Armadillos can be a real nuisance in your yard or garden, especially if you value a neat, well-kept outdoor space. These digging animals often leave behind holes, damaged plants, and even tunnel under fences or decks. While they’re not aggressive, they can create quite a mess—and quickly. If you’re dealing with armadillo damage, it’s important to act fast and use safe, effective methods. In this guide, you’ll learn what attracts armadillos, signs they’re on your property, step-by-step ways to get rid of armadillos, and how to stop them from coming back. Whether you prefer natural methods or need professional help, we’ve got you covered with practical solutions that actually work and are safe for your pets and family.

What Attracts Armadillos to Your Yard?

Armadillos come to your yard for one reason—food, and your soil may be full of it. They feed on insects, grubs, and worms found in moist, rich soil. Here are a few things that draw them in:

• Grubs and insects in the soil, especially after rainfall or overwatering
• Soft or moist ground that’s easy to dig—armadillos can smell underground bugs
• Unprotected compost piles or pet food left outside, which also attract other pests
• Dark, quiet areas for burrowing (under decks or sheds)—they prefer safe hiding spots
• Water sources like ponds or bird baths that offer moisture after they eat

These conditions create the perfect environment for armadillos to dig, feed, and even build burrows right under your property.

Helpful for you: Why You should you use an expert to remove Armadillos?

How to Get Rid of Armadillos: 10 Effective Ways

Below are the most reliable, safe, and humane ways to remove armadillos from your property and reduce the chances of future visits:

1. Identify and Monitor Their Activity

First, confirm that armadillos are the problem before you begin removal methods. Watch for signs like holes, overturned soil, and frequent paths in dirt. Set up a trail camera if needed to monitor activity during the night. Once you identify their travel paths or burrows, you’ll know where to focus your efforts, whether it’s trapping, fencing, or applying repellents. Accurate identification saves time and prevents dealing with the wrong type of pest altogether.

2. Remove Their Food Source

Get rid of insects and grubs by using yard-safe pesticides or beneficial nematodes that target underground pests naturally. These natural treatments reduce soil pests, making your yard less attractive. Use slow-release grub killers that work for months. This step alone can often send armadillos looking elsewhere for food. Fewer bugs mean fewer reasons for them to stick around and dig up your lawn or flower beds.

3. Use a Live Armadillo Trap

A live trap is one of the most effective removal methods when used correctly. Use a cage trap sized for small animals and place it along known travel paths or near burrow entrances. Bait the trap with overripe fruit, mealworms, or spoiled meat. Check it every morning to ensure humane capture. Once caught, contact local wildlife control for safe relocation according to your area’s laws. Never attempt to relocate armadillos without checking your local regulations first.

4. Install a Fence or Physical Barrier

A short fence (at least 24 inches tall and buried 12 inches deep) can stop armadillos from digging under or crawling over. Use strong mesh wire and angle it outward to prevent burrowing beneath. Fencing works best in high-risk areas like vegetable gardens, flower beds, or near foundations. A properly installed barrier not only keeps armadillos out but also deters other burrowing pests like moles or groundhogs from entering.

5. Use Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers

Armadillos are nocturnal and shy by nature. Sudden lights or water can scare them off and make them think predators are near. Install motion-activated deterrents in areas where you’ve seen digging, like gardens or pathways. This adds an element of surprise that they usually avoid. These devices are solar-powered and can be easily moved to different problem areas as needed for more consistent results.

6. Try Natural Armadillo Repellents

Armadillos hate strong smells and will avoid areas that smell unpleasant to them. Castor oil, garlic sprays, and cayenne pepper mixtures can deter them naturally. Spray these in problem areas every few days—especially after rain. These homemade remedies won’t harm pets, plants, or wildlife and are a safe, eco-friendly way to protect your lawn. You can also find ready-to-use repellents in garden stores for convenience.

7. Block Access to Shelters

Seal off spaces under your home, shed, porch, or deck using hardware cloth or bricks to prevent entry. Armadillos love to dig in dark, quiet spots, and blocking shelter options makes your yard less attractive. Use metal flashing or lattice with fine mesh to close off gaps. Combine this with yard cleanup to eliminate hiding places. Blocking shelters cuts down the likelihood of nesting and repeat visits.

8. Use Noise or Vibrations

Placing a portable radio or vibrating devices near burrow entrances can make the area unpleasant for armadillos. Low-frequency vibrations mimic predator activity or human presence. Consistent sound makes them feel unsafe, encouraging them to move. You can also use wind chimes or ultrasonic devices to increase the deterrent effect. These tools work best in combination with other repellent strategies for long-term effectiveness.

