This page is devoted to helping people who are having trouble with an armadillo infestation or have an injured armadillo.
Armadillos are unpredictable and there is no definite solution. However, the following items have been tried and recommended by various people.
I do not endorse any particular procedure. You must decide upon a course of action.
If you like, you may discuss armadillos at the
armadillo discussion board.
- Injured Dillo Care.
If you have an injured armadillo click here, then click on your State for a list of wildlife rehabilitator's in your area.
- Let someone else deal with it.
There are professionals for hire to remove the animal. In your phone book they may be listed under "Wildlife Services", "Wildlife Trapping and Relocation", or "Pest Control".
If you are in Florida 24-7 Wildlife may be able to help with armadillo (and other animal) control.
- Repell them.
- There is a product called "Whole Control" that claims it "Inhibits the formation of burrows". It is supposed to be a natural and biodegradable repellent. Click here to learn more.
- A product called Armageddon Armadillo Repellent claims to repell them. You can search for it on Google.
- There is another product called "Ropel". You spray it on plants so that armadillos leave them alone. There many kinds of bad-tasting yet non-toxic repellents.
- There is a product called Armadillo Repellent. It is sprayed on the lawn and is claimed to be non-toxic. Click here to learn more.
- Soap bars cut up and sprinkled around your lawn or ammonia may help discourage them. Mix one quart of ammonia with 5-10 gallons of water and apply over 2500 square feet. Remember, ammonia can be dangerous.
- Armadillos do not like the smell of moth balls. These have been used to encourage armadillos to leave an area or their burrow. The moth balls are thrown into the burrow. After the animal exits, they might be caged and relocated.
- Irritate them.
They also do not like red pepper powder or chili powder. When sprinkled in the area where the armadillo digs, it may encourage them to move on.
- The Government is here to help.
If you live in Florida, call the "St. Johns County Cooperative Extension" at (904)824-4564 and request Bulletin #FRC-17 (Control of Armadillos). Or try your local "Cooperative Extension Service". You can also get assistance for armadillo problems by contacting your nearest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission office.
If you live in Texas, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for information.
- Blockade!
A short fence slanted outward at a 40-degree angle with at least 18-inches buried may deter them.
- Clean up.
Take care of your lawn. If you don't, insects may thrive and they attract armadillos. Try to keep your insect population under control. An untended yard will also encourage burrowing, because armadillos like cover. Remove brush, rock piles and tall grass. Compost piles and rotting fruit under trees also attract armadillos.
- Catch & release
Earthworms and rotten cabbage have been used as bait. The bait is usually placed in a trap or cage.
- Are they home?
Sometimes a burrow may be abandoned. Loose dirt can be piled in front of the burrow, and inspected later to see if it has been disturbed.
- Watchout for babies.
The presence of baby armadillos can complicate the removal. Babies live with their mother for several months. Mating season is in late summer or fall. The young are born in early spring or summer.
- Cover up.
After the animal (and any babies) are removed, the hole can be filled.
- Get hi-tech.
A site called "Promolife" sells an ultrasonic pest repeller. Click here to learn more.
- learn more.
A site called "Living with Wildlife" has some info on dealing with animals. Click here to learn more.
Good Luck.
Disclaimer: The above information is not intended to endorse any particular course of action.
You must decide, based on your needs and scenario, a course of action. The information provided was gleaned from sources on the internet.
I am not responsible for any errors or other problems with the information.