How to get rid of armadillos in yard: 7 Best practices

Armadillos are expanding their range far beyond their traditional southern territories, and homeowners across the country are discovering these nocturnal diggers can wreak havoc on carefully maintained lawns and gardens. While these armored creatures might seem harmless, their relentless search for grubs and insects creates serious problems for property owners.

The core issue with armadillos isn’t just unsightly holes in your lawn. These burrowing animal deterrents become necessary when armadillo damage prevention fails, as their extensive tunnel systems can undermine foundations, destabilize walkways, and destroy root systems of valuable plants. Their nocturnal animal control requires understanding their behavior patterns and implementing targeted strategies.

Understanding how to get rid of armadillos in yard effectively requires a comprehensive approach. This guide covers everything from identifying signs of armadillo activity to implementing long-term wildlife exclusion techniques that protect your property investment.

How to get rid of armadillos in your yard: Step by step solutions

Successfully implementing armadillo control methods requires a systematic approach that addresses both immediate removal and long-term prevention. Here’s your complete action plan to stop armadillos digging and reclaim your outdoor space.

Remove food sources

The most effective way to discourage armadillos is eliminating their primary motivation for visiting your property. Apply grub control products containing beneficial nematodes to reduce insect populations that attract these persistent diggers. Focus treatment on areas where you’ve noticed the most activity.

Adjust your irrigation schedule to make lawns less appealing. Armadillos prefer moist soil that’s easier to dig through, so reducing watering frequency creates less favorable conditions. This lawn pest management strategy works particularly well in arid climate pest management situations.

Secure your yard’s perimeter

Installing proper barriers is crucial for long-term armadillo damage prevention. Dig trenches around vulnerable areas and install hardware cloth or chicken wire fencing at least 12 to 18 inches deep. The fencing should extend 12 inches above ground and angle outward at the top to prevent climbing.

Pay special attention to spaces under decks, patios, and sheds where armadillos might establish burrows. Close off these areas with sturdy materials, ensuring no gaps larger than 3 inches remain accessible.

Use motion activated lights or sprinklers

Armadillos have poor eyesight but are easily startled by sudden movements or bright lights. Install motion-activated devices near areas of recent activity. These garden protection methods work best when positioned to cover multiple approach routes.

Water-based deterrents are particularly effective since armadillos dislike getting wet unexpectedly. Position sprinklers to activate when movement is detected in problem areas.

Apply natural armadillo repellent

Strong-scent deterrents can effectively discourage armadillo activity without harming your landscape. Mix castor oil with dish soap and water to create a natural repellent spray. Apply this mixture around affected areas, focusing on entry points and fresh digging sites.

Predator urine granules from foxes or coyotes trigger armadillos’ natural fear responses. Reapply these natural ways to repel armadillos after rainfall or heavy watering to maintain effectiveness.

Set live traps

DIY armadillo traps that actually work require proper placement and attractive bait. Position large cage traps along established travel routes, typically near fences or structures where armadillos feel secure.

Effective bait options include mealworms, overripe fruit, or spoiled meat. When is the best time to trap armadillos in yard? Set traps in late afternoon and check them early morning, as armadillos are most active during twilight and nighttime hours.

Use armadillo repellent plants

Incorporate strong-scented vegetation into your landscape design as a natural deterrent. Plants like rosemary, lavender, and marigolds create aromatic barriers that armadillos typically avoid.

Position these plants strategically around garden beds and areas prone to digging activity. This approach combines effective deterrence with attractive landscaping.

Call professional wildlife removal services

When DIY methods fail or infestations become severe, professional pest control services offer comprehensive solutions. Licensed wildlife control experts have access to specialized equipment and techniques not available to homeowners.

Professional services can also provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance programs to prevent future armadillo problems from developing.

Signs you have an armadillo in your yard

Recognizing armadillo activity early allows for more effective intervention. Watch for these telltale indicators that suggest armadillos have discovered your property.

Physical signs include:

• Small conical holes measuring 1 to 3 inches wide scattered across lawn areas
• Uprooted plants with disturbed root systems, particularly near garden beds
• Tunnels or burrows near foundations, decks, patios, or other structures
• Disturbed mulch layers and scattered organic matter
• Linear patterns of holes following fence lines or property boundaries

Behavioral signs include:

• Nighttime digging sounds or rustling in landscaped areas
• Damage concentrated near irrigation systems or naturally moist soil
• Fresh dirt piles appearing overnight near established armadillo burrows
• Repeated damage in the same locations over consecutive nights

The nine-banded armadillo, most common in residential areas, creates distinctive damage patterns that differ from other burrowing animals. Their powerful claws leave characteristic scratch marks, and their methodical searching creates systematic hole patterns rather than random digging.

Understanding armadillos: What you need to know

Armadillos are fascinating nocturnal creatures whose natural behaviors unfortunately conflict with maintained landscapes. These mammals spend most daylight hours in underground burrows, emerging after sunset to search for food.

