The nine-banded armadillo is the only species of armadillo living in North America. Its unique, unmistakable, and loveable appearance have made it our official state small mammal. So what’s the problem with this Texan native? Some homeowners experience armadillo activity that results in severe lawn damage from their search for grubs and the process of creating dens. Although they’re easy to sneak up on as they slowly graze in your yard, they will bolt towards their den with lightening speed once you’ve been detected.
How can I tell if I have armadillos?
Armadillos mainly feed on grubs, insects, small amphibians, and reptiles. Nine-banded armadillos have very poor insulation beneath their shell, so they have to adapt their life to staying warm. They spend their waking hours during the evening in summer and on warm afternoons in the winter. Dens are built deep under concrete patios, brush piles, rock pikes, sidewalks, external air conditioning units, and landscaping.
A single armadillo can dig several shallow dens in an area to provide hiding spaces if they need to run from predators. One main den is deeper than all others and used as their primary living space. Armadillos create dens for shelter and raising offspring. They use their long claws to move soil as far as 5 feet deep and 4-24 feet wide.
Pictured Above: lawn damage from armadillo feeding Photo Credit: Missouri Department of Conservation
While digging for earthworms and grub, armadillos ruin landscaping, flower beds, and grass. Golf courses and parks also have these issues. Shallow holes are made when their amazing sense of smell detects a meal. This goes on for hours on end each night, quickly resulting in grass and dirt that’s pulled up and strewn around.
What attracts armadillos to my property?
Armadillos wander into yards in their quest for insects. If there are small pests like grubs and earthworms within the soil in your flowerbeds, under your concrete patio, or under the grass surface, aradillos can appear. The longer they are left alone, the more time they have to dig dens and reproduce. If you have armadillos ripping up your yard or living in deep dens within the ground, call Certified for removal services.
Are armadillos dangerous?
Most armadillos carry Hansen’s disease (leprosy), which has the potential to be transmitted to humans who directly handle them. Even then, the chances of contracting Hansen’s disease are incredibly low. Armadillos are peaceful creatures that don’t want to be bothered by humans or pets. If you attempt to touch or pick up an armadillo, they will run away. The only true natural predator for armadillos are coyotes that can keep up with their speed of up to 30mph. For that reason, it’s imperative that you call a pest control professional if you are having issues with armadillos on your property. The only danger that armadillos truly pose to you is the destruction they cause in the soil. If they dig deep under concrete sidewalks, patios, and AC units, cracks can form at the surface and cause severe damage.
How can I prevent armadillos from damaging my lawn?
The best way to prevent armadillos from creating dens on your property is to create an environment that isn’t conducive to their lifestyle. You can install fencing around your property, at least 24 inches high at a 40 degree angle, and 12 inches deep into the ground to reduce the likelihood of armadillos burrowing under or climbing over. There are other DIY methods that you can find online such as placing moth balls or cayenne pepper on yard, but these aren’t effective at all. Some suggest using insecticides to get rid of grubs and earthworms in an effort to eliminate their food source. This can actually make matters worse. When armadillos can’t find the insects that they’re looking for, they’ll dig even more to keep searching. The best thing to do if you find armadillo dens on your property is to call Certified Termite and Pest Control for professional armadillo removal.
How does Certified get rid of armadillos?
Every animal carries unique risks and requires different trapping tactics. When in doubt, it’s always safest to call a professional for help. Handling strange animals is dangerous, and they present a big challenge in capturing and handling safely. Our Wildlife Removal Plan, which includes armadillo removal, is done by using the following steps:
- WILDLIFE INSPECTION – Our skilled technicians are trained to recognize signs that indicate the presence and type of animal including Opossums, Raccoons, Skunks, and Armadillos
- WILDLIFE REMOVAL AND ELIMINATION – We will make appropriate recommendations for safe and humane wildlife removal and then properly remove any wildlife
- WILDLIFE CONTROL AND PROOFING – We will provide recommendations and can offer services to prevent re-entry of wildlife animals
Do you suspect that you have an armadillo living on your property? Give Certified Termite and Pest Control a call at 972-440-1709 or fill out the form on this page to set up an armadillo inspection at your home!
