Many homeowners want to know how to get rid of armadillos because of the damage they can cause to properties through their digging habits. Their burrows can disrupt foundations, damage lawns, and harm underground pipes. Burrows can also create safety hazards for humans, pets, and livestock, like horses and cattle, who might trip in the holes. If armadillos are causing damage to your property, Terminix's wildlife control services can help remove them and other nuisance wildlife.

armadillo burrow

Signs of armadillos in your yard

Armadillos can dig large burrows up to 15 feet in length and about five feet deep, creating extensive underground networks. Common signs that armadillos have infiltrated your yard can include:

  • Large holes or burrows
  • Uprooted plants and disturbed soil
  • Shallow, small holes from foraging
  • Tracks with visible claw marks
  • Frequent sightings of an armadillo, especially at dusk or dawn

If your yard offers easy access to an armadillo's favorite meals or has suitable conditions for digging, you may unknowingly be inviting them in. The following factors may be making your lawn more attractive to armadillos:

  • Presence of insects, grubs, and other food sources
  • Soft, moist soil that's easy to dig in
  • Shelter options like shrubs, woodpiles, or decks
  • Nearby water sources such as ponds or birdbaths
armadillo

Treatments to help get rid of and repel armadillos

The best way to keep armadillos away is to have prevention strategies in place. While it may be tempting to try DIY methods for armadillo removal, there's a high chance these attempts could make matters worse. Some DIY repellent strategies can cause armadillos to dig more holes around your yard in search of resources. If you're unsure how to get rid of armadillos, a professional should be consulted for lasting, effective results.

Natural repellents

Armadillos have weak vision and rely heavily on their sense of smell. Because of this, it's believed that some natural items can be used as armadillo repellents. However, their effectiveness can vary based on factors like weather and wildlife behavior. Commonly suggested natural repellents include:

  • Garlic: Strong odors like garlic are thought to repel armadillos. However, high concentrations are required to have any effect, and wildlife may return to your property if food is available.
  • Cayenne pepper: Capsaicin in cayenne pepper is said to irritate wildlife, but studies show inconsistent results. Humidity or rain can also cause it to wither or wash away, reducing its effectiveness.
  • Vinegar and ammonia: Spraying a mixture of vinegar and ammonia around burrows may help deter armadillos because of the strong smell, but its effectiveness reduces over time, and rain can wash it away.

These natural repellents may offer temporary relief, but professional control and prevention strategies should be used for long-term results.

Fencing and barriers

Fencing can be a helpful barrier against wildlife invasion, but its effectiveness can be limited. Armadillos are savvy diggers and climbers, which means a standard fence may not always prevent them from entering your yard.

To increase the effectiveness of a fence, it should be at least 24 inches high and slanted outward at a 40-degree angle to make climbing more difficult. It's important to bury at least 12 inches of the fence underground to help prevent armadillos from digging underneath it. While fencing can help, it's not foolproof, so combining it with other professional preventive measures will offer better protection for your property.

Insecticides

Armadillos primarily feed on insects like termites, beetles, and worms, so some homeowners believe that reducing their food sources with insecticides may force them to relocate. However, this method may not repel armadillos and can actually cause armadillos to dig more holes around your yard in search of new food sources. If this occurs, more damage will be done to your property.

Remove food and water sources

Removing food and water sources from your yard in an attempt to help repel armadillos may not be effective and can have an adverse effect. Similar to the use of insecticides, attempts to reduce food sources can cause armadillos to dig more. Removing water sources may not significantly impact armadillos because they can find moisture in food or natural sources.

Regular yard maintenance and mindful landscaping

Regular yard maintenance and mindful landscaping, such as keeping lawns trimmed and removing debris, can help reduce areas where armadillos might dig for food or take shelter. However, these measures alone are not as effective as professional methods.

Armadillos are persistent diggers and can still find grubs and insects underground, even in well-maintained yards. Professional pest control methods, like trapping and specialized deterrents, are more effective at addressing the root cause of armadillo activity and preventing further damage.

Professional armadillo control and removal services

For a more reliable solution to armadillo removal, trust Terminix for professional wildlife control services. Our trained experts understand how to get rid of armadillos and will provide customized solutions to help protect your property. Our professionals also have the knowledge and experience required to accurately identify the pests causing issues, determine what is attracting them to your property, and implement trapping and prevention strategies. Schedule your inspection today!

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