release it in an area with suitable habitat like a wooded area, near a water source and with plenty of cover.
* **Safety:** Wear heavy gloves and long sleeves when handling the trap to avoid bites or scratches. Be calm and approach the trap carefully.
* **Release:** Open the trap door gently and step away to allow the armadillo to exit. Do not force the animal out and never approach from the front of the cage, to avoid any stress or anxiety for the animal.

**Important Note:** Check your local regulations regarding the trapping and relocation of wildlife. Some states or municipalities may have specific rules or restrictions you need to follow.

### 2. Exclusion Methods: Armadillo-Proofing Your Property

Exclusion methods aim to make your property less attractive and accessible to armadillos. This involves implementing barriers that prevent them from entering your yard or specific areas.

**Step 1: Install Fencing**

* **Type of Fence:** Install a sturdy fence around your property, garden, or other vulnerable areas. The fence should be at least 2 feet high. Armadillos are not good climbers, but can climb low fences, so the fence must be sturdy.
* **Burrow-Proofing:** Because armadillos dig, bury the fence at least 12 inches deep with the bottom of the fencing angling outwards at 45 degrees to prevent them from burrowing underneath. This effectively stops them from undermining the fence.
* **Material:** Use materials such as galvanized hardware cloth or sturdy wire mesh with small openings (no more than 3 inches) to keep them from squeezing through. Solid materials like solid sheet metal can also work and prevent them from gaining access.

**Step 2: Block Off Access Points**

* **Under Decks and Sheds:** Armadillos love to burrow under structures. To prevent this, seal off any openings around decks, sheds, and foundations. Use hardware cloth or wire mesh to cover these openings, ensuring there are no gaps.
* **Fill Burrows:** If you find active burrows, fill them with rocks or gravel after you confirm there are no animals inside. This can deter them from returning to these burrows. Do not fill any burrows with any live animal still inside them, this can be dangerous and inhumane to the animals.
* **Use Solid Barriers:** Use solid barriers to block the areas under sheds, decks, and foundations. Create a physical barrier using wooden or solid plastic sheeting, making sure to bury the edges well and prevent animals from accessing the underside of structures.

**Step 3: Modify the Habitat**

* **Remove Food Sources:** Reduce the availability of food by managing grub and insect populations in your lawn. Use natural pest control methods that won’t harm the environment. Avoid overwatering, which can create ideal conditions for these pests. Trim vegetation to reduce hiding places for insects that armadillos might prey upon. Reduce areas of moist soil that are popular for grub infestations.
* **Clean Up Debris:** Remove debris piles, woodpiles, and dense vegetation that can provide shelter for armadillos. Keep your yard clean and well-maintained to reduce suitable hiding areas.
* **Maintain Landscaping:** Trim shrubs and bushes, especially those that touch the ground, to reduce hiding spots and make the area less attractive to armadillos. Ensure that the landscaping around your structures is well maintained and allows sufficient space between them and the structures to reduce the area of access to burrows under the structures.
* **Remove or Cover Mulch:** If armadillos are regularly digging in mulched areas, consider removing mulch entirely and using another type of ground cover or place a wire mesh over the mulch to keep them from accessing the areas. Consider rocks or gravel that is not easily dug into.
* **Citrus Peels:** Consider spreading citrus peels around the area. Many animals will avoid the strong odor of citrus which may include armadillos and can act as a natural repellent to keep them out of specific zones.
* **Motion-Activated Sprinklers:** Motion-activated sprinklers can deter armadillos, as they are generally nocturnal and prefer dry areas. The sudden burst of water may scare them away. Place sprinklers near known areas of activity or high traffic areas.

### 3. Repellents (With Caution)

Commercial repellents can be a temporary solution but may not be as effective as other methods. Their long-term success is very limited. If you choose to use a repellent, here’s what to consider:

* **Types:** Choose a repellent specifically designed for armadillos. Repellents based on castor oil, predator urine, or capsaicin (found in peppers) may have some effect.
* **Application:** Follow the product instructions carefully. Apply repellents regularly, especially after rain, to maintain their effectiveness. The frequent reapplications needed can be quite costly and inconvenient. Repellants are a temporary solution and armadillos may become accustomed to the smell and return to the area. Ensure all other methods are implemented to ensure a permanent solution.
* **Limited Effectiveness:** Repellents are not a foolproof solution. Armadillos can easily adapt to them and become habituated to their scent, and eventually learn to ignore them.

**Important Note:** Avoid using poisons or harmful chemicals to get rid of armadillos. These methods are inhumane and can pose a danger to other animals, pets, and even people. Focus on using humane methods that effectively address the problem without causing harm.

## Prevention: Keeping Armadillos Away Long-Term

Once you’ve removed the armadillos, focus on long-term prevention strategies to prevent them from returning. Here are a few measures you can take:

* **Regular Property Maintenance:** Keep your yard clean and well-maintained. Remove debris piles, fallen fruit, and dense vegetation. This will eliminate places that armadillos are likely to hide or forage.
* **Lawn Care:** Take steps to control grubs and other insects in your lawn. This will reduce their food source and make your property less appealing. Avoid overwatering your lawn to reduce grub populations.
* **Inspect for Burrows:** Regularly inspect your yard and structures for any signs of new burrows or digging. Address these issues promptly to prevent infestations from returning.
* **Maintain Barriers:** Keep fences, wire mesh, and other barriers in good repair. Make sure there are no holes or gaps where armadillos can enter. Continue to inspect your barriers to ensure they are still effective in deterring the armadillos.
* **Professional Help:** If you continue to have problems with armadillos despite your efforts, consider contacting a professional wildlife control service. They have the experience and tools to safely and effectively remove and prevent armadillos from accessing your property.

## Conclusion

Dealing with armadillos can be frustrating, but by following these humane and practical methods, you can effectively remove them from your property and prevent them from returning. Remember to focus on removing attractants, using exclusionary techniques, and always prioritizing humane approaches. With patience and persistence, you can regain control of your yard and enjoy your outdoor space without the unwanted presence of armadillos. Be sure to always check with your local regulations for the removal of wildlife as there may be certain guidelines and laws regarding the trapping and relocation of these animals. By using the right methods, you can ensure the humane and successful removal of the armadillo population from your property.