Armadillos are unusual creatures with habits that often clash with human environments. They are burrowing animals, digging into soil in search of grubs, insects, and other invertebrates. This constant rooting and tunneling can cause extensive damage to lawns, gardens, and landscaped areas. In many cases, homeowners notice uneven ground, uprooted plants, and holes scattered across their property. The species is primarily nocturnal, and their activity ramps up at night, which makes detection difficult until the damage is already visible.
These animals are also known to create dens under structures such as decks, sheds, or porches. Once they establish a burrow in these areas, the integrity of the structure may be compromised. Their burrows can extend several feet underground, and abandoned dens are often repurposed by other animals, making the problem extend well beyond the armadillo itself. In addition to property damage, there are health concerns. Armadillos can carry diseases that pose risks to humans and pets. While direct contact is rare, the presence of these animals near a home can create unnecessary exposure.
Understanding their behavior is the first step in recognizing why professional removal is often necessary. Their persistence and adaptability make them difficult to deter through simple do-it-yourself measures. Once one has discovered a food source or a comfortable area for burrowing, it is unlikely to leave voluntarily without intervention.
Risks Of Unchecked Activity
An armadillo may seem harmless at first glance, but their behavior quickly creates cascading issues. Their digging habits lead to soil displacement, which in turn weakens the stability of the ground. This can affect walkways, patios, and even foundations in more severe cases. Gardeners often find that carefully cultivated flower beds and vegetable patches are destroyed in a single night of activity. The economic cost of repeated damage far outweighs the effort required to address the problem early.
Wildlife experts also point out the role of armadillos in altering ecosystems. By disturbing soil layers, they can disrupt the habitats of beneficial insects and small plants. On residential properties, this translates to a constant cycle of repair, reseeding, and frustration. Another risk comes from their unpredictable digging near water lines, irrigation systems, or underground wiring. Repairs for those problems are costly and inconvenient, adding urgency to effective removal.
Health risks should not be dismissed either. Even without direct encounters, contaminated soil around burrows can introduce pathogens. Pets that dig near dens may come into closer contact, bringing potential hazards into the household. For families with children who spend time playing outside, the concern grows even more significant. Leaving an infestation unaddressed only compounds these risks over time.
Professional Removal And Exclusion
The removal of an armadillo requires more than setting out a trap. Effective strategies begin with understanding the patterns of movement, feeding grounds, and den sites. One of our experienced professionals will assess the property to locate active burrows and identify entry points. Live trapping is often used, but it must be done strategically to avoid capturing non-target animals or causing unnecessary distress.
Once the animal is removed, the next critical step is exclusion. Without addressing the conditions that attracted the armadillo in the first place, the problem will likely return. This can include reinforcing vulnerable areas under decks or sealing off gaps that lead to crawl spaces. Soil management and the removal of food sources are also part of long-term control. Our team uses specialized techniques and equipment that minimize disruption to the property while addressing the root cause.
It’s also worth noting that local regulations often govern how wildlife can be handled. Professional removal ensures compliance with those rules and reduces the chance of complications. Attempting to tackle the issue alone may not only prove ineffective but could also result in legal or ethical missteps. The expertise brought by wildlife specialists saves both time and resources while offering peace of mind that the problem is fully resolved.
Long-Term Property Protection
Eliminating an existing armadillo is only part of the solution. Long-term protection involves preventing future invasions. This process begins with a thorough property assessment. Areas with loose soil or abundant insects will naturally attract these animals. Strategies such as installing barriers, modifying landscaping, and addressing drainage issues all contribute to making the environment less appealing.
Homeowners who invest in long-term measures see substantial benefits. Lawns and gardens retain their appearance, structural risks are minimized, and the stress of recurring problems is reduced. Since armadillos are highly adaptable, proactive management remains the most reliable way to maintain control. Preventative solutions tailored to each property’s specific conditions go a long way in ensuring lasting results.
Education is another important factor. Understanding the behavior of armadillos and recognizing early signs of activity allows for quicker intervention. Rather than waiting until damage becomes widespread, property owners can take steps immediately. Partnering with experienced professionals like ours makes this easier, as they provide insight and guidance beyond the initial removal.
Armadillos bring a unique set of challenges when they settle into residential areas. Their burrowing, feeding habits, and potential health concerns make them a serious issue that requires a thoughtful response. By combining removal, exclusion, and long-term prevention, properties can be restored and protected from further disruption. At Frontier Wildlife Solutions, we specialize in resolving these problems with proven methods designed for lasting results. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about how we can help with armadillo removal, contact us today for more information and services tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Armadillos
Q1. How Do I Know If An Armadillo Is Causing The Damage In My Yard?
A1. One of the most telling signs is the appearance of small cone-shaped holes scattered across the lawn, which are left behind as the animal digs for insects. Larger tunnel entrances along foundations, under decks, or near porches may also point to burrowing activity. Unlike other wildlife, these animals typically leave behind a very distinctive pattern of soil displacement that’s deeper and more concentrated than what raccoons or squirrels create. If these issues appear overnight and continue to worsen, it’s likely that an armadillo is the culprit.
Q2. Why Can’t I Just Relocate The Armadillo Myself?
A2. Relocating an armadillo without proper training can be far more complicated than it seems. The animals are nocturnal, elusive, and often return to the same areas if conditions remain favorable. Trapping requires knowledge of their travel routes and behaviors, and in many areas there are legal restrictions on how wildlife can be captured and moved. Handling the situation without the right approach may not solve the problem, and it could even make things worse if the animal digs new burrows elsewhere on the property.
Q3. What Can Be Done To Prevent Them From Coming Back After Removal?
A3. Prevention usually involves a combination of habitat changes and physical barriers. Reducing food availability in the soil by controlling grubs and insects makes the yard less attractive. Reinforcing areas where burrows were found, such as sealing gaps under sheds or adding protective fencing underground, can deter re-entry. Long-term prevention is most effective when tailored to each property, since every landscape offers different features that may draw armadillos in the first place.
