What Do Armadillo Tracks Look Like?
Typically, the first sign of armadillos is the sight of their tracks in mud or dirt. Armadillo tracks are distinguished by four long toe prints, each tipped with a sharp claw. Their toes are spread out when they walk, so armadillo footprints may resemble those of opossums or raccoons. Additionally, they have scaly tails that drag behind them as they move, appearing as a line in the soil.
Implications & Problems
Finding armadillo tracks usually means the animal is currently nearby or lives in the area. These pests do not travel fast, moving at a rate of less than one mile per hour. They also rarely stray from a home territory of about one-tenth of a square mile once they've settled in. The problem with having armadillos around is that they tend to burrow, damaging driveways, fences, and home foundations. In addition, the pests uproot gardens and flower beds to feed on foliage and insects.
Armadillo Prevention & Removal
In order to prevent armadillos after finding their tracks, homeowners must take steps to keep the pests away. They venture onto properties looking for food, so removing brushy areas may discourage them. Standard fences are not always enough to deter these climbing and digging pests, but barriers that slant outward along gardens can prove effective. Though these measures are helpful in reducing armadillo problems, the nocturnal animals may continue to damage land scaping around homes. The professionals at Critter Control have the experience to safely exclude armadillos from properties.
Learn more about professional armadillo removal.