Armadillos are known for their unique appearance and remarkable digging abilities. These mammals are prolific diggers, a behavior fundamental to their survival. The nine-banded armadillo, the only species found in the United States, is recognized for its extensive burrowing habits. Their natural instinct to dig plays a central role in how they interact with their environment.
The Reasons Armadillos Dig
Digging is a primary behavior for armadillos, driven by several biological needs. Their strong sense of smell, coupled with poor eyesight, makes digging an effective strategy for locating food sources. Armadillos primarily consume insects and invertebrates such as grubs, earthworms, ants, and beetles, which are often found underground. They dig shallow holes to unearth these preferred prey items.
Beyond foraging, digging provides armadillos with essential shelter. They create burrows for protection from predators like mountain lions and alligators, and to escape harsh weather conditions, including extreme summer heat and winter cold. These burrows also serve as safe nurseries for raising their young. Armadillos are largely nocturnal, using their burrows to rest during the day and emerging at night to forage.
Digging also functions as an escape mechanism. When threatened, armadillos can quickly excavate a shallow trench to hunker down, using their armored carapace for defense. Their ability to rapidly dig allows them to evade perceived dangers. This behavior is deeply ingrained in their biology, making them highly adapted to a subterranean lifestyle.
How Armadillos Create Their Burrows
Armadillos possess specialized physical adaptations that make them expert diggers. They have powerful limbs, particularly strong forefeet, and long, sharp claws that are suited for breaking through soil. Their shovel-like noses also assist in moving dirt. When digging for food, they often create small, conical holes by using their snout and front paws to throw dirt aside. These foraging holes are typically 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches wide.
For shelter, armadillos excavate more extensive burrows, which can be complex. A main burrow can extend anywhere from 4 to 24 feet in length and up to 5 feet deep, sometimes featuring multiple tunnels and chambers. These burrows usually have a single entrance, approximately 7 to 8 inches in diameter. Armadillos prefer to dig in moist, sandy, or loam soils, as these textures facilitate easier excavation and provide sturdy material for their underground structures. An armadillo can dig a significant burrow in a relatively short period, sometimes as quickly as 15 minutes.
Recognizing Armadillo Activity and Damage
Identifying armadillo presence on a property involves observing distinct signs of their digging. The most common indicators are the small, conical holes left in lawns, gardens, and flower beds, which are a result of their foraging for insects. These holes are typically 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches wide, and may have scattered dirt piles nearby.
More substantial damage can occur from their larger burrows, which are often found near foundations, sheds, dense vegetation, or even under concrete slabs and driveways. These deeper burrows, with openings about 7 to 8 inches wide, can undermine structures and potentially lead to cracked pipes or destabilized foundations. Armadillos may also uproot plants, bulbs, and turf while searching for food, causing cosmetic damage to landscaping.
Managing Armadillo Presence on Your Property
Managing armadillo activity on a property involves a combination of humane deterrence methods. One approach focuses on reducing their primary food source: insects. Treating a lawn for grubs and other invertebrates can make the area less appealing to armadillos. Reducing excessive watering can also help, as moist soil attracts insects and makes digging easier for armadillos.
Physical barriers can be effective in preventing armadillo entry. Installing a sturdy fence that extends at least 1 foot underground and a few inches above ground can deter them. Clearing dense brush piles and other overgrown areas can also make a yard less attractive, as these spots often provide ideal cover for burrow entrances.
Various repellents and deterrents can be employed. Some commercial products utilize castor oil to create an unpleasant smell or taste. Strong scents like garlic or cayenne pepper, when placed in active areas, may also discourage armadillos due to their keen sense of smell. Additionally, motion-activated sprinklers or lights can startle these nocturnal creatures, making them avoid the area.