How To Get Rid of Armadillos Yourself
Armadillos are not indigenous to the United States, but they were transplanted here, and are now common throughout the southern USA. They are excellent diggers, and they will often dig a large burrow next to a house, displacing a lot of dirt. They usually dig several different burrows in a given area. They also dig up a lawn in their nightly search for worms and grubs. Here are five steps for getting rid of armadillos:
- STEP 1: Determine if trapping is necessary, or if there is a preventative alternative.
- STEP 2: Select the right trap for the situation, of at least a dozen types of armadillo traps. You want a large steel cage trap, at least 10x12x32".
- STEP 3: Set the traps in the correct areas, in the shade, camouflaged, on a flat sturdy surface, away from any obstructions or areas that can be damaged, etc.
- STEP 4: No bait is necessary, or even helpful. But placement and presentation of the trap is crucial. You actually want to place the trap on top of burrows, or on common pathways, so that the animal simply walks into the trap.
- STEP 5: Monitor the trap daily, remove trapped armadillos.
How to Get Rid of Armadillos in the Yard - Armadillos are outdoor nuisance animals and will not invade the interior of your home unless by accident. An armadillo in the yard is there because your soil is filled with the type of insects they enjoy eating. To get rid of an armadillo in the yard, you need to trap and remove the animal. Armadillos are solitary and a live, cage trap is an effective way to remove them. You should not bait your cage trap. Armadillos only eat things they find in the soil, and a baited trap will often attract other animals instead of an armadillo. Instead, place the trap near a main burrow, in the established travel route the armadillo uses. If possible, a short, temporary fence should be installed to guide the animal into the trap. Once you’ve captured the armadillo, relocate it a few miles from your home in an area where it will not become problematic for someone else. After your armadillo is removed, repair the damage to your lawn and consider changing certain aspects of your landscape to discourage large populations of the grubs that armadillos like to eat. Simple changes like using decorative stone instead of mulch can make a big difference in your armadillo appeal.
How to Get Rid of Armadillos Under the Porch - Trapping an armadillo under a porch can be a bit trickier than trapping one of the little guys out in the yard. Even so, trapping and removal is your only real option with this nuisance animal, so you need to make the attempt or your problems will continue. Because the spaces under porches can be too small for most people to squeeze under, placing your trap next to a main burrow may not be an option. The good thing about an armadillo under the porch is that you can guide the animal to a singular exit with the use of temporary fencing. If there are no escape burrows out in your yard, meaning all the tunnels are under the deck, take some inexpensive fencing and block off the majority of the porch base. Leave one or two exit routes, depending on the number of traps you have. Place an un-baited trap at each exit. Armadillos are not drawn to bait like other species, and putting earthworms inside the trap will only invite other wildlife instead. Armadillos are nocturnal, so leave the trap overnight and check it again in the morning. Once you have captured the armadillo, relocate it in a safe area, away from other homes. If relocation is not an option, call a wildlife rehabilitator to come and retrieve the animal.
How to Get Rid of Armadillos on Golf Course - Getting rid of armadillos on golf courses has been a major problem for many course owners. The creatures tend to dig large holes on the course causing major problem not only for the course owners but also the players. They occasionally make an appearance for the players. One of the main reasons for armadillos on golf courses is grub worms. So treating for the grub worms needs to be the first step. It is a large area to cover when talking about an 18 hole golf course. Your local pest control service can help with the grub worm problem. You can also go to the local feed store and get pesticides that treat for grub worms. Be cautious when using any pesticide. It never hurts to inform any club members of the pesticides you are using. You can also look for the burrows around the course that the armadillos have made and use traps to capture them. Call the local Humane Society before any trapping is done. Ask about local laws and possible assistance from them. After you are sure you have captured the armadillos and the burrow is empty, try filling it with sand and dirt; place a few moth balls in and around the burrow. Pine mulch or pine needles spread out may be able to help as a deterrent.
How to Get Rid of Armadillos under your shed - Getting rid of an armadillo under your shed can be a little difficult since these guys are so territorial. If the armadillo has made his way to the shed your best bet it to trap him. As with any other animal you want to trap, always check your local wildlife trapping laws. The Humane Society will usually have traps and assist you free of charge but donations are nice. If you rather not trap this hard shelled creature and run him out there are a few way you can try to get him to vacate. First, try to find his entry point. Seal off any other areas he could possibly use and leave only that one open. Armadillos have a very good sense of smell and do not like pine scent. Anything pine scent will help to repel them. Pine mulch, scented oils, pine needles or anything scented may be able to help. You can place any of these in containers in the shed away from the entry he is using to coax him out. You can also try ammonia in containers. Use caution when using chemicals such as ammonia and read the labels to be safe. Once you are sure he is out and nothing is left in the shed, seal that last entry so he cannot return. Remember they are very territorial so he may try to invade your shed again. Take all precautions to make sure he gone for good.
Go back to the main Armadillo Removal page for more information about how to get rid of armadillo yourself.
