Armadillos are prolific diggers who frequently excavate residential yards while searching for sustenance. The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), the only species found in the United States, is recognizable by the flexible, bony plates that form its armor-like shell. This mammal’s behavior is deeply tied to soil excavation. Armadillos use their powerful forelimbs and long, sharp claws to manipulate earth for two primary purposes: finding food and creating shelter.
Why Armadillos Dig in Lawns
The main reason armadillos damage lawns is their relentless foraging for food. These animals are insectivores, and their diet consists heavily of subterranean invertebrates, including earthworms, beetle larvae, and white grubs. An armadillo possesses an exceptionally keen sense of smell, which it uses to detect prey buried several inches beneath the soil surface.
Once a food source is located, the animal quickly begins to probe and excavate the area. This specialized feeding technique involves rooting around in soft soil to unearth and consume detected insects. Armadillos are also attracted to freshly irrigated lawns because the moisture makes the soil easier to dig and draws invertebrates closer to the surface. The resulting holes are simply a byproduct of their survival behavior.
Confirming Armadillo Damage
Homeowners can identify armadillo activity by observing the distinct physical characteristics of the resulting damage. Foraging holes are shallow, often measuring only one to three inches deep and three to five inches wide. These holes frequently appear conical or V-shaped, almost as if a small hand trowel was used to scoop out the dirt.
The pattern of these excavations is usually random, pockmarking the lawn as the animal moves across the yard while following scent trails. Shallow, pressed-down trails visible in the grass are another sign of their presence.
Burrows and Shelter
Armadillos also construct larger, more substantial burrows for resting and shelter. These are often found near concrete slabs, dense shrubbery, or foundations. These larger burrows can be seven to eight inches in diameter and may extend up to 15 feet in length, sometimes posing a risk to structural stability.
Strategies for Stopping the Digging
The most effective approach to stopping armadillo digging involves making the yard less appealing as a habitat. Habitat modification, specifically controlling the animal’s primary food source, is a successful method. Applying targeted treatments to reduce the population of grubs and other insects in the lawn removes the armadillo’s main motivation to dig in that area.
Simply removing the food source may not be enough, especially in periods of drought, as armadillos may also dig for moisture. Maintaining a drier lawn, where possible, can help by making the ground harder to excavate and less attractive. If the armadillo has an established burrow nearby, exclusion techniques can be used to block access to specific vulnerable areas.
A physical barrier, such as a short, sturdy fence, can be installed around gardens or flower beds to prevent entry. For this to be effective, the fence should stand at least 24 inches high and must be buried a minimum of six to twelve inches deep to prevent the armadillo from simply burrowing underneath it. Angling the fence outward at the top, roughly 40 degrees, also helps prevent them from climbing over the barrier.
Deterrent methods, such as commercial repellents, often yield variable results because the armadillo’s motivation to find food is strong. Some homeowners find limited success with castor oil-based sprays, which are thought to penetrate the soil and make the invertebrates taste unpleasant. Motion-activated sprinklers can also serve as a temporary physical deterrent, startling the nocturnal animal with an unexpected burst of water.