How to Humanely Trap an Armadillo: A Step-by-Step Guide

Armadillos, those fascinating armored creatures, can sometimes become unwelcome guests in our yards and gardens. While they may seem harmless, their digging habits can wreak havoc on lawns, flowerbeds, and even underground utilities. If you’re facing an armadillo invasion, trapping might be the most effective solution for relocating them humanely. This comprehensive guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to trap an armadillo, ensuring both your safety and the animal’s well-being.

**Important Considerations Before You Begin:**

Before you even think about setting a trap, it’s crucial to consider a few important factors:

* **Legality:** Always check your local and state regulations regarding trapping and relocating wildlife. Some areas may require permits or have specific rules about where you can release the animal. Ignoring these regulations can lead to fines or other legal consequences.
* **Humane Treatment:** The primary goal should be to trap and relocate the armadillo humanely. This means using a trap that is appropriately sized, checking the trap regularly, and releasing the animal in a suitable environment. Avoid using poisons or other inhumane methods that can cause unnecessary suffering.
* **Alternative Solutions:** Consider whether trapping is truly necessary. In some cases, you might be able to deter armadillos through other methods, such as removing food sources, modifying your landscaping, or using repellents. Trapping should be a last resort, used only when other methods have failed.
* **Personal Safety:** Armadillos can carry diseases and parasites, so it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself. Wear gloves when handling traps or dealing with armadillos, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. If you’re bitten or scratched by an armadillo, seek medical attention immediately.

**What You’ll Need:**

* **Live Trap:** A sturdy, humane live trap is essential. Choose a trap that is specifically designed for armadillos or similar-sized animals. A good size is typically around 10x12x30 inches. Wire mesh traps are common and effective. Avoid traps with sharp edges or exposed springs that could injure the animal.
* **Bait (Optional):** While armadillos primarily feed on insects, bait can sometimes help to lure them into the trap. Common bait options include earthworms, mealworms, grubs, or even overripe fruit. However, success with bait varies, as armadillos often stumble upon traps while foraging for their natural food sources.
* **Gloves:** Heavy-duty gloves are a must for handling the trap and the armadillo. They will protect you from scratches and potential diseases.
* **Shovel:** A shovel will be helpful for digging and preparing the trap site.
* **Boards or Rocks:** These can be used to funnel the armadillo towards the trap entrance.
* **Burlap Sack or Blanket:** This can be used to cover the trap, making it more appealing to the armadillo and reducing its stress once trapped.
* **Transportation Cage or Container:** A sturdy container is needed for transporting the trapped armadillo to its new location. Make sure the container is well-ventilated and secure.

**Step-by-Step Instructions for Trapping an Armadillo:**

**Step 1: Identify Armadillo Activity**

Before setting a trap, it’s important to identify areas where armadillos are active. Look for the following signs:

* **Digging:** Armadillos are notorious diggers, leaving behind shallow holes in lawns, gardens, and flowerbeds. These holes are typically cone-shaped and a few inches deep.
* **Burrows:** Armadillos often create burrows for shelter and nesting. These burrows are usually located near fences, buildings, or dense vegetation. They may be difficult to spot, but look for mounds of dirt near potential entrances.
* **Uprooted Plants:** Armadillos sometimes uproot plants while searching for insects and grubs in the soil.
* **Tracks:** Armadillo tracks are distinctive, with three or four toes visible on each foot. They are typically found in soft soil or mud.

Concentrate your trapping efforts in areas where you see the most evidence of armadillo activity. This will increase your chances of success.

