Armadillos were once a species found only in South and Central America, but they have been rapidly migrating northward and can now be found in many U.S. states from Texas and Florida and as far north as Missouri and North Carolina. They have little fat tissue and need water often, so even though they continue to migrate farther north, they can only live in climates that are somewhat warm and humid.
The nine-banded armadillo is the only species to live in the U.S. While their diet rids us of potentially harmful insects such as grubs, spiders, and termites, they will also eat root plants in the garden such as carrots and beets. They dig shallow holes in their search for food and shelter, which mars lawns and upturns garden beds, creating the need for armadillo removal.
Armadillo Removal and Control
Armadillos should never be touched as they can become aggressive. And these nuisance animals are known to carry the bacteria that causes leprosy. Trapping and removal of an armadillo should only be done by a Critter Control professional who can ensure the safety of you and the animal.
The best way to keep armadillos away is to keep your landscape free from heavy brush and wood piles that attract the pests they love to eat. Barriers like fences are helpful, but only when they go below the soil. Armadillos are known for their climbing skills, but they are able to climb. A yard free of the food sources that attract them will make climbing a fence less desirable to them.
Signs of Armadillo in the Yard
Armadillos are mostly nocturnal, so they might be hard to spot on your own. In winter, however, when temperatures are cooler, they will forage during the day. Armadillos need loose soil as they dig with their nose, and any soil that is dense would make it hard for them to dig for food. So the first thing you would notice are shallow holes and upturned plants. Armadillos have a keen sense of smell, and they might be attracted to your yard because of the food sources they can smell.
A professional from Critter Control will be able to identify whether you have an armadillo problem based on signs from their experience and training:
- A foul smell secreted from glands when scared or marking their territory
- Uprooted plants that have not been eaten
- Damaged pavement or broken wires from burrowing under foundations, driveways, or other structures
- Their distinct nose print
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On average, the nine-banded armadillo weighs 12 pounds (5.4 kg), is 15 inches (38 cm) long, and has a tail about as long as its body. With a name meaning “little armored one,” armadillos are recognizable thanks to their flexible bone structures, which act as armor in defense against predators. The nine-banded armadillo is named for the increased amount of neutrally colored segmented bone plates that run across its back.
Read more about what what armadillos look like.
While they live throughout South America and stretch across Mexico, the nine-banded armadillo only inhabits the states of Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Unable to stand cold weather and extremely dry climate conditions due to the lack of fat tissue and poor water retention capabilities, the animals only live in climates guaranteed to consistently produce warm and somewhat humid weather.
The most glaring sign of an armadillo intruder is small burrows sometimes as deep as a couple feet. Spotting the small creatures can be difficult due to the fact that they are nocturnal, though they become active at dusk. Areas with high concentrations of grubs, insects, and other popular food sources can attract the animals in number.
Armadillo damage arises from their proclivity to dig holes. Their food-seeking process creates small holes about 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 8 cm) deep and 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm) wide. Additional damage is done when the animal strays too close to driveways or sidewalks, as well as low hanging house structures that suffer scratch damage from the hardened shell. Although rare, armadillos can transmit Hansen’s disease, more commonly known as Leprosy, to humans. Armadillos are the only known animal susceptible to the disease besides humans.
More information on damage caused by armadillos.
Unlike some wild animals, armadillos present little danger to people. However, controlling the animal can protect expensive landscaping and the integrity of surrounding property such as driveways and decks. One way to keep armadillos away is to build a fence that feeds a few feet into the ground. Adding unfavorable scents to the yard can deter the nuisance, as well, since they possess acute senses of smell.
Trapping and removal can be tricky. Calling a certified professional to manage the procedure is the best way to ensure the safety of the animal and to make sure armadillos cannot find their way back to the property. Handling armadillos without proper protection can lead to scratches and increases the risk of contracting unwanted disease.
