Armadillos are interesting creatures, but can quickly become a nuisance when they root up your lawn in search of dinner. Armadillos' main foods are insects, grubs, and worms. They will go anywhere they can find these delicacies. If your yard has areas of dark-colored mulch, it is likely that bugs and worms will enjoy these spots. Then the armadillos will be attracted to your yard to feast on the bugs. If they like your place, they will dig a burrow to use for a home. This burrow could be anywhere, but it can be more than a nuisance if they dig under your porch or the foundation of your home. It is much harder to get rid of armadillos once they have moved in and set up housekeeping than it is to protect your property from them in the first place.

There are a number of things a person can do to armadillo-proof your yard and buildings, or to eliminate them if they are already there. Here are a few of them.

Landscaping
As mentioned above, mulch makes a wonderful breeding place for bugs and worms. Replace areas of mulch with decorative gravel or rocks, thereby eliminating one source of armadillo food. There may be areas of your property where you can't do that, such as a garden or flower beds. There is a certain kind of non-segmented worm called a nematode that is available for purchase. Place these creatures in areas with mulch as the nematodes will eat the grubs and bugs that the armadillos like, making the armadillos look elsewhere for their next meal.

Fencing
Before the armadillos arrive and make themselves at home, or if you have finally rid yourself of the last one, it's a good idea to build a fence around the area that you want to protect. It may be just a garden area, or it may be your entire property. The fence must be buried more than two feet deep in the ground. Armadillos are notorious burrowers and will tunnel right under a fence that is set less than two feet deep. The fence should be of solid construction, such as a solid board fence.

Odor
Armadillos have a very sensitive sense of smell. This is how they find the tasty treats they are after in the first place. Some say placing items that have a bad or strong odor along your fence line will deter the ‘dillo from coming into your yard. There are varying reports on the use of mothballs. Some say they work, some say they don't. You wouldn't want to use them where children or other animals could find them and put them into their mouths, however, since they pose a safety risk to humans and pets if ingested.

Trapping
Probably the best way to rid your property of the armadillo is to acquire a live trap. Set the trap and then create a V-shaped barrier with the closed end being at the opening of the trap. Some say not to bother with bait, as it won't be effective. Others say to bait the trap with worms placed inside an old nylon stocking (so they can't crawl off). The armadillo will walk right into the V-shaped barrier and into the trap. Take the ‘dillo several miles away from your place. Be kind by setting the animal free near a water source.

Prevention
Check your property for places where an armadillo might get into your yard, garden, flowerbed, or another place it is not wanted. If there are holes around the foundation of your house or any outbuildings, fill them in or cover them up. These are places a ‘dillo likes to hide between foraging. Changing your landscaping has already been mentioned, but this is a good place to reiterate the message. Replace as much mulch as possible with decorative rocks and/or gravel. This will aid in keeping your yard from being the Armadillo Buffet.

A Dog
A dog is as good a deterrent as anything previously mentioned. A dog can be taught to “herd” the armadillo off of your property while teaching it also to not hurt the creature, or join it on a good digging spree.

Catch And Release
It is possible to catch an armadillo yourself, and then take it out in the country and let it loose. A person should be very careful if this is the chosen option. Armadillos have long, sharp claws, which they will use to defend themselves if they feel threatened. Primarily, they are non-aggressive creatures, so will likely try to run from you. They are mainly nocturnal animals, so you will need to either stay up late one evening or get up very early in the morning to catch one.

Call The Professionals
As a last resort, you can always call a professional wildlife removal company to come and help. These people are trained to handle armadillos in a safe and kind manner.

Read the How to get rid of armadillos page for helpful information and to learn more about Armadillo Prevention Tips: How To Keep Armadillos Away