how do you get rid of armadillos

Homeowners with a large perimeter will want to consider the cost of fencing materials. Good info on how to, "It helped me to understand this creature and how I need to get him out from under my deck. The University of Florida IFAS Extension experimented on how 40 armadillos responded to a variety of baits. Armadillos dine on a variety of insects including grubs, worms, beetles and ants. These traps are non-lethal and won't harm the armadillo. Set up the motion activated water sprinklers… I tried it and it looked like they were eating them. I caught 6 armadillos and released them 15 miles away. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at armadillos, the issues they can cause, and how you … I will try, "Armadillo destroyed my front yard last night. [1] X Research source Make sure that the trap you purchase is a live trap, also known as a catch-and-release trap. I have a live trap the correct size and type, but the armadillo pushed so hard on the door it bent the latch and escaped. Cayenne Pepper to Rid Armadillos. Armadillos, denied a ready supply of food from the ground, may scavenge your yard for anything else to eat (much like raccoons and opossums target your garbage), creating even more tunnels and holes. Any suggestions? There are a number of live traps on the market, and those that are designed for raccoons or skunks will be about … Pro tip: If you opt for this shocking solution, a single-strand electrical fence 3 to 4 inches off the ground can be effective, the University of Missouri Extension recommends. We have several live traps. Make sure that the trap you purchase is a live trap, also known as a catch-and-release trap. Additionally, spread castor oil, cayenne pepper, or mothballs around your yard since armadillos don't like these smells. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. It is difficult for an Armadillo to dig through a … Get easy-to-understand, actionable yard tips that will give you the greenest grass on the block. Try to get a trap with measurements around 12” x 10” x 30”. Therefore, I do not recommend that you … Essential Commodities. ", "It told me to wet a rag with vinegar to keep them out of the garden. Another reason you don’t want armadillos around: Armadillos are the only animal other than humans capable of carrying the bacteria that causes leprosy. LawnStarter is a startup making lawn care easy affordable and reliable. Because armadillos do their work at night, set your traps at dusk, and check them in the morning. They isn't any bait that works for armadillos (they eat worms and grubs). It looks like a golf divot, but deeper. Its primary food sources are earthworms, scorpions, spiders, and other invertebrates. Make your yard stink! Calling in an exterminator or professional to come and get rid of an armadillo for you every time you see one can start to add up. Instead, they rely on their … Through putting up a fence is a lot of work, so is repairing a damaged garden or backyard after an armadillo has dug it up. Purchase a live trap. Remember to treat armadillos kindly after you capture them! Why this may not work: Ridding the soil of all insects, grubs, and worms may lead to a whole new set of problems as plants also rely on these organisms. Then, spray liberally on lawns and gardens. I have dogs, and needed something that would not injure them but deter, "Never knew what armadillos do not like, now I do and don't have to go out and try to shoot them. Biologists who work with armadillos occasionally get scratched by the claws on the animal's enormous front feet, which it uses for digging. wikiHow's. The IFAS Extension tested invertebrates, eggs, fruits, and scents from armadillo anal glands. Why this may not work: By getting rid of these materials from your yard, you are removing the habitat of other wildlife. When looking for food, the armadillos use their extra sharp claws to dig up … The nine-banded armadillo causes considerable damage to lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens. This will make it harder for armadillos … Follow the steps in the article if you really feel the need to have it gone. Baiting an armadillo from a long distance will not be a successful solution. ), the oil can be mixed with alcohol for better spray control and a faster dry time. However, it's best not to bait traps since armadillos naturally burrow and dig to get their food and rarely eat things they find on the ground. Erect a fence around your compound and use deterrents. This article received 11 testimonials and 88% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Live trapping is especially useful to evict armadillos living under your home or in other places that may be difficult to reach with repellents. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. An armadillo in the yard is there because your soil is filled with the type of insects they enjoy eating. The only true way to get rid of armadillos is to trap them in cage traps and remove them from the area. It may be worth investing in motion-activated lights and noise not just to repel armadillos, but also other potential pests, especially if you have small livestock that might benefit from general repellents. It costs a little more to get one that already has armadillo scent inside, but it's worth the extra money. Sometimes armadillos will climb right over the fence. You can apply it on the fence and in the holes they … This is done by using wood chips that keep armadillos away from flower beds. The best traps are wooden. The material of the fence doesn't matter as long as it's sturdy and is installed a foot into the ground. Last Updated: September 6, 2019 ", "I read this article for information only. