Should you use an expert to remove armadillos from your home? Armadillos are easily recognized creatures, especially in southern parts of the United States where they are frequently seen. Their distinctive appearance includes a tough, armor-like shell and a compact body, making them unique among mammals. Related closely to anteaters and sloths, armadillos typically have small, dark eyes and a long, shovel-like snout used for digging. Most species measure around 6 inches in length and have a pinkish, salmon-colored outer shell, though some can grow to nearly 5 feet and take on darker brown tones. The nine-banded armadillo is the most common type seen in the U.S., particularly in warmer climates.
Why Armadillos Can Become a Problem
Digging Behavior and Property Damage
In the wild, armadillos don’t usually cause problems, but when they enter human spaces, they can become disruptive. They are natural diggers, using their powerful claws to search for insects like grubs and worms beneath the soil. While small holes in your yard may seem harmless at first, repeated digging can disturb the ground significantly. Over time, these animals can even weaken the structural integrity of foundations, driveways, or patios by tunneling close to or underneath them. Understanding this digging behavior is essential to identifying their presence early and responding effectively.
Potential Health Concerns and Zoonotic Diseases
One of the more serious concerns with armadillos is the risk of disease. Though rare, armadillos have been known to carry leprosy, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans. This has been particularly noted in states like Florida, where armadillo populations are high and contact with humans more frequent. Several past reports linked leprosy cases to contact with these animals or their environment. Given the potential for transmission through handling or environmental contamination, caution is strongly advised whenever armadillos are present on your property.
Understanding Why Armadillos Choose Your Yard
What Attracts Armadillos to Residential Areas
If you’re seeing armadillos in your yard, it likely means your property offers what they’re looking for: food and shelter. Moist soil full of grubs, insects, or worms can draw armadillos in quickly. Additionally, shaded areas, mulch beds, and loose soil make ideal spots for digging or resting. Properties near wooded areas or with poor fencing are also more likely to experience these types of wildlife visitors. Recognizing these attractants is key to reducing the likelihood of armadillos choosing your yard as their home.
Safe and Humane Armadillo Control Methods
The Challenges of DIY Trapping
Once an armadillo moves in, many homeowners wonder whether to handle the situation themselves or seek outside help. Trapping armadillos is not as simple as placing bait in a cage. In fact, food-based bait is generally ineffective because armadillos rely more on smell than hunger when roaming. They follow well-worn paths, which means traps need to be placed carefully in areas they already travel through. Additionally, handling wild animals, especially those that may carry diseases, presents risks that should not be underestimated.
The Importance of Proper Trap Placement
The most effective way to capture an armadillo involves using live cages placed along their known paths. Since armadillos often take the same route repeatedly, strategic placement increases the chances of capture without unnecessary stress. Natural barriers or funneling systems, like fences or boards, can help guide them into the trap more efficiently. This approach minimizes harm to the animal and avoids causing panic or injury, both of which are possible with poorly placed or makeshift traps.
What to Do After an Armadillo is Removed
Preventing Future Burrowing Activity
Even after the animal is safely removed, there’s still work to be done. Armadillos are opportunistic creatures, and unless your yard is made less appealing, another one may move in soon. Filling in old burrows completely and reinforcing any entry points is essential to discourage new digging. It’s also helpful to compact the soil and add physical barriers like underground mesh or fencing in vulnerable areas. These measures make your yard less attractive to burrowing wildlife in the future.
Managing Food Sources and Environmental Changes
Since armadillos are drawn to insects and soft soil, managing your yard’s environment is another useful strategy. Reducing grub and worm populations by using eco-friendly pest control methods can help eliminate the main food source that draws them in. Keeping mulch and compost bins tightly covered, trimming bushes, and avoiding overwatering your lawn can all contribute to a less appealing habitat for armadillos and other ground-dwelling animals that may cause similar issues.
Should You Use an Expert to Remove Armadillos from Your Home?
It’s About More Than Just Removal
At first glance, armadillos might seem harmless—quiet, slow-moving, and even a little charming with their armored shell. But if you’ve discovered one digging up your lawn or creating burrows under your foundation, the situation is more serious than it appears. Removing an armadillo isn’t as simple as shooing it away or laying down bait. These creatures can be persistent and surprisingly hard to trap, especially without the proper knowledge or tools. That’s why using expert armadillo control services near you is not only smart—it’s often the safest and most effective solution.
Health Risks Make DIY Risky
While armadillos are not aggressive, they are known carriers of diseases like leprosy and can also spread salmonella. Handling or trapping them without experience can put your health at risk, especially if you’re exposed to their droppings or come into direct contact. Professionals know how to safely trap and transport armadillos while minimizing exposure to potential health threats. If you’re not trained in wildlife handling, even a simple mistake can lead to serious health consequences for you or your family.
Armadillo Behavior Is Tough to Predict
Armadillos don’t fall for typical bait traps and prefer to follow habitual pathways, often returning to the same areas night after night. Experts understand armadillo movement patterns and use this knowledge to place humane traps strategically. DIY approaches often involve guesswork, which can lead to failure, frustration, and a worsening of the problem. Hiring a professional ensures your removal method is based on real behavior patterns and proven techniques, not trial and error.
Damage Control and Prevention Are Key
An armadillo might be the only one you see, but others could follow if the environment remains favorable. Professionals don’t just remove the animal—they inspect your property for entry points, signs of burrowing, and damage to foundations or landscaping. They’ll also advise you on sealing up those spaces and making your yard less attractive to wildlife. Without this follow-up, you may find yourself dealing with repeat visits and recurring damage.
Experts Keep the Process Humane and Legal
Wildlife removal experts work under local and state regulations that protect animals and humans alike. Trying to remove or relocate wildlife without a permit in some areas may be illegal or result in hefty fines. Professional wildlife teams are trained to meet all legal and ethical standards. They use humane traps and avoid harmful poisons or dangerous tools, prioritizing a stress-free approach for both you and the animal.
Final Thoughts: Safety First
If you’re dealing with an armadillo on your property, your first priority should always be safety—both yours and the animal’s. Even if you choose not to bring in outside help, taking the time to understand how armadillos behave can help you make safer decisions. Avoid close contact and never attempt to touch or corner an armadillo, as it may scratch or react unpredictably. If you have questions or are unsure about how to proceed, seeking advice from a knowledgeable source can help you act with confidence and caution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if an armadillo is in my yard?
Look for shallow holes in your lawn, uprooted plants, and signs of burrowing near structures or fences. Armadillos are usually active at night.
Are armadillos aggressive toward humans?
No, armadillos are shy and tend to avoid human interaction. However, they may scratch or jump if startled or cornered, so caution is advised.
What time of day are armadillos most active?
They are nocturnal and most active during the night and early morning hours. This is when they search for food by digging.
Can armadillos climb or jump fences?
Armadillos are not good climbers, but they can jump when surprised and may dig under fences if not buried deep enough into the ground.
What should I do if I accidentally touch an armadillo?
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, avoid touching your face, and monitor for any symptoms. Contact a healthcare provider if concerned.