The armadillo might seem like a curious, even interesting animal, but once it turns your property into its personal hunting ground, the fascination fades fast. These animals dig relentlessly in search of insects, worms, and grubs, leaving behind a maze of holes that can ruin even the most carefully maintained lawn. Their digging isn’t random; it’s deliberate, and it often extends beneath patios, decks, and foundations. That’s where the real damage begins.
An armadillo can create several burrows across one property, each stretching several feet underground. These tunnels don’t just disturb soil; they destabilize it. Over time, the ground above can sag or collapse, and small openings near structures can expand into real hazards. Gardens are often one of the first places they invade, pulling up plants and roots while foraging. The damage can be expensive to fix if left unchecked, and once one armadillo finds a food-rich area, others aren’t far behind.
They’re also creatures of habit. Once they find a reliable feeding site, they return night after night, sometimes for months. The combination of persistence and strong digging ability makes them one of the more challenging wildlife pests to control without professional help. Understanding their behavior and addressing the cause of their presence is the first step toward keeping them away for good.
Recognizing The Signs Of Activity
Most property owners discover an armadillo problem after noticing the aftermath of its nightly visits. Small, cone-shaped holes about three to five inches across appear in lawns or flowerbeds. These pits are the result of quick digs as the animal searches for insects beneath the surface. When the digging extends around fences, under sheds, or near porches, it usually means a burrow system has been established. These openings look like half-moon arches cut into the soil, often surrounded by loose dirt.
Sometimes the evidence is more subtle, such as tracks across soft ground, a faint odor near a burrow, or disrupted mulch beds. Armadillo tracks are distinct, showing four front toes with sharp claw marks and five on the back. Because they’re most active from dusk until early morning, you might never see one in action. But their work is unmistakable.
The challenge is that their digging doesn’t just affect surface appearance. Burrowing near foundations or under driveways can compromise the integrity of the ground itself. Homeowners might start to notice small sinkholes or uneven patches forming over time. The earlier these warning signs are recognized, the easier it is to stop the progression before it leads to more serious structural concerns.
How Our Team Handles The Issue
Dealing with an armadillo problem takes more than blocking burrows or scattering repellents. These methods rarely work long term. What matters is understanding where and why the animal is digging. Our process begins with a detailed inspection to locate active burrows, feeding areas, and pathways across the property. Once those zones are identified, we set up professional-grade live traps designed to humanely capture the animal without causing unnecessary stress or harm.
After removal, the captured armadillo is relocated to an appropriate natural area where it can live without threatening residential or commercial landscapes. But removal is only part of the solution. We also address what attracted it to the property in the first place. If the soil has become a food source rich in insects, we may recommend soil treatments or changes in lawn care that help reduce the appeal. Securing decks, repairing gaps, and modifying landscaping can further reduce the likelihood of another intrusion.
Our goal is to handle the current infestation and help property owners prevent future ones. Every property is different, and our approach reflects that. By combining proven trapping methods with practical prevention techniques, we help restore the property’s condition while minimizing future risk. The process is thorough, focused, and built around long-term results rather than temporary fixes.
Why Swift Intervention Makes A Difference
The sooner an armadillo problem is managed, the less extensive the damage becomes. Waiting it out rarely works. These animals do not migrate far and often return to the same property for multiple seasons. A single armadillo can dig dozens of holes across a yard in just a few nights. If ignored, those holes can deepen into full burrows that extend under fences, sidewalks, or patios. Once that happens, repairs become more complicated and costly.
Swift professional intervention does more than stop the damage in progress; it helps prevent new issues from forming. Once the armadillo is removed, the burrows can be inspected and safely closed to prevent collapse or reuse by other animals. In many cases, unaddressed burrows end up being taken over by snakes, rodents, or insects. Acting early helps avoid this chain reaction.
Taking prompt action also protects property value. Landscapes left pockmarked by digging lose their appeal quickly, especially in residential neighborhoods. Maintaining control over the situation keeps the property stable and attractive while giving you peace of mind that the problem will not resurface once handled properly.
At Wildlife Task Force, we understand how frustrating it is to watch your yard or garden get torn apart night after night. Our mission is to resolve the issue quickly, effectively, and with long-term results in mind. If you’ve spotted holes, tunnels, or other signs of digging, it’s time to act before the problem worsens. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or to learn more about how our professionals can help you remove armadillos and restore your property’s condition. The sooner we get started, the sooner you’ll have your space back under control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Armadillos
Q1. What draws armadillos to residential properties in the first place?
A1. Armadillos are primarily attracted to areas that provide an easy source of food and soft soil for digging. They thrive in places where the ground is rich with insects, grubs, and worms. Well-watered lawns, gardens, and mulched flowerbeds create ideal conditions for them to forage. They also look for quiet spots to dig burrows, often under decks, sheds, or thick vegetation. Once they discover a steady food supply, they tend to stay close and dig multiple holes throughout the property. Reducing food availability and sealing off potential burrow sites are key steps toward keeping them away.
Q2. How can I tell if the damage in my yard is being caused by an armadillo?
A2. Armadillo damage has a very distinct appearance compared to other nuisance animals. They leave behind clusters of small, shallow holes about the size of a golf ball, scattered randomly across lawns and gardens. These pits are typically uniform in shape and often accompanied by loose soil thrown nearby. If you notice half-moon shaped openings near fences or foundations, those are likely burrow entrances. Another clue is the timing of the activity. These animals are mostly nocturnal, so damage that seems to appear overnight is a strong indication that one is digging in your yard.
Q3. What happens during a professional armadillo removal service?
A3. A professional removal process usually begins with an inspection to confirm activity and locate all active burrows. Once those areas are identified, humane live traps are strategically placed along the animal’s regular travel paths. After capture, the armadillo is relocated to a suitable natural habitat far from residential zones. The service also includes closing off old burrows and advising on prevention methods, such as soil treatment or minor property modifications that make the area less appealing. The goal is not just to remove the current intruder but to help prevent future ones from returning.