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. So hard to rid from animals. Use of Castor-Oil Repellents to Get Rid of Armadillos Castor oil has so many beneficial uses. Probably because it likes it there and has no reason to leave. We use cat food as bait, but it doesn't seem to work for the armadillo. Shake cayenne pepper liberally around your yard to ward them off. This pest, common across the Southeast and considered an invasive species in Florida, loves digging holes in yards for food. You can also soak a rag in vinegar or ammonia and leave it near the burrow to repel armadillos. https://armadillo-online.org/problems.html, http://www.247wildlife.com/get-rid-of-armadillos.htm, http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/blog/howdoyoutrapanarmadillo.htm, http://www.wildlife-removal.com/armadillotrap.html, http://www.havahart.com/how-to-get-rid-of-armadillos, http://www.wildlife-removal.com/armadillosyardgarden.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The transmission of leprosy from armadillos to humans is not well understood but poses a medical concern. I have an armadillo in my yard that has been around for over six months. Armadillos don’t actually see or hear very well. Armadillos’ sharp claws will even cause structural damage by burrowing tunnels under buildings and driveways. Immediately relocate the armadillos … References So armadillos’ digging habit can be extremely destroying if you don’t know how to handle it properly. You would think that a well-kept lawn would mean fewer pests, but the moist soil makes a welcoming invitation for these hungry critters. What you have to do, first and foremost, is take control when first sign of damage happens. Keep up the good work. Why do they keep returning to my yard? They concluded that most of the armadillos preferred pond worms, wigglers, crickets, and red worms. Homeowners who wish to bait and trap their armadillos will need to remain vigilant and monitor the traps. They have sharp claws may harm you if they feel threatened. Attack its food supply. That’s why we’ve collected five methods you can use to protect your lawn from damage and preserve the animal’s life. Some people decide to bait armadillo traps with earthworms. They're probably not the same ones, though, if you took them 15 miles away. I hope the suggestions work. ", deter its return. If you do choose to bait your trap, select earthworms or mealworms, both strongly favored by armadillos. The scent of mothballs also repels armadillos. With no repellents or fumigants designed to target armadillos, homeowners often struggle to find an effective solution. Using this strength against them, many believe that odors like garlic may deter armadillos. Another option to get rid of armadillos is professional trapping and removal. Wood Planks (Optional) Since armadillos walk with their noses to the ground much of … Armadillos like to create burrows in areas that have a protective cover. Avoid placing the trap in the middle of the room or yard unless you've seen the armadillo there often. In my experience, mothballs do not work at all. Some of these removal solutions are more effective than others, and some can serve as a deterrent or armadillo control for years to come: Want to get rid of an armadillo in your yard? The armadillos and moles … Approved. Armadillos are carriers of leprosy. I sometimes sit in my car, "Thank you so much for a humane way to discourage armadillos. Consider setting boards in a V-shape leading into the trap to lure the armadillos inside. They need food, water and a secure comfortable location. If an armadillo dies in your backyard, call Animal Control Services to dispose of the body. ", "I love the pic you show and the explanation. After you release of the armadillo, try several preventative measures to ensure that you won't be bothered by armadillos in the future! Try one of our methods above and you likely will have those armadillos finding new territory in no time. % of people told us that this article helped them. To learn how to use parasitic worms to keep armadillos out of your garden, keep reading! We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Stand behind or to one side of the cage as you release the armadillo. Try meal worms, maggots, overripe fruit, and spoiled meat, but it also depends on where you live. The best way to get rid of an armadillo is to capture it in an animal trap and release it away from your home. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Definitely; armadillos can transmit diseases to humans, and children might not know better. I spotted a family of four armadillos on my morning walk and am afraid of the neighbor's kids playing with them. Fill in the hole with dirt, and if the problem persists, consider installing the fence a foot or more into the ground. With this method, a professional trapper or animal control expert is hired to catch and remove all armadillo pests from the … Armadillos can be a nuisance because of their tendency to destroy lawns. Wildlife Removal USA and other professionals say armadillos seem unswayed by the odors and warn that mothballs can be tempting (they can look like candy) and dangerous to children. An animal trap is a hands-free way to humanely catch an armadillo and get it out of your hair for good. Armadillos also eat other unwanted insects. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. If you’re looking for solutions on how to get rid of an armadillo, here are some facts worth digging into. We can trap possums, skunks, and on several occasions the neighbor's cat! Not interested in killing it or trapping it. As seen in Forbes, CNBC and USA Today, LawnStarter lets makes it easy to schedule service with a local lawn care professional. I am a transplant from Wisconsin to Mississippi, and have one digging my yard up! A single armadillo can dig dozens of holes in your yard and prefers the most maintained lawns. Never try to catch or chase down an armadillo. Pro tip: Wooden boards can help funnel any armadillos moving alongside barriers right into the traps. Sorry, neighbors! Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Even though the disease is not highly contagious, it may spread from armadillos … I have not tried castor oil for armadillos, but I have used it for moles. the best way to get rid of armadillos is to keep a high concentration of odors and flavor in your soil that the armadillo dislikes. After getting rid of armadillos, ensure that all burrows are empty, and … The best thing to use if you want to trap them is place trap in an area they have been active in and use 12"-high boards or short fence to create a funnel into the trap entrance. Fill the burrow completely with pea gravel and dirt to make it less easy to dig up. To learn how to use parasitic worms to keep armadillos out of your garden, keep reading! That's where we come in... Our formulas are made of natural ingredients … Although armadillos have weak vision, it is offset by their impressive sense of smell. This can be achieved by installing a fence at least 18 inches (46 centimeters) into the ground. By using our site, you agree to our. Garlic Plants. "I come home every night and I have an armadillo living behind the outside garbage can. 10 Ways to Get Rid of Armadillos. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. What do I do with an armadillo that died in my back yard? Don't spray when rain is eminent or you'll have to do it all again. To deter armadillos from returning, install a fence that begins at least 1 foot below the ground. Though having just one armadillo may not warrant putting up a fence, if it is a recurring problem a fence may be your best option. Visit http://www.howtogetridofarmadillos.com - Tips on how to get rid of armadillos fast from your yard and home. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you want to get rid of armadillos, keep your surroundings clean and free of insects. How can you get rid of armadillos in your yard? Way of Approach. One of which includes using it to ward off Armadillos. Should I call animal control? If the above solutions don’t run off your armadillo, call animal control, wildlife removal, or pest control expert near you. Use Cayenne Pepper. You will find your inhabitants basically unscathed. It’s not as though these experts come back for free and do your … Ultrasonic Pest Control: Does It Work or Waste Your Money? Leaving any cage trap or live trap unchecked for too long is harmful to the animal stuck inside. Likewise, if you already have a fence around your backyard and the armadillo is still getting in, try to see if the armadillo has dug a hole under your fence that it's using to get in. In general, armadillos prefer to crawl along the outskirts of a space rather than through the middle. Hoping that works as we are tired of the damage they are causing to the lawn and our privacy. Armadillos are tough, but you, a determined homeowner, are tougher. Deeper is better: A fence buried 18 inches deep and slanted outward at a 40-degree angle will help deter armadillos from digging. They need food, and they will keep coming to your yard if there is a good source there. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. What should I do? and wait until I feel safe to go inside. There's no reason for it to attack you, but you should still try to not stand directly in front of its path. You can safely lift the traps from the area using the carry handle on the top of the cage. An electrical fence can keep armadillos out of your midst and off your grass, but don’t go this route in areas where children or pets play. Main image credit: birdphotos.com, CC by 3.0. These tunnels and holes can pose their own challenges to kids playing in your yard or you when you’re mowing the lawn. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Get-Rid-of-Armadillos-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Armadillos-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Get-Rid-of-Armadillos-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid1351325-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Armadillos-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"410","licensing":"