This could involve snipping overhanging branches or moving patio furniture toward the middle of the lawn to prevent armadillos from hiding under it. 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. There is no effective bait to use in an armadillo trap. Also, applying insecticides may harm birds, rabbits, squirrels — or your pets. An animal trap is a hands-free way to humanely catch an armadillo and get it out of your hair for good. This pest, common across the Southeast and considered an invasive species in Florida, loves digging holes in yards for food. In order to catch an armadillo you must know where it is coming from and where it is going so you can set a trap in the animal’s path. underground, making them unpleasant to eat. Why is it not leaving? wikiHow's. Why this may not work: By getting rid of these materials from your yard, you are removing the habitat of other wildlife. One of the armadillo’s favorite meals is a grub. Follow the steps in the article if you really feel the need to have it gone. You would think that a well-kept lawn would mean fewer pests, but the moist soil makes a welcoming invitation for these hungry critters. Your armadillo fence should achieve the following in order to keep armadillos out: stand at least 24" tall penetrate the ground at least 6-12" The bait also may attract raccoons or other unwanted animals. We can trap possums, skunks, and on several occasions the neighbor's cat! Yes, strong scented, eye-stinging scents like those of vinegar or ammonia or good old pine cleaner can stop armadillos in their tracks, driving them from their borrows and your yard. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. ", "I read this article for information only. and wait until I feel safe to go inside. Armadillos are tough, but you, a determined homeowner, are tougher. 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. Armadillos are unique and interesting creatures, but they are still nuisance animals that can be responsible for a wide variety of damages in and around Florida homes. Mix 2 parts castor oil, 1 part dish soap and 1 gallon of water in a large bucket. Even though the disease is not highly contagious, it may spread from armadillos to human being. This article received 11 testimonials and 88% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. For example, set traps near the entrance of an active burrow or alongside fencing barriers where armadillos have a habit of traveling. If the above solutions don’t run off your armadillo, call animal control, wildlife removal, or pest control expert near you. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. References I don't have a problem with armadillos. If you do see an armadillo that is seemingly unafraid when approached or is very active during the day, then rabies could be the culprit. 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. I have an armadillo in my yard that has been around for over six months. % of people told us that this article helped them. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. One can try making their yard smell unpleasant. Sorry, neighbors! HOME REMEDIES TO GET RID OF ARMADILLOS; HOME REMEDIES TO GET RID OF ARMADILLOS 1. Armadillos are solitary and a live, cage trap is an effective way to remove them. To get rid of an armadillo in the yard, you need to trap and remove the animal. Ways you get rid of armadillos include restricting their food supply, removing their hiding places, fencing, and live trapping and baiting. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The scent of mothballs also repels armadillos. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Regarding this, what is the best way to get rid of armadillos? In general, armadillos prefer to crawl along the outskirts of a space rather than through the middle. Place mothballs around burrows as well as any areas you want to protect like your garden to stave off armadillos. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. The top of the fence should be at a 45-degree angle to the ground. Because they are still breathing! These traps are non-lethal and won't harm the armadillo. The best way to trap the armadillo is to either find a hole that the animal has dug to gain access under the shed, or to block off the perimeter using steel mesh or wooden blocks, to force the armadillo to go through one area. In my experience, mothballs do not work at all. Scorpion Control: How to Get Rid of Scorpions in Your Home, How to Stop the Bed Bugs From Biting in Denver. Try to get a trap with measurements around 12” x 10” x 30”. Keep up the good work. If you are using it on structures or non-organic surfaces (like driveways, sidewalks, etc. How can you get rid of armadillos in your yard? The transmission of leprosy from armadillos to humans is not well understood but poses a medical concern. Armadillos struggle to recognize food sources until they are up close. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Pro tip: You may read online that the strong smell of mothballs, castor oil or ammonia can be used as armadillo repellents. There are lots of them and they can destroy a yard in just a few nights. Salmonella. Again, for these animals, finding an area that provides a steady supply of food is the major goal. Don’t let an armadillo’s small size, big ears, and cute snout fool you. 