Armadillos are a common nuisance in Tampa, known for digging burrows, damaging lawns, and uprooting plants in search of food. Their constant digging can weaken foundations, destroy gardens, and create tripping hazards for homeowners. Since they are nocturnal creatures, most of their activity goes unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. Armadillo removal techniques focus on humane trapping, exclusion barriers, habitat modification, and pest control to prevent their return. Identifying their burrows, setting up properly placed traps, and using deterrents like fencing or repellents can help keep them away and protect your property.
10 Effective Armadillo Removal Techniques in Tampa
1. Identifying Signs of Armadillo Activity
Recognizing armadillo presence is the first step in effective removal, as early intervention can prevent extensive damage. Look for visible burrows near home foundations, driveways, or trees, which serve as shelter for armadillos. Small, cone-shaped holes in the lawn indicate where they have been digging for food, such as insects and grubs. Uprooted plants and disturbed soil are also clear signs of their presence. By carefully observing these indicators, you can determine the best course of action to remove them efficiently.
2. Using Live Traps
Live trapping is a humane and effective way to capture armadillos without causing harm to them or your property. Use a sturdy, well-built trap that can withstand the strength of an armadillo, as their digging abilities make them quite strong. Position the trap near active burrows or along pathways they frequently travel, ensuring it aligns with their natural movement patterns. Since armadillos do not respond well to bait, relying on strategic placement increases the likelihood of successfully capturing them. Checking the trap frequently is essential to avoid unnecessary stress on the captured animal.
3. Funnel Trapping Method
Since armadillos follow predictable movement routes, creating a funnel using wooden boards, fencing, or other natural barriers can help guide them into a trap. This method significantly improves trapping efficiency without the need for bait, making it a more passive but effective solution. The barriers should be placed in a way that gradually narrows toward the trap, encouraging the armadillo to walk straight into it. Combining funnel trapping with regular monitoring increases the chances of a successful capture while reducing damage to your property.
4. Installing Underground Fencing
Preventing armadillos from entering your yard requires sturdy barriers that go beneath the surface, stopping them from digging underneath. Installing fences at least one foot underground is crucial, as armadillos are persistent diggers. Using hardware cloth, metal mesh fencing, or specialized products like Dig DeFence can effectively block their burrowing attempts. Ensure the fencing is also tall enough above the ground to prevent them from climbing over. Proper installation of underground barriers is a long-term solution that reduces the chances of future infestations.
5. Sealing Entry Points
If armadillos have already burrowed near structures such as patios, sheds, or garages, sealing these openings is necessary to prevent re-entry. Use rocks, heavy soil, wire mesh, or compacted gravel to block the entrance of their burrows effectively. Before sealing, ensure the burrow is unoccupied by monitoring activity for a few nights. Blocking off their shelter will force them to move elsewhere, discouraging them from returning. Regular inspections and sealing off new burrows as soon as they appear can help keep your property armadillo-free.
Also Read: How to Keep Armadillos Out of Your Property
6. Removing Food Sources
Armadillos are drawn to areas with grubs, earthworms, and insects. Applying pest control treatments or beneficial nematodes can reduce their food source, making your yard less appealing. Improving drainage to keep the soil dry also helps, as armadillos prefer moist ground for digging.
7. Using Natural and Commercial Repellents
Natural repellents like castor oil, garlic spray, or predator urine can create an unpleasant environment for armadillos, encouraging them to leave. These repellents can be applied around burrow entrances, along known pathways, and near potential digging sites. Commercial armadillo repellents are also available and should be applied according to product instructions for the best results. However, repellents alone are not always effective and should be used alongside other preventive measures. Regular reapplication is necessary, especially after rain, to maintain effectiveness.
8. Modifying the Landscape
Making changes to your property’s landscape can help discourage armadillos from settling in the area and causing damage. Consider removing excessive mulch, tall grass, and dense vegetation to eliminate potential hiding spots. Adding gravel or rock barriers to gardens and lawn edges can make digging more difficult, discouraging armadillos from foraging in your yard. Keeping your lawn well-maintained and free of attractants reduces the chances of these pests establishing burrows on your property. Proactive landscaping modifications can serve as a natural long-term deterrent.
9. Motion-Activated Devices
Installing motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or ultrasonic repellents can help scare off armadillos and prevent them from returning. These devices activate when movement is detected, startling the animals and making the area less desirable. While motion-activated deterrents may not work on their own, combining them with other exclusion and removal techniques increases their effectiveness. Position these devices in areas where armadillos are most active for optimal results. Regular adjustments may be needed to prevent the animals from adapting to the deterrents over time.
10. Regular Property Maintenance
Consistently monitoring your property for new burrows, sealing potential entry points, and keeping the yard well-maintained are key to preventing future armadillo infestations. Conduct routine inspections, especially around foundations, flower beds, and fences, where armadillos are most likely to dig. Address any issues as soon as they arise to prevent further damage. A combination of proactive maintenance and effective removal techniques will help ensure your property remains free from armadillo activity over the long term.
How Wildout Animal and Pest Control Can Help
At Wildout Animal and Pest Control, we specialize in effective and humane wildlife removal. Our team understands armadillo behavior and uses proven techniques to remove them safely. We also provide preventive solutions, such as habitat modifications and pest control, to keep armadillos from returning. With our expert guidance, you can protect your property while ensuring minimal harm to wildlife.
Conclusion
Removing armadillos from your property requires a strategic approach that includes trapping, exclusion techniques, and habitat modifications. Identifying signs of activity early, using well-placed live traps, installing underground barriers, and eliminating food sources are all effective methods for keeping armadillos away. Natural and commercial repellents, motion-activated deterrents, and proper landscape management can further reduce the chances of infestation. By applying these techniques consistently, homeowners can successfully prevent armadillo damage and maintain a well-protected property.
FAQs
What attracts armadillos to a property?
Armadillos are drawn to areas with loose soil, plenty of insects and grubs, and shelter for burrowing. Moist environments with easily accessible food sources increase the likelihood of an infestation.
Can armadillos be relocated after being trapped?
No, in Florida, relocating armadillos is illegal due to their status as a non-native species. Trapped armadillos must be handled according to state wildlife regulations.
Do repellents work against armadillos?
Repellents like castor oil, garlic spray, and predator urine may deter armadillos but are not 100% effective. They work best when combined with exclusion techniques and habitat modification.
How deep should a fence be to keep armadillos out?
To prevent armadillos from burrowing underneath, fences should be buried at least one foot underground and extend a few feet above the ground to block climbing attempts.
What is the most effective way to trap an armadillo?
The best method is to place a sturdy live trap along their natural pathways and use barriers to guide them inside. Positioning the trap near active burrows increases success rates.