Free Guide to Removing Armadillos From Your Property

Understanding Armadillo Behavior and Why They Enter Properties

Armadillos are small to medium-sized mammals native to the Americas, with nine-banded armadillos being the most common species in North America. These creatures have hard, shell-like armor covering their backs, made of bony plates called osteoderms. Despite their intimidating appearance, armadillos are generally harmless to humans and are not aggressive animals. They become a concern for property owners primarily because of the damage they cause while foraging for food.

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Armadillos are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during nighttime hours. They are solitary animals that spend much of their time searching for food, which consists mainly of insects, grubs, earthworms, and other invertebrates. A single armadillo can consume thousands of insects daily. Their feeding behavior drives them onto residential properties where they dig small, cone-shaped holes in lawns and gardens to access their preferred food sources. These holes can range from 1 to 3 inches deep and appear across yards in clusters.

Properties attract armadillos when they offer abundant food sources and suitable habitat. Well-maintained lawns with healthy soil contain plenty of grubs and insects. Gardens, mulched areas, and compost piles also draw armadillos seeking food. Additionally, armadillos look for shelter under structures like decks, porches, sheds, and mobile homes. Areas with loose soil or accessible burrows become prime locations for armadillos to rest during the day.

Understanding armadillo behavior helps property owners identify why these animals visit their land. Armadillos do not intentionally damage property—they are simply searching for sustenance. In most areas, armadillos are protected by wildlife laws that restrict how they can be removed or harmed. Some states classify them as non-game animals, while others require special permits for removal. Checking local regulations is an important first step before taking any action.

Practical Takeaway: Armadillos visit properties seeking insects and shelter. Identifying signs of armadillo activity—such as small cone-shaped holes, burrows, or tracks—helps confirm their presence and guides removal and prevention efforts.

Identifying Armadillo Damage and Signs of Infestation

Recognizing armadillo activity on your property is the first step in addressing the problem. The most obvious sign is the distinctive holes they dig while foraging. These holes are typically 1 to 3 inches in diameter and cone-shaped, pushed up from the soil as the armadillo roots for grubs and insects. Unlike mole tunnels, which create raised ridges across lawns, armadillo holes are isolated punctures in the ground. A property can have dozens of these holes scattered across the yard, particularly in areas with moist soil and thick grass.

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Burrows represent another common sign of armadillo presence. Armadillos create burrows for shelter and rest during daylight hours. These burrows typically measure 3 to 5 inches in diameter and can extend several feet underground. Common locations for burrows include beneath decks, porches, sheds, garages, and other structures. The entrance to a burrow may be surrounded by dirt mounds or show signs of frequent use, such as worn or compacted soil around the opening.

Physical tracks and scat (droppings) can also indicate armadillo activity. Armadillo tracks show five toes on the front feet and four toes on the back feet. Their prints are roughly 1 to 1.5 inches wide and may appear in soft soil, sand, or muddy areas. Armadillo droppings are small, tubular, and typically found near burrows or feeding areas. They are tan or grayish in color and may contain visible insect fragments.

The extent of damage varies depending on the number of armadillos present and how long they have been active on a property. Some properties experience minor cosmetic damage with a handful of holes, while others suffer extensive lawn damage across large areas. Gardens and vegetable patches can be significantly disrupted by armadillo foraging, even though they do not intentionally eat plants—they simply dig through soil to access insects. The damage pattern often indicates recent activity; fresh holes appear lighter in color and have loose soil around them.

Nocturnal activity means most armadillo damage occurs overnight. Property owners may notice new holes appearing each morning, suggesting active and ongoing armadillo presence. In some regions, armadillo populations are seasonal, with more activity during warmer months. Learning to distinguish armadillo damage from damage caused by other animals—such as moles, voles, or gophers—helps ensure the correct removal and prevention strategies are applied.

Practical Takeaway: Document all signs of armadillo activity by photographing holes, burrows, and tracks. This record helps track infestation severity and monitor whether removal and prevention efforts are working effectively.

Non-Lethal Removal Methods and Live Trapping

Non-lethal removal is the most common and legally preferred method for dealing with armadillos in most jurisdictions. Live trapping allows property owners to capture armadillos without harming them and relocate them to another area. Before pursuing any removal strategy, however, property owners should verify local wildlife regulations. Some areas require permits for live trapping or have specific rules about where relocated animals can be released. Contacting local wildlife agencies or animal control provides information about legal requirements.

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Live traps designed for armadillos are typically large box traps, measuring approximately 30 to 40 inches long. These one-way door traps allow armadillos to enter but prevent them from exiting. Traps should be placed along known armadillo paths, near burrows, or in areas with recent foraging activity. Early morning or evening placement often yields better results since armadillos are most active during these times. The trap entrance should be partially buried in soil so that the armadillo encounters it naturally while moving through the yard.

Baiting live traps increases the likelihood of capture. Armadillos are attracted to food sources like earthworms, grubs, carrion (dead insects or small animals), and overripe fruit. Some property owners have success using specialized bait designed for armadillos, though fresh, natural baits are often equally effective. The trap should be checked daily, as leaving a captured animal in a trap longer than necessary causes stress and potential injury. In many regions, captured armadillos must be relocated within a specific timeframe, often 24 to 48 hours.

Relocation requires careful consideration. Many wildlife experts advise against relocation because armadillos relocated to unfamiliar territory may struggle to find food and shelter, potentially suffering and dying. Additionally, relocating armadillos may spread them to new areas where they previously did not exist, potentially disrupting local ecosystems. Some states prohibit relocation entirely or restrict where animals can be released. Property owners should investigate these regulations and consider consulting with wildlife professionals about whether relocation is appropriate in their situation.

Multiple capture attempts may be necessary if several armadillos are present on a property. A single property can host multiple individual armadillos, especially during breeding season. Trapping one armadillo may be ineffective if others continue causing damage. Patience and persistence are required; it may take several weeks of trapping to remove all armadillos from a property.

Practical Takeaway: Live trapping is a viable option in many areas, but success requires understanding local regulations, proper trap placement, appropriate baiting, and realistic expectations about relocation outcomes.

Exclusion and Physical Barriers to Prevent Armadillo Access

Exclusion—preventing armadillos from accessing problem areas—is often more effective than removal alone. Physical barriers block armadillos from reaching shelter under structures and help protect vulnerable areas like gardens. Exclusion work requires identifying all potential entry points and sealing them with materials that armadillos cannot dig through or move.

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Underground barriers installed around decks, porches, and sheds are highly effective. Sturdy materials like quarter-inch hardware cloth, metal mesh, or heavy-gauge plastic sheeting can be buried 12 to 18 inches deep and extended at least 6 inches above ground. The barrier should be angled outward at the top to discourage armadillos from climbing over. This approach works because armadillos cannot dig through these materials. The barrier essentially creates a fence that extends both above and below the soil surface, eliminating