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? Last Updated: September 6, 2019 So hard to rid from animals. Armadillos are carriers of leprosy. With no repellents or fumigants designed to target armadillos, homeowners often struggle to find an effective solution. They isn't any bait that works for armadillos (they eat worms and grubs). You can use it to make your own homemade repellent. There's no reason for it to attack you, but you should still try to not stand directly in front of its path. 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. Ways you get rid of armadillos include restricting their food supply, removing their hiding places, fencing, and live trapping and baiting. Don't spray when rain is eminent or you'll have to do it all again. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The holes in my yard are about 3" in diameter and 2-3" deep. You can have that luxury, though, with the solar-powered ultrasonic armadillo repeller. Fill in the hole with dirt, and if the problem persists, consider installing the fence a foot or more into the ground. That’s why we’ve collected five methods you can use to protect your lawn from damage and preserve the animal’s life. This will give you a clue about where the burrow is located. To keep Armadillos out of your yard, make your yard non-conducive as possible. Use a properly constructed fence to completely exclude armadillos from your yard or garden. Get easy-to-understand, actionable yard tips that will give you the greenest grass on the block. Identifying Different Cockroaches in Tampa, 2021’s Best and Worst States for Living Off the Grid, 10 Walkway Ideas for Your Yard and Garden, 14 Treehouse Ideas for Your Backyard Playhouse. Any suggestions? They use their strong legs and sharp claws to tear up the ground, which includes your beautiful rose gardens and well-manicured lawns. The University of Florida IFAS Extension experimented on how 40 armadillos responded to a variety of baits. Using it is a non-toxic and safe way to get rid of armadillos without hurting your garden or lawn. ", moth balls and cayenne pepper to start. Using any of these items regularly will ward off armadillos. Ultrasonic Pest Control: Does It Work or Waste Your Money? Make your yard stink! ", you, but it will come in handy next year. Good info on how to, "It helped me to understand this creature and how I need to get him out from under my deck. I will try, "Armadillo destroyed my front yard last night. They will make an attempt to stay in a particular place if it gives them easy access to a reliable food source. I sometimes sit in my car, "Thank you so much for a humane way to discourage armadillos. Does Castor Oil Get Rid of Armadillos? Try meal worms, maggots, overripe fruit, and spoiled meat, but it also depends on where you live. You can also soak a rag in vinegar or ammonia and leave it near the burrow to repel armadillos. 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. Armadillos are also repelled by the scent of cayenne pepper. Another reason you don’t want armadillos around: Armadillos are the only animal other than humans capable of carrying the bacteria that causes leprosy. I have not tried castor oil for armadillos, but I have used it for moles. Thanks! You may want to try one of these homemade remedies. Go back to the Armadillo Removal page. 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. What do I do with an armadillo that died in my back yard? You will also find them digging burrows under the trees, the shed in your backyard, the driveway, home and foundation. Avoid placing the trap in the middle of the room or yard unless you've seen the armadillo there often. I hope the suggestions work. If an armadillo dies in your backyard, call Animal Control Services to dispose of the body. Remove the food source, and remove the pest! To deter armadillos from returning, install a fence that begins at least 1 foot below the ground. 10 Ways to Get Rid of Armadillos. LawnStarter is a startup making lawn care easy affordable and reliable. Remember to treat armadillos kindly after you capture them! 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. Castor oil is effective in repelling armadillos as it penetrates deep in the soil, spoils its food sources, and makes the armadillos go away. [1] X Research source Make sure that the trap you purchase is a live trap, also known as a catch-and-release trap. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Armadillos can cause extreme amounts of damage to property with their burrowing. ", "It told me to wet a rag with vinegar to keep them out of the garden. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at armadillos, the issues they can cause, and how you can keep your home clear and damage-free. 