Armadillo

The armadillo is considered a nuisance animal because of it’s characteristic burrowing and digging, which is detrimental to many areas of your property.

Damage

As a result of their rooting, most armadillo damage occurs to:

  • Lawns
  • Golf courses
  • Flower beds
  • Vegetable Gardens
  • Vegetable gardens

Characteristic signs of armadillo activity are:

  • Shallow holes (dug in search of food), that are 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches wide.
  • Burrows ranging in sizes of 7 to 8 inches in diameter and up to 15 feet long in length.
  • Uprooted flowers and other ornamental plants
  • Some damage, due to burrowing under, caused to foundations, driveways, and other structures.
Disease

Armadillos can be infected by the bacterium Mycobacterium Leprae which is the causative agent of Leprosy. The role that armadillos have in human infections, however, has not been determined.

They may pose a potential risk for humans, particularly in the Gulf Coast region.

Biology & Habits

The armadillo is active primarily from twilight through early morning hours in the warmer months. In winter, the armadillo may only be active during the day. The armadillo usually digs a burrow that is 7 – 8 inches in diameter and up to 15 feet in length. The burrow provides the armadillo with shelter and place to raise their young. Armadillos often have several dens in an area to use for escape.

The young are born in a nest within the burrow. The female produces only one litter each year. The litter is born in March or April after a 150 day gestation period. The litter always consists of quadruplets of the same sex.

Austins Wildlife Removal Services - Armadillo

Physical Abilities

The armadillo has poor eye sight but a keen sense of smell. In spite of its cumbersome appearance, the agile armadillo can run well when in danger.

It is a good swimmer and can climb in order to gain access to raised flower beds.

Management

Armadillos have the ability to climb and burrow. Fencing or barriers may exclude armadillos under certain conditions. A fence with a portion buried can be effective. The cost of exclusion of a large area should be compared to the cost of trapping and the value of the resources being protected. Treating the damaged area with insecticides is seldom effective. Insecticides will eliminate the armadillo’s food source but they also eliminate the beneficial insects in the soil.

Armadillos will still create damage in search of food after a chemical treatment. Armadillo damage increases in managed areas in dry weather due to watering. One might say the smell of wet soil is the magnet for armadillos.

If you are currently experiencing armadillo damage give us a call for a free consultation.

Austin’s Wildlife Removal Services resolves the human and animal conflict.

If you think you may have an Armadillo problem, please call us for your free consultation at 512-278-0278.