**Step 2: Choose the Right Trap Location**

The location of your trap is crucial for success. Consider the following factors when choosing a trap site:

* **Proximity to Activity:** Place the trap in an area where you’ve observed recent armadillo activity, such as near digging sites, burrows, or travel paths.
* **Natural Pathways:** Armadillos often follow established pathways along fences, walls, or natural barriers. Position the trap along these pathways to intercept the animal’s movements.
* **Level Ground:** Choose a level, stable surface for the trap. This will prevent the trap from rocking or tipping over, which could scare the armadillo away.
* **Shady Area:** If possible, place the trap in a shady area to protect the armadillo from direct sunlight and heat.
* **Concealment (Optional):** While not always necessary, you can partially conceal the trap with natural materials like leaves or branches. This may make the trap less conspicuous and more appealing to the armadillo. However, avoid completely covering the trap, as this could interfere with its mechanism.

**Step 3: Prepare the Trap Site**

Once you’ve chosen a suitable location, prepare the trap site as follows:

* **Level the Ground:** Use a shovel to level the ground beneath the trap. This will ensure that the trap sits securely and doesn’t wobble.
* **Clear Obstacles:** Remove any rocks, branches, or other debris that could interfere with the trap’s operation or prevent the armadillo from entering.
* **Dig a Shallow Trench (Optional):** If you’re placing the trap near a burrow or travel path, you can dig a shallow trench leading to the trap entrance. This will help to guide the armadillo towards the trap.
* **Funnel with Boards or Rocks:** Use boards or rocks to create a funnel leading to the trap entrance. This will narrow the armadillo’s path and increase the likelihood that it will enter the trap. Place the boards or rocks at an angle, guiding the animal towards the opening. Leave a small gap between the boards and the trap entrance to allow the armadillo to enter easily.

**Step 4: Set the Trap**

Now it’s time to set the trap. Follow these steps carefully:

* **Read the Instructions:** Before setting the trap, read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly. Different traps have different mechanisms, and it’s important to understand how yours works.
* **Set the Trigger Mechanism:** Most live traps have a trigger mechanism that is activated when the animal steps on a plate inside the trap. Set the trigger according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the trigger is sensitive enough to be activated by a small animal like an armadillo, but not so sensitive that it will be triggered by wind or other disturbances.
* **Test the Trap:** Before leaving the trap unattended, test the trigger mechanism to make sure it’s working properly. Gently press on the trigger plate to ensure that the door closes smoothly and securely.
* **Camouflage the Trap (Optional):** You can lightly camouflage the trap with leaves, grass, or other natural materials. This may make the trap less intimidating to the armadillo. However, be careful not to obstruct the trap entrance or interfere with the trigger mechanism.

**Step 5: Bait the Trap (Optional)**

While baiting isn’t always necessary, it can sometimes help to lure armadillos into the trap. If you choose to use bait, consider the following options:

* **Earthworms:** Earthworms are a natural food source for armadillos and can be very effective bait. Place a handful of earthworms inside the trap, near the trigger plate.
* **Mealworms:** Mealworms are another good option, especially if earthworms are not readily available. Place a small dish of mealworms inside the trap.
* **Grubs:** Grubs are the larvae of beetles and are a favorite food of armadillos. If you can find grubs in your garden, place a few inside the trap.
* **Overripe Fruit:** Some armadillos are attracted to the smell of overripe fruit, such as bananas or melons. Place a piece of overripe fruit inside the trap.

Experiment with different types of bait to see what works best in your area. Remember that bait is not always necessary, and armadillos may enter the trap even without it.

**Step 6: Check the Trap Regularly**

It’s crucial to check the trap at least once a day, preferably in the morning and evening. This will minimize the amount of time the armadillo spends in the trap and reduce its stress.

* **Early Morning Checks:** Check the trap early in the morning, as armadillos are most active at night.
* **Evening Checks:** Check the trap again in the evening, before nightfall.
* **Hot Weather:** In hot weather, check the trap more frequently to prevent the armadillo from overheating.

If you find an armadillo in the trap, approach it calmly and quietly. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises, as this could scare the animal. Cover the trap with a burlap sack or blanket to reduce the armadillo’s stress.