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. Approved. Trapping armadillos is a tricky task. ", deter its return. So armadillos’ digging habit can be extremely destroying if you don’t know how to handle it properly. Don't get impatient: Additionally, it’s important not to get impatient when trying to get rid of armadillos. The challenge with baiting armadillos is getting an armadillo to find the trap and enter it. Armadillos’ sharp claws will even cause structural damage by burrowing tunnels under buildings and driveways. One of which includes using it to ward off Armadillos. What you have to do, first and foremost, is take control when first sign of damage happens. Armadillos do not see very well, so it is often easy to get close enough to run them down. Also check outdoor structures like your shed or garage. 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. Try one of our methods above and you likely will have those armadillos finding new territory in no time. Castor oil. 2) No bait is effective - set traps in areas of high armadillo activity, on trails or even on top of escape burrows. Armadillos live in burrows, so they dig a hole under the shed, often tossing dirt out the side of the shed. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Don't keep them in the trap for more than an hour or so, and try to release them in a hospitable environment. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Take a hand full of Armadillos foods or armadillo bait like carpet beetles, parasite worms etc. I spotted a family of four armadillos on my morning walk and am afraid of the neighbor's kids playing with them. These traps are non-lethal and won't harm the armadillo. Armadillos, along with a long list of other animals, carry salmonella. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. I see that you are in Orlando. This will dissuade the armadillo’s burrowing instinct. Examples of bogus products include moth … Though possums can bite, I have never heard of an armadillo biting a person. To learn how to use parasitic worms to keep armadillos out of your garden, keep reading! As seen in Forbes, CNBC and USA Today, LawnStarter lets makes it easy to schedule service with a local lawn care professional. Rumor has it, these roly-poly creatures are offended by … Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 325,738 times. As mentioned before, these nocturnal mammals have a strong smell sense. Purchase a large one-door animal trap from a store like Home Depot or Walmart. Place this food in the wooden trap cage. Use an effective castor oil-based repellent to drive armadillos out and to prevent them from digging for food on your property. Use of Castor-Oil Repellents to Get Rid of Armadillos Castor oil has so many beneficial uses. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Keeping Armadillos at Bay There are many reasons that you may not want armadillos hanging around your home or yard. Getting rid of armadillos might be on your to do list, but do it safely and without causing the creatures harm. With their small mouths and tiny peglike teeth, they probably would not hurt anyway. It is suggested that Getting Rid of Grubs will help reduce armadillo damage to your yard. Erect a fence around your compound and use deterrents. These tunnels and holes can pose their own challenges to kids playing in your yard or you when you’re mowing the lawn. Read more about What to Do If You Find a Nest Of Baby Armadillos and Best Ways to Remove Armadillos From Under Your Shed Or Porch. If you want to get rid of armadillos, keep your surroundings clean and free of insects. This article has been viewed 325,738 times. Do I use bait in the trap to get rid of armadillos? A single armadillo can dig dozens of holes in your yard and prefers the most maintained lawns. I would recommend that you mix the oil with water and enough dish soap to emulsify it (meaning the oil won't float on the water anymore). Remember, armadillos are not territorial animals. Now I can just go straight into the house and not have to wait. Its primary food sources are earthworms, scorpions, spiders, and other invertebrates. What should I do? They need food, water and a secure comfortable location. My question is this: I am in Brandon, FL about 10-15 minutes right outside of Tampa. I wish I had not waited so late in the year to ask, "Very informative. Shake cayenne pepper liberally around your yard to ward them off. Probably because it likes it there and has no reason to leave. In-ground fences might seem like an effective solution, but if the fence doesn’t go deep enough, armadillos will burrow right underneath and into your yard. Should I call animal control? They have sharp claws may harm you if they feel threatened. Main image credit: birdphotos.com, CC by 3.0. How to Get Rid of Armadillos - Get Rid of Armadillos - YouTube Additionally, spread castor oil, cayenne pepper, or mothballs around your yard since armadillos don't like these smells. Just be sure to test any finishes first, like car paint, to make sure the alcohol won't damage it. I caught 6 armadillos and released them 15 miles away. By using our site, you agree to our. 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. If you have tried repositioning the trap and the armadillo still doesn't go in, call animal control. Cayenne Pepper to Rid Armadillos. It looks like a golf divot, but deeper. Castor oil is an all-natural oil that penetrates the ground, and repels armadillos in two ways : spoils the food sources (insects, grubs, etc.) They … {"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":"