The nine-banded armadillo is the only species found in the United States, and its expansion across the southern and southwestern states frequently brings it into conflict with homeowners. These armored mammals cause property damage primarily through persistent digging. As they forage, they leave behind numerous shallow, cone-shaped holes about three to five inches wide. They also excavate extensive burrows, which can be up to 15 feet long and five feet deep, often undermining sidewalks, foundations, and driveways.
Understanding Why Armadillos Target Your Yard
Armadillos are insectivores driven by their search for food, relying on a keen sense of smell to locate prey underground. Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates such as beetle larvae, earthworms, ants, termites, and other grubs found just beneath the soil surface. They root frantically in loose soil and leaf litter, which results in the characteristic small, disturbed patches across lawns and flowerbeds.
The presence of these pests is directly linked to the availability of a robust food source in the soil. Damage is often most pronounced in summer months, particularly in irrigated lawns where moist, soft soil makes digging easier and draws invertebrates closer to the surface. Although they seek shelter by digging burrows near dense brush or under decks, the primary motivation for repeatedly visiting a yard is foraging. Disrupting this food source connection is a foundational step for effective, long-term removal.
Exclusion and Habitat Modification Strategies
Armadillo control involves making the habitat unappealing before resorting to physical removal. Since their presence is tied to food, reducing the invertebrate population encourages them to seek sustenance elsewhere. Treating the lawn with beneficial nematodes or targeted insecticides can significantly reduce the armadillo’s primary food source. This method should be approached carefully, however, as widespread use of insecticides can also eliminate beneficial soil creatures.
Physical barriers protect specific areas like gardens or flowerbeds. A standard fence is insufficient because armadillos are proficient diggers and climbers. Effective exclusion requires installing a sturdy wire mesh fence that extends at least 24 inches above the ground. The fencing material must be buried a minimum of 12 inches deep. The underground portion should also be bent outward at a 90-degree angle for an additional 18 inches to prevent burrowing underneath.
Modifying the environment to reduce available cover also discourages permanent residence. Armadillos prefer to establish burrows in areas with dense vegetation, wood piles, or debris that offers protection. Clearing away brush and excessive ground cover near structures removes potential daytime resting sites. Reducing excessive irrigation can also help, as drier soil is harder to dig and reduces the number of invertebrates near the surface.
Safe and Effective Trapping Techniques
When habitat modification is insufficient, live trapping provides a direct removal method. The most effective traps are large, sturdy cage traps, often marketed as raccoon-sized (approximately 10 x 12 x 32 inches or larger). Traditional baiting is generally ineffective because armadillos are not easily lured by food and bait may attract unwanted wildlife like raccoons or skunks.
Successful trapping relies on strategic placement that capitalizes on the armadillo’s tendency to travel along barriers. Due to their poor eyesight, armadillos often follow fences, foundation walls, or other linear objects. Traps should be placed directly in these known travel paths or immediately over the entrance of an active burrow.
To maximize capture rates, experts recommend using “funnels” to guide the animal into the trap opening. This involves placing two long boards in a V-shape leading toward the trap entrance. The armadillo will follow the barrier straight into the cage. Once captured, the trap should be covered with a blanket or tarp to reduce stress during handling and transport.
Health Risks and Regulatory Requirements
Direct contact with armadillos should be avoided due to potential health concerns, primarily the risk of exposure to Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria that causes Hansen’s disease (leprosy). The nine-banded armadillo can naturally host this bacterium, and a percentage of the population in the southern U.S. is infected. Although transmission to humans is rare, heavy-duty gloves must be worn if handling a trapped animal is necessary.
Before setting any trap, contact local and state wildlife agencies to understand regulatory requirements. Armadillos are governed by specific regulations regarding the type of trap allowed, whether a permit is required, and the legal disposition of the captured animal. In many jurisdictions, relocating trapped wildlife is illegal. Releasing an armadillo in a new location without permission is rarely effective, as they may travel long distances to return to their original territory.