**Step 7: Relocate the Armadillo**

Once you’ve trapped an armadillo, it’s time to relocate it to a suitable environment. Follow these guidelines:

* **Choose a Suitable Location:** Select a release site that is at least 5-10 miles away from your property. This will prevent the armadillo from returning. The release site should be a natural area with plenty of food and shelter, such as a wooded area or a park.
* **Check Local Regulations:** Before releasing the armadillo, check with your local wildlife authorities to ensure that you’re not violating any regulations. Some areas may have specific rules about where you can release wildlife.
* **Minimize Stress:** When transporting the armadillo, handle the trap gently and avoid making sudden movements. Cover the trap with a burlap sack or blanket to reduce the animal’s stress.
* **Release the Armadillo:** Once you’ve reached the release site, open the trap door and allow the armadillo to exit on its own. Stand back and observe the animal as it leaves the trap. Avoid trying to force the armadillo out, as this could injure it.
* **Release in Favorable Weather:** Avoid releasing the armadillo during extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or extreme heat. Choose a day with mild temperatures and clear skies.

**Step 8: Clean and Store the Trap**

After releasing the armadillo, clean the trap thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or scent that could deter other animals from entering. Use soap and water to wash the trap, and then rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Allow the trap to air dry completely before storing it.

Store the trap in a dry, secure location where it will be protected from the elements. This will prevent the trap from rusting or deteriorating.

**Tips for Success:**

* **Patience is Key:** Trapping armadillos can take time, so be patient and persistent. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch one right away. Keep trying different locations and bait options until you find what works best.
* **Monitor the Trap Regularly:** Check the trap at least once a day to ensure that the armadillo is not suffering unnecessarily.
* **Handle with Care:** Handle the trap and the armadillo with care to avoid injuring yourself or the animal.
* **Consider Professional Help:** If you’re having trouble trapping armadillos on your own, consider contacting a professional wildlife removal service. They have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively remove armadillos from your property.
* **Prevention is Better Than Cure:** Once you’ve removed the armadillo, take steps to prevent them from returning. This may include repairing fences, removing food sources, and modifying your landscaping.

**Preventing Future Armadillo Problems:**

Once you’ve successfully trapped and relocated the armadillo, it’s important to take steps to prevent future problems. Here are some preventative measures you can take:

* **Eliminate Food Sources:** Armadillos are attracted to yards with abundant food sources, such as insects, grubs, and earthworms. Reduce these food sources by using insecticides or by improving your soil’s drainage. Consider professional lawn care to manage grub populations effectively.
* **Repair Fences:** Armadillos are skilled diggers and can easily burrow under fences. Repair any gaps or holes in your fences to prevent them from entering your yard. Bury the bottom of the fence at least 12 inches deep to prevent armadillos from digging underneath.
* **Clear Brush and Debris:** Armadillos often seek shelter in dense brush and debris. Remove any piles of brush, leaves, or logs from your yard to make it less attractive to armadillos.
* **Use Repellents:** There are several commercially available armadillo repellents that can help to deter them from your property. These repellents typically contain ingredients like castor oil or capsaicin (the active ingredient in chili peppers). Apply the repellent according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
* **Motion-Activated Sprinklers:** Motion-activated sprinklers can startle armadillos and discourage them from entering your yard. Place the sprinklers in areas where you’ve observed armadillo activity.
* **Consider Professional Landscaping:** A professional landscaper can help you design your yard in a way that is less attractive to armadillos. This may include using plants that armadillos don’t like, improving drainage, and creating barriers.

By following these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of future armadillo problems.

**Conclusion:**

Trapping armadillos can be an effective way to control their populations and protect your property. By following these step-by-step instructions and taking the necessary precautions, you can trap and relocate armadillos humanely and safely. Remember to check your local regulations, prioritize the animal’s well-being, and take steps to prevent future problems. With patience and persistence, you can successfully manage armadillo infestations and keep your yard and garden safe from their digging habits. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, contact a local wildlife professional. Good luck!