Their diet consists primarily of insects, grubs, worms, and other invertebrates found in soil. A single armadillo can consume thousands of insects nightly, which explains their persistent digging behavior. Their poor eyesight is compensated by an exceptional sense of smell that guides them to food sources.

Armadillos prefer soft, moist soil that’s easier to excavate. Irrigated lawns provide ideal conditions for both their food sources and digging activities. Understanding this preference helps explain why well-maintained properties often experience more armadillo activity than neglected areas.

These animals are generally non-aggressive toward humans but their natural curiosity and determination can lead to persistent property damage. The Mexican long-nosed armadillo and other species share similar behavioral patterns that make them challenging to deter once they’ve established a territory.

What not to do when dealing with armadillos

Avoiding ineffective or dangerous control methods protects both you and the armadillos while saving time and money on approaches that don’t work.

Never use poison or toxic baits. These substances are illegal in most areas for armadillo control and pose serious risks to pets, children, and beneficial wildlife. Armadillos rarely consume bait anyway, making poisoning both dangerous and ineffective.

Don’t attempt to flood armadillo burrows with water hoses. This approach rarely drives armadillos away permanently and can cause water damage to foundations or underground utilities. The extensive tunnel systems these animals create make complete flooding nearly impossible.

Avoid handling armadillos with bare hands if you encounter them. While disease transmission is rare, armadillos can carry bacteria that cause health concerns. Always use proper protective equipment or contact wildlife control professionals for removal.

Don’t rely solely on mothballs or ammonia-soaked rags as deterrents. These methods provide minimal effectiveness and can contaminate soil or harm beneficial plants and animals in your landscape.

How to prevent future armadillo problems

Implementing consistent armadillo damage prevention strategies protects your property investment and maintains your landscape’s appearance year-round.

Keep lawns relatively dry by avoiding overwatering. Adjust irrigation schedules to water deeply but less frequently, allowing soil to dry between watering sessions. This approach reduces both grub populations and the soft soil conditions armadillos prefer.

Maintain clean, debris-free yard conditions. Remove fallen fruit, pet food, and other potential attractants that might draw armadillos to your property. Regular cleanup eliminates secondary food sources that can supplement their insect diet.

Keep mulch layers thin, ideally no more than 2 to 3 inches deep. Thick mulch creates ideal habitat for grubs and insects while providing soft digging conditions armadillos find irresistible.

Install rock or gravel barriers around flower beds and vegetable gardens. These hard surfaces discourage digging while providing attractive landscape features. Choose materials that complement your existing design while serving practical protective functions.

Apply seasonal grub treatments to reduce insect populations that attract armadillos. Beneficial nematodes offer environmentally-friendly control that targets pest insects without harming beneficial species or contaminating soil.

When to call a professional wildlife control company

Certain situations require professional expertise to resolve armadillo problems safely and effectively. Recognizing these circumstances prevents minor issues from becoming major structural concerns.

Contact professionals when tunnels threaten structural foundations or underground utilities. Extensive burrow systems can undermine building stability, requiring specialized assessment and remediation techniques.

Seek professional help when DIY armadillo traps and deterrents repeatedly fail to control populations. Persistent problems often indicate established colonies that require comprehensive removal strategies.

Professional pest control services offer eco-friendly removal methods and long-term prevention plans tailored to your specific property conditions. Their expertise includes understanding local regulations regarding wildlife removal and relocation requirements.

Licensed wildlife control experts can also identify and address contributing factors you might overlook, such as hidden food sources or structural vulnerabilities that make your property particularly attractive to armadillos.

For comprehensive solutions that address both immediate removal needs and long-term prevention, consider consulting with landscape professionals who specialize in wildlife exclusion techniques and property protection strategies.

Conclusion

Successfully learning how to get rid of armadillos in yard requires patience, persistence, and the right combination of strategies. The most effective approach combines immediate removal techniques with long-term prevention measures that address root causes of armadillo attraction.

Start with food source elimination through grub control products and modified irrigation practices. Implement physical barriers and natural repellents to create unwelcoming conditions. When necessary, use properly placed traps or contact professional wildlife control services for comprehensive solutions.

Remember that early action prevents minor armadillo activity from developing into major property damage. Regular monitoring and consistent application of prevention strategies protects your landscape investment while maintaining the beauty and functionality of your outdoor spaces.

Take control of your yard with decisive action and proven armadillo control methods. Whether you choose DIY solutions or professional assistance, addressing armadillo problems promptly preserves your property’s value and your enjoyment of outdoor living spaces.

For more expert tips on lawn pest management and wildlife exclusion techniques, subscribe to the Landscape Unite blog and discover new strategies for maintaining beautiful, protected outdoor spaces throughout the year.

For professional assistance with persistent armadillo problems or comprehensive landscape protection services, visit Mile High Lifescape website to connect with experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges of wildlife exclusion and property protection.

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