Armadillos are recognized as nuisance wildlife because of the extensive damage they cause through persistent digging. These nocturnal mammals root through lawns and gardens in search of food, leaving behind small, cone-shaped holes about three to five inches in diameter. Dealing with an armadillo problem often requires a combination of strategies, but accessible, non-lethal home remedies can be effective in reclaiming your yard. Understanding what attracts them and applying strategic deterrents and physical barriers can encourage these creatures to forage elsewhere.
Identifying the Root Cause of Attraction
The primary reason armadillos invade a property is their relentless search for food, which consists mainly of soil-dwelling invertebrates. Armadillos are insectivores; approximately 90% of their diet comprises grubs, earthworms, beetles, and other insects found just beneath the soil surface. They possess a highly developed sense of smell, which they use to locate these food sources, often targeting areas with soft, moist soil where digging is easiest.
A lawn rich in insect larvae, particularly beetle grubs, acts as a strong beacon for these animals. Addressing the underlying pest problem is the most effective long-term deterrent against armadillos. Applying a grub control treatment, such as beneficial nematodes or an insecticide, removes the food incentive that initially drew them to the area. Armadillos are also attracted to moist soil, sometimes seeking water during dry periods. Reducing excessive lawn irrigation and improving drainage makes the soil less appealing for digging and invertebrate habitation, forcing the armadillo to move on.
Utilizing Scent and Taste Deterrents
Armadillos have a sensitive sense of smell, which can be exploited using strong, unpleasant odors and tastes to make the area undesirable. Castor oil is a commonly suggested home remedy because its pungent odor permeates the soil, making the area unappealing for digging and foraging. A spray solution can be made by mixing one part castor oil with five parts water and a squirt of dish soap to help the mixture emulsify and adhere to the lawn.
This repellent mixture should be applied around the perimeter of the affected area and near any active burrows. It must be reapplied frequently, especially after rainfall, to maintain effectiveness. Other strong-smelling household items may offer temporary relief when sprayed or sprinkled. Cayenne pepper, which contains the irritating compound capsaicin, can be sprinkled directly on the soil, though its effect is inconsistent and washes away quickly. Soaking rags in ammonia and placing them near burrow entrances is another tactic, but this is a short-term solution that requires continuous monitoring and reapplication.
Physical Barriers and Exclusion Techniques
Physical exclusion is often the most reliable method for protecting specific areas once armadillos are in the vicinity. Armadillos are not adept climbers, but they are expert burrowers, so any barrier must extend into the ground to be successful. Installing a short fence, approximately 24 inches high, that is buried at least 12 inches deep will block their path.
The buried portion of the fence, typically made of heavy-duty wire mesh or hardware cloth, should be angled outward at about 40 to 45 degrees. This outward angle complicates the armadillo’s natural tendency to dig straight down or under a vertical obstruction. For existing burrows, once you are certain the animal is not inside, fill the hole with a mixture of dirt and rocks to discourage reopening. Sealing foundational gaps around porches, sheds, and decks with hardware cloth prevents armadillos from creating problematic burrows under structures.
Knowing When to Call Wildlife Control
While home remedies provide temporary or localized control, a persistent or large-scale infestation may require professional intervention. Many jurisdictions have specific regulations regarding the trapping and relocation of wildlife, which can make do-it-yourself trapping illegal or logistically difficult. Trapping requires correctly sized live traps and knowledge of funneling techniques to ensure success, which professionals are trained to execute.
The armadillo is the only mammal besides humans that can naturally carry the bacterium responsible for Hansen’s disease (leprosy), though the risk of transmission is low. Any direct handling of wildlife carries risks of injury or disease exposure, making it safer to defer to trained specialists. If home efforts fail to relocate the animal within a week, or if the armadillo is found to be sick or injured, contacting a local wildlife control service ensures safe, legal, and humane removal.