How to Get Rid of Armadillos: Tips and Tricks

Armadillos are endearing creatures, but they can be an unwelcome pest in your garden and yard. If not controlled, armadillos can wreak havoc on your property, digging holes and uprooting plants and flowers. In this article, we will explain some effective methods for removing armadillos from your property.

Trapping

Trapping is one of the most effective ways to remove armadillos from your property. You can purchase live traps, which capture the armadillo alive and unharmed. Before selecting a trap, research which size is best for the type of armadillo in your region.

Choose a bait for your trap that armadillos find irresistible such as mealworms, earthworms, or meal worms. Set your trap in an area where the armadillos are likely to pass by, such as near the entrance of their burrow.

When you have captured the armadillo, be sure to relocate it to a suitable habitat. Contact your local park ranger or animal control department for guidance on where to release it.

Fencing

Fencing is an excellent way to prevent armadillos from entering your garden or yard. They are great diggers and can infiltrate most perimeter barriers, so choose a high stock farm fencing. Electric fencing has proven to be the most effective method for controlling armadillos. Install the fence at least eight inches into the ground to prevent them from digging underneath the barrier and ensure the electric is functional.

Repellents

Armadillo repellents can be a fast and easy way to deter them from your property. Commercial repellents can be purchased from garden centers and online stores. They come in many forms, including granules, liquid sprays, and ultrasonic deterrents.

Repellents work by releasing an offensive odor that armadillos find unpleasant. It is essential to sprinkle them regularly to ensure they are efficient, and avoid any repellent contact with edible plants or vegetables.

Habitat Modification

Changing your garden or yard’s habitat to be less appealing to armadillos is one of the safest and effective ways to stop them from invading. Typical habitats for armadillos are areas with loose soil, making it easy for them to dig and forage food.

Remove any debris and piles of dirt that could be used for burrowing and digging. Trim excess vegetation that could cause a shaded habitat for armadillos. Rock gardens are less attractive to armadillos since they cannot be dug.

Ultrasonic Devices

Ultrasonic devices are an effective and innovative solution to get rid of armadillos. When they detect movement, these devices emit a high-frequency sound that armadillos can’t tolerate, causing them to redirect their course.

There are various ultrasonic tools on the market, ranging from high-frequency devices to solar-powered ones, making them eco-friendly. Place them near the burrows or on the boundary fence line.

Natural Predators

Natural predators like coyotes, bobcats, and foxes can sometimes help control the armadillo populations, but this is not the recommended way of dealing with them. However, attracting predators to your yard can be challenging, and you may be inviting negative impacts into your area.

Conclusion

There are several effective methods of dealing with armadillos on your property. Consider carefully which method is best suited to your individual situation, but always look for humane ways of removing them. Trapping is the most effective method, but combining it with habitat modification and fencing may be the best solution for your specific problem. Be patient, and with persistence, you can get rid of armadillos naturally and safely.