Plants & Bulbs

» SandraReaves - rid armadillos

In response to rid armadillos posted by lddpmbennett:

You have my sympathies. Armadillos are a difficult problem and can be very destructive animals. Not only do they make lawns look ugly, but the holes they dig are a hazard to humans. Walking FiFi in the dark on a lawn riddled with armadillo holes can lead to falls. Fortunately, there are 3 particular tips to help with your problem.

First of all, the armadillos might be feeding on grubs. Lift a few shovel-sized areas in the lawn to see if there are numerous grubs. If so, take measures to control them with insecticides. This, of course, does not immediately handle the armadillo problem.

Physically disposing of the armadillos is probably the most effective method. I don't recommend shooting them. It works, but the element of danger is high and who wants to sit up all night to shoot armadillos? Electric fencing is also sometimes recommended, but has the cons, as well (accidental shock to people and getting burned up from lightning strikes).

So, that leaves live trapping. Get a live trap that would be sized for something like a cat or raccoon. Tip number two is to use smelly bait that armadillos will like. They are attracted to overripe fruit such as bananas too far gone for banana bread.

Tip number three helps the armadillos find the cage with the fruit. Figure out where the armadillos are coming from and point the opening in that direction. Then take a couple of boards (6 inches wide by 6 feet long) and place them like wings at the opening of the trap. They should make roughly a 90 degree angle.

After you trap the armadillos, you can destroy them, take them far, far away for release, or perhaps contact a wildlife service.

As far as the flower beds, you might try low fencing as a barrier, at least until you can get the animals under control.

-- posted by SandraReaves