Armadillos are insectivores whose relentless digging for food and shelter can cause significant property damage, creating tripping hazards and undermining structures. When you discover an armadillo hole, the answer to whether you should fill it is yes, but the method depends entirely on the type of hole found. A shallow, conical depression is a sign of foraging and can be addressed quickly, but a larger, deeper opening indicates a den that requires a careful approach. Addressing the damage effectively involves correctly identifying the excavation and confirming the animal’s absence before any repair work begins.
Distinguishing Foraging Pits from Burrows
Armadillos create two types of holes, and recognizing the difference is the first step in effective remediation. The most common sign of armadillo activity is the foraging pit, created when the animal uses its powerful claws to search for insects, grubs, and worms. These pits are shallow, conical in shape, and measure about one to three inches deep and three to five inches wide. They are often scattered across a lawn or garden, resembling small divots or uneven turf.
A burrow serves as the armadillo’s den for resting, breeding, and protection. Burrows are characterized by a large, semicircular or inverted U-shaped entrance, reflecting the animal’s body shape. These openings are substantially wider, often measuring seven to ten inches in diameter, and can lead to a tunnel extending up to twenty-five feet in length. Burrows are frequently located in protected areas, such as under patios, dense vegetation, brush piles, or near foundations.
Necessary Steps Before Sealing a Burrow
Before sealing any hole identified as a burrow, you must confirm the armadillo is not currently inside, as trapping an animal is inhumane and may violate local ordinances. Armadillos are nocturnal, meaning the burrow may appear empty during the day but is actively used for rest. A single individual may utilize a system of up to fifteen burrows within its home range.
The “dirt plug test” confirms the burrow’s status. Loosely stuff the entrance with crumpled newspaper or a handful of loose soil and monitor the opening for 24 to 48 hours. If the armadillo is using the burrow, it will push out the plug when it leaves or returns. If the material remains undisturbed after two full cycles, the burrow is empty and can be filled.
Safe Techniques for Filling Armadillo Holes
Once a burrow is confirmed inactive, or if you are dealing with a shallow foraging pit, you can begin filling and repairing the excavation. Repairing small foraging pits is straightforward, involving raking the disturbed soil back into the hole. After raking, lightly tamp down the soil and consider reseeding or laying new sod to encourage turf growth over the damaged area.
Repairing an empty burrow requires a structural approach to prevent future collapse and potential hazards. Fill the tunnel with a dense mixture of earth and pea gravel or small stones, which adds stability and makes future re-excavation more difficult. Compact the fill material in layers, adding a few inches of material at a time and firmly tamping it down to prevent the ground from settling later. If the burrow was near a foundation or structure, consider burying a section of L-shaped wire mesh deep into the ground against the structure after filling to provide a permanent physical barrier.
Long-Term Strategies for Deterrence
Filling the holes only addresses the current damage; therefore, long-term deterrence involves making your property less attractive to armadillos. Armadillos visit a yard primarily to search for food, which consists of soil invertebrates like grubs, ants, and earthworms. You can reduce this food source by applying targeted pest control products, such as beneficial nematodes or grub-specific insecticides, to your lawn.
Armadillos are also attracted to damp, soft soil because it is easier to dig, so minimizing over-irrigation makes the lawn less inviting. Physical barriers are effective for protecting specific areas like gardens or the perimeter of a yard. A fence must be buried at least 12 inches deep and angled outward to prevent the armadillo from burrowing underneath. Clearing away dense brush, wood piles, and other yard clutter removes potential shelter and makes the area less secure for a new den site.