9. Clean Up Yard Debris

Clear away wood piles, brush, or dense ground cover that gives armadillos shelter. They use cluttered areas for cover while they dig or move between burrows. A clean, trimmed yard exposes them to predators and makes them feel less secure. Remove tall grass, keep bushes pruned, and relocate firewood piles. A tidy landscape makes your yard an unattractive place for armadillos to stay or return.

10. Reapply Repellents and Monitor Weekly

Even after removal, armadillos can return, especially if your lawn remains rich with grubs. Keep using repellents, and monitor the area for fresh holes or droppings. Consistent maintenance helps prevent a second round of digging and keeps your lawn in better shape year-round. Weekly inspections and reapplications, especially during warmer months, go a long way in keeping your yard armadillo-free.

Signs of Armadillo Activity on Your Property

Look for these signs to confirm if armadillos are visiting or nesting on your land. Early detection allows for quicker, more targeted removal actions.

1. Cone-Shaped Holes in the Ground

Armadillos dig small cone-shaped holes—about 3–5 inches wide—while searching for grubs or insects underground. These holes can appear overnight and are often clustered in one area.

2. Torn-Up Lawns and Flower Beds

They often root through mulch or soil, leaving visible disruption in garden areas and soft turf. Flattened plants and uprooted bulbs are common signs of digging behavior.

3. Burrows Near Foundations or Decks

Armadillo burrows are typically large and round, found near buildings, fences, or hidden spots. These can destabilize structures over time if left unaddressed.

4. Tracks with Four Toes and Long Claws

Their unique tracks show four toe marks with long claw prints, especially around muddy areas or wet soil. These tracks are often seen in a straight walking pattern.

5. Nocturnal Movement and Sounds

They’re active at night, so rustling or scratching in the yard after dark could be a sign of armadillo presence. Dogs may also bark at their activity.

6. Droppings Near Dig Sites

Scattered droppings shaped like small pellets may be seen near burrows or digging spots. These are typically dark and cylindrical, often found in moist soil areas.

7. Damage to Underground Wires or Pipes

Burrowing activity can disturb irrigation lines or underground wiring, causing garden or utility issues. Leaking sprinkler systems can attract even more pests, compounding the problem.

How to Prevent Future Armadillo Problems

Here’s how to make your yard uninviting to armadillos in the future:

• Eliminate lawn insects and grubs using nematodes or natural pest control
• Install fencing or buried mesh barriers around gardens and soft soil areas
• Seal off low-clearance areas like decks or porches with hardware cloth
• Keep pet food, garbage, and compost sealed or indoors to avoid attracting wildlife
• Use castor oil or garlic-based repellents every 1–2 weeks
• Maintain a clean yard without wood piles, overgrowth, or thick groundcover
• Monitor your lawn regularly for new signs of digging or tracks

When to Call Professionals? (Armadillo Removal Services)

If you’ve tried traps and repellents without success, it’s time to call wildlife control experts who specialize in humane armadillo removal. Call a professional armadillo removal service if:

• You notice multiple burrows or repeat infestations after removal
• DIY traps haven’t worked after consistent effort for 1–2 weeks
• You find damage near your home’s foundation or irrigation systems
• Armadillos are nesting near pets, children, or causing safety concerns
• You’re unsure how to safely release a trapped animal without violating local laws

Licensed wildlife removal professionals can humanely trap and relocate armadillos according to local wildlife guidelines. They may also offer exclusion services to prevent future reentry.

Conclusion

Armadillos may look harmless, but they can cause major yard damage if left unchecked for too long. With the right steps—like removing their food source, using traps, applying repellents, and installing fences—you can get rid of them and protect your property. Stay consistent with your efforts and keep your yard less inviting to discourage future visits. And if things get out of hand, don’t hesitate to call in professionals. Taking early action will save you time, money, and a lot of digging-related frustration in the long run.

FAQs

How do you get armadillos to leave?

Remove their food source, like lawn grubs and insects, use strong-smelling repellents, and set live traps along their paths. Motion-activated sprinklers and lights can scare them off quickly. Also, seal burrows and keep your yard clean to make it less inviting.

What smells do armadillos hate?

They hate castor oil, vinegar, garlic, cayenne pepper, and ammonia. These smells irritate their nose and senses. Spraying these in problem areas a few times a week can make them leave and not return. Reapply regularly, especially after it rains.

What is the best repellent for armadillos?

Castor oil-based sprays are among the best natural repellents. They soak into the soil and make it unpleasant for digging. Garlic oil, predator urine, and cayenne mixtures can also help keep armadillos away when used consistently and strategically.

How to get rid of nuisance armadillos?

Start with natural repellents, clean your yard, and block off shelters. If they’re persistent, use live traps and call a professional if needed. Address food sources like insects or grubs, and take steps to ensure your yard remains unattractive to burrowers over time.