Humane Armadillo Trapping: A Step-by-Step Guide to Removal and Prevention

Armadillos, those peculiar armored mammals, can be fascinating to observe from a distance. However, when they start digging up your lawn, garden, or even burrowing under your house, their presence becomes less charming. While lethal control options exist, humane trapping offers a more ethical and often more effective solution for managing armadillo populations around your property. This comprehensive guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to trap an armadillo safely and humanely, along with tips for preventing future intrusions.

Understanding Armadillo Behavior: Key to Successful Trapping

Before you set out to trap an armadillo, understanding their behavior is crucial for maximizing your chances of success. Armadillos are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. They primarily feed on insects, grubs, worms, and other invertebrates found in the soil. Their powerful claws are perfectly adapted for digging, which explains their tendency to create burrows and disrupt lawns and gardens.

Here are some key behavioral traits to keep in mind:

* **Nocturnal Activity:** Armadillos are most active from dusk to dawn.
* **Digging Habits:** They create burrows for shelter and forage for food by digging in the soil.
* **Poor Eyesight:** Armadillos have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell and hearing.
* **Following Paths:** They tend to follow established pathways and routes.
* **Limited Climbing Ability:** While they can climb short distances, they generally prefer to stay on the ground.

Knowing these behaviors will help you choose the right trap location, bait (if any), and trapping strategy.

Materials You’ll Need

* **Live Animal Trap:** A sturdy, humane live animal trap is essential. The ideal size is approximately 30-40 inches long, 10-12 inches wide, and 12-14 inches high. Choose a trap made of durable wire mesh with a solid floor and a reliable door-closing mechanism. Look for traps specifically designed for armadillos or similar-sized animals.
* **Gloves:** Wear heavy-duty gloves when handling the trap and any potential bait to avoid transferring your scent.
* **Bait (Optional):** While armadillos are primarily insectivores, they can sometimes be lured with certain baits. Ripe or overripe fruit (such as bananas or apples), mealworms, or even commercially available grub attractants can be used.
* **Boards or Fencing (Optional):** To funnel the armadillo towards the trap, you can use boards or fencing to create a barrier along its established path.
* **Shovel or Trowel:** To prepare the trap site and secure the trap in place.
* **Heavy Object (Optional):** A brick or rock can be placed on top of the trap to prevent it from being tipped over by the armadillo or other animals.
* **Towel or Blanket (Optional):** To cover the trap after the armadillo is caught, reducing its stress.
* **Camera (Optional):** To document the trapping process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Trapping an Armadillo

Now that you understand armadillo behavior and have gathered the necessary materials, let’s move on to the actual trapping process.

**Step 1: Identify Armadillo Activity**

Before setting up your trap, confirm that armadillos are indeed the source of the damage. Look for the following signs:

* **Burrows:** Armadillo burrows are typically 4-6 inches in diameter and can be found near foundations, under decks, or in wooded areas.
* **Shallow Holes:** These are created as the armadillo digs for insects and grubs.
* **Disturbed Soil:** Look for areas where the soil has been turned over or loosened.
* **Uprooted Plants:** Armadillos may uproot plants while searching for food.

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

The location of your trap is critical to its success. Consider the following factors when choosing a spot:

* **Near Burrows:** Place the trap directly in front of or as close as possible to an active armadillo burrow. This is their primary entry and exit point.
* **Along Established Pathways:** Look for well-worn paths that the armadillo frequently uses. These paths are often visible in grassy areas.
* **Near Damage Sites:** If the armadillo is damaging a specific area (e.g., your garden), place the trap near that location.
* **Level Ground:** Ensure the trap is placed on a level surface to prevent it from wobbling or tipping over.
* **Shady Area:** If possible, choose a shady location to protect the armadillo from direct sunlight during the day.

**Step 3: Prepare the Trap Site**

* **Clear Debris:** Remove any rocks, branches, or other debris that might obstruct the trap’s entrance or interfere with the door-closing mechanism.
* **Level the Ground:** Use a shovel or trowel to level the ground beneath the trap, ensuring it sits firmly and evenly.
* **Camouflage (Optional):** You can lightly camouflage the trap by covering it with leaves or grass, but be careful not to obstruct the door or trigger mechanism.

**Step 4: Set the Trap**

* **Read the Instructions:** Familiarize yourself with the specific instructions for your trap model. Different traps may have slightly different setting mechanisms.
* **Set the Trigger:** Carefully set the trigger mechanism according to the instructions. Ensure the door is properly latched and will close securely when triggered.
* **Test the Trigger:** Before leaving the trap, test the trigger by gently pressing on the trigger plate or mechanism to ensure the door closes smoothly and completely.

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

While baiting is optional, it can increase your chances of success, especially if the armadillo is not actively using the area where you placed the trap. Here are some baiting tips:

* **Use Small Amounts:** Avoid using large amounts of bait, as this can attract other animals or allow the armadillo to eat the bait without triggering the trap.
* **Place Bait Strategically:** Place the bait towards the back of the trap, behind the trigger plate, to encourage the armadillo to fully enter the trap.
* **Consider Grub Attractants:** Commercially available grub attractants can be very effective, as they mimic the armadillo’s natural food source.
* **Experiment:** If one type of bait doesn’t work, try another. Armadillos can be picky eaters.

