Armadillos are common in Georgia, with the nine-banded armadillo, the only species found in the United States, establishing a significant presence across the state’s diverse landscapes.
The Georgia Armadillo
The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) has a distinctive armored shell of bony plates covered by leathery skin. These mammals typically measure about 2.5 feet long from nose to tail and weigh around 12 pounds. Their coloration ranges from gray to brownish-gray, with nine flexible bands across their midsection.
Armadillos are primarily insectivores, using their keen sense of smell and strong claws to dig for food. Their diet consists mainly of insects, grubs, beetles, and other invertebrates found in the soil. They also occasionally consume small reptiles, amphibians, and bird eggs.
Armadillos are largely nocturnal. They are skilled burrowers, constructing extensive underground tunnel systems for shelter and raising their young, with a single armadillo sometimes maintaining up to a dozen burrows. When startled, they exhibit a unique jump reflex, leaping three to four feet into the air, which can lead to collisions with vehicles.
Geographic Spread in Georgia
The nine-banded armadillo originated in South America, expanding northward into the United States in the mid-19th century by crossing the Rio Grande into Texas. Their spread continued eastward through Louisiana and Mississippi. Around the same time, armadillos were introduced to Florida, likely through human activity, forming a separate population that eventually merged with those expanding from the west.
Today, armadillos are well-established throughout the southeastern United States, including Georgia. They have been common in central and southern Georgia for many years and have steadily expanded into northern regions, with sightings reported as far north as Athens and Rome. This rapid range expansion is partly attributed to human land-use changes, such as transportation routes, and favorable climatic conditions. Despite preferring warmer, wetter climates, their adaptability allows them to colonize new areas, though extreme cold can limit their presence.
Living Alongside Armadillos
Armadillos’ burrowing habits can concern homeowners. They dig numerous shallow, cone-shaped holes, typically 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches wide, while searching for insects and grubs in lawns and gardens. Beyond these foraging holes, their more extensive burrows, which can be several feet deep and long, may undermine foundations, driveways, and other structures, potentially causing damage.
While generally not aggressive, armadillos can carry Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium causing leprosy (Hansen’s disease). The risk of transmission to humans is very low, primarily through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of undercooked meat, but it is advisable to avoid handling them. A few cases of domestically acquired leprosy have been reported in Georgia, with suspected indirect transmission through disturbed soil.
To deter armadillos, homeowners can make their yards less appealing by removing brush piles and keeping lawns trimmed, which reduces shelter and makes foraging more difficult. Fencing can also be effective if buried at least 12 inches underground and angled outward to prevent digging under or climbing over. While some natural repellents like castor oil or strong scents are suggested, their effectiveness is inconsistent. For persistent issues or significant damage, contacting a professional wildlife removal service is often recommended, as they can safely and humanely trap and relocate the animals according to state regulations.