The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is a burrowing mammal that has expanded its range across the southern United States. These solitary, nocturnal animals use their strong claws to dig for their primary food source of insects and grubs. This foraging behavior often results in numerous small, cone-shaped holes across lawns and gardens. When an armadillo causes significant property damage, removal may become necessary, but this process must always adhere to local laws and humane practices.
Understanding Legal Constraints and Identifying Damage
Before attempting any form of control, determine the legal status of armadillos in your specific location. In many states, the armadillo is classified as a non-protected nuisance animal, allowing a homeowner to trap or humanely destroy it without a special permit. However, some jurisdictions regulate the methods used for removal or prohibit the relocation of captured wildlife. Checking with your state’s Department of Natural Resources or local county extension office ensures compliance with all wildlife codes before proceeding.
Confirming that the damage is specifically caused by an armadillo is necessary, as other animals like moles create similar disturbances. Armadillo damage is characterized by multiple, shallow, conical holes, roughly three to five inches wide, where the animal has rooted for insects. This pattern is distinctly different from mole damage, which presents as raised tunnels or ridges just beneath the lawn surface. Armadillos also create larger, telltale burrows, approximately eight inches in diameter, often found near structures or dense vegetation.
Non-Lethal Removal and Exclusion
Non-lethal methods are a responsible first step, focusing on either trapping or physically excluding the animal. Live trapping is highly effective and involves using a sturdy cage trap, ideally 30 to 42 inches long, placed directly in the armadillo’s path. Since armadillos have poor eyesight and follow established routes, the trap should be positioned along fences, walls, or directly over a burrow entrance. To increase success, temporary fencing or boards can be used to funnel the animal directly into the trap opening.
While armadillos are not strongly motivated by surface bait, some trappers report success using overripe fruit or live earthworms in a nylon stocking placed inside the trap. Relocation of a trapped armadillo is often illegal and is not recommended, as the animal will likely die from stress, dehydration, or inability to establish a new territory. If relocation is not permitted, the live-captured animal must be humanely euthanized, or a professional wildlife control operator must be called for disposal.
Exclusion is a long-term solution that requires installing a physical barrier around the area needing protection. Because armadillos are poor climbers but excellent diggers, a fence must extend both above and below the ground. Experts recommend a fence at least 12 to 24 inches high, with an apron of the same material buried 12 to 18 inches deep, angled outward at a 40-degree angle. This buried lip prevents the armadillo from burrowing directly beneath the barrier and entering the protected space.
Lethal Control Methods
Where non-lethal methods have failed and local laws permit, lethal control may be an option, but humane and safe practices are paramount. Shooting must be done with caution and only where the discharge of a firearm is explicitly legal. A small-caliber rimfire rifle, such as a .22, or a shotgun loaded with No. 4 to BB-sized shot is recommended for a humane kill, aiming for the head or spine to ensure immediate death. Due to the armadillo’s nocturnal habits, this often requires spotlighting at night, which may require a special permit depending on local regulations.
Specialized lethal traps, such as body-grip traps like the Conibear 220, can be used, but their deployment is highly regulated and often restricted to licensed professionals. These traps are designed to kill instantly by crushing the animal, but they pose a hazard to non-target animals, including pets. Check state and local regulations for any restrictions on the use of body-gripping traps for dry-land sets.
The use of poisons or fumigants is discouraged and often illegal because they are inhumane and largely ineffective against armadillos. Since the armadillo’s diet consists almost exclusively of live invertebrates dug from the soil, they rarely consume baits or poisons left on the surface. Fumigants, such as gas cartridges, are also ineffective because armadillos are typically outside their burrows when active, and the gasses can pose a risk to pets and non-target wildlife.
Humane Euthanasia
For a trapped armadillo that cannot be relocated, euthanasia methods approved by veterinary guidelines are the most humane option. Carbon dioxide asphyxiation is generally considered the preferred method.
Long-Term Habitat Modification for Prevention
Once the immediate problem is addressed, long-term prevention focuses on making the environment less appealing to future armadillos. The primary attractant is the presence of insect food sources, specifically grubs and earthworms. Modifying lawn care practices to reduce the availability of this food is an effective deterrent.
Prevention Strategies
Several strategies can reduce foraging activity and make the property less suitable for armadillos:
- Reducing lawn irrigation, especially overnight, causes the soil to become drier and firmer, making it harder for armadillos to dig.
- Applying a soil insecticide to reduce the population of grubs and other insect larvae. Application must follow all pesticide guidelines to ensure it targets pests without harming beneficial insects.
- Removing brush piles, dense vegetation, and debris eliminates potential nesting and cover sites.