**Step 6: Funnel the Armadillo (Optional)**

To increase the likelihood of the armadillo entering the trap, you can use boards or fencing to create a funnel that leads towards the trap’s entrance. This is particularly helpful if you are placing the trap along an established pathway.

* **Position Boards:** Place boards or fencing on either side of the trap, angling them inwards to create a narrowing path that guides the armadillo towards the entrance.
* **Secure Boards:** Secure the boards in place by staking them into the ground or leaning them against sturdy objects.
* **Leave a Gap:** Leave a small gap between the boards and the trap entrance to allow the armadillo to enter easily.

**Step 7: Check the Trap Regularly**

It is crucial to check the trap at least once a day, preferably in the morning, to avoid causing undue stress or harm to the armadillo. Leaving an animal trapped for an extended period can be inhumane and may even be illegal in some areas.

* **Approach Quietly:** Approach the trap quietly and cautiously to avoid startling the armadillo.
* **Observe from a Distance:** Before approaching the trap, observe it from a distance to see if an armadillo is inside.
* **Cover the Trap (Optional):** If an armadillo is inside the trap, gently cover it with a towel or blanket to reduce its stress. This will help to calm the animal and prevent it from injuring itself.

**Step 8: Handling a Trapped Armadillo**

Once you have trapped an armadillo, it is important to handle it carefully and responsibly.

* **Wear Gloves:** Always wear heavy-duty gloves when handling the trap and the armadillo to protect yourself from bites or scratches.
* **Avoid Direct Contact:** Avoid direct contact with the armadillo as much as possible. Do not attempt to pet or handle the animal directly.
* **Transport Carefully:** When transporting the trap, keep it level and secure to prevent the armadillo from being injured. Avoid sudden movements or jarring motions.

**Step 9: Relocation and Release**

Relocating the armadillo is the final step in the trapping process. Before releasing the animal, consider the following factors:

* **Legality:** Check local laws and regulations regarding the relocation of wildlife. Some areas may have restrictions on where you can release an armadillo.
* **Suitable Habitat:** Choose a release site that provides suitable habitat for the armadillo, such as a wooded area with plenty of ground cover and access to water. Ensure the area is far enough away from your property to prevent the armadillo from returning, typically at least 5-10 miles.
* **Release Time:** Release the armadillo in the late afternoon or early evening to give it time to find shelter before nightfall.
* **Open the Trap:** Carefully open the trap door, ensuring the armadillo has a clear path to escape. Stand back and allow the animal to exit the trap on its own.

**Step 10: Cleaning and Storing the Trap**

After releasing the armadillo, clean and disinfect the trap to remove any odors or diseases that might attract other animals or pose a health risk.

* **Rinse Thoroughly:** Rinse the trap thoroughly with water to remove any dirt, debris, or bait residue.
* **Disinfect:** Disinfect the trap with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to kill any bacteria or viruses.
* **Rinse Again:** Rinse the trap again with water to remove any bleach residue.
* **Dry Completely:** Allow the trap to dry completely in the sun before storing it.
* **Store Properly:** Store the trap in a dry, secure location to prevent rust and damage.

Preventing Future Armadillo Problems

Trapping and relocating an armadillo is only a temporary solution if you don’t address the underlying factors that attract them to your property. Here are some preventative measures you can take to discourage armadillos from returning:

* **Remove Food Sources:** Reduce the number of insects and grubs in your lawn and garden by using organic pest control methods. Avoid overwatering your lawn, as this can attract insects.
* **Eliminate Shelter:** Seal off any potential burrowing sites around your foundation, under decks, or in wooded areas. Use wire mesh or concrete to block access to these areas.
* **Install Fencing:** Install a sturdy fence around your property or garden to prevent armadillos from entering. The fence should be at least 2 feet high and buried several inches into the ground.
* **Motion-Activated Sprinklers:** Motion-activated sprinklers can deter armadillos by startling them with a sudden burst of water.
* **Repellents:** While not always effective, some commercially available armadillo repellents may provide temporary relief. Look for repellents that contain castor oil or other natural ingredients.
* **Maintain Your Lawn:** Keep your lawn well-maintained by mowing regularly and removing fallen leaves and debris. This will reduce the amount of cover available for armadillos.

Important Considerations and Ethical Practices

* **Humane Treatment:** Always prioritize the humane treatment of armadillos. Avoid using traps that can cause injury or suffering.
* **Regular Monitoring:** Check the trap regularly to minimize the amount of time the armadillo spends in captivity.
* **Avoid Extreme Weather:** Do not set traps during extreme weather conditions (e.g., heat waves or cold snaps) to avoid exposing the armadillo to unnecessary stress.
* **Consider Professional Help:** If you are unable to trap the armadillo yourself or if you are concerned about handling it, consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service.
* **Legal Regulations:** Always be aware of and comply with local laws and regulations regarding the trapping and relocation of wildlife.

Conclusion

Trapping an armadillo humanely requires patience, careful planning, and attention to detail. By understanding armadillo behavior, choosing the right trap location, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully remove armadillos from your property and prevent future problems. Remember to always prioritize the humane treatment of these fascinating creatures and to comply with all local laws and regulations. With a little effort, you can coexist peacefully with armadillos while protecting your lawn and garden from their digging habits.