Armadillos burrow into lawns and gardens, leaving paths and tunnels of destruction in their wake. These cuddly-looking creatures may not necessarily be aggressive or dangerous, but they can cause a lot of damage to your property.
Once armadillos move in, they can be hard to remove. Many homeowners try to get rid of stubborn armadillos on their own, but this can be dangerous and often doesn’t work. So, what can homeowners do to get rid of armadillos in Florida? Call the Nuisance Wildlife Rangers!
The wildlife removal specialists at Nuisance Wildlife Rangers have the tools, expertise, and experience to get rid of armadillos in Florida lawns and gardens. Call us today to learn more and set up an appointment.
Armadillos: Southwest Pest
Armadillos are common in the American Southwest. Florida homeowners are familiar with this armored creature and the destruction it can cause. Armadillos eat a diet of worms, insects, and grubs. They burrow beneath the ground, creating shelter and searching for food.
All that digging can cause some serious damage to your lawn and garden. Armadillos live in underground burrows that can be as long as 24 feet, with entrances spread throughout a small area. They leave divots in grass that can be as long as 5 inches as they dig for their meals.
The holes and divots armadillos make can create dangerous conditions. It can also cause severe damage to your grass, shrubs, and other plants. So, why do armadillos invade certain properties?
Armadillos may choose your property if it has conditions they find favorable. There are some steps you can take to prevent Armadillo invasion–but in many cases, your yard may simply have an ideal habitat for these armored mammals.
What Attracts Armadillos?
Armadillos set up camp wherever they find favorable conditions. They eat a wide variety of insects, including:
- Wasps
- Caterpillars
- Earthworms
- Snails
- Termites
- Spiders
- Grasshoppers
If your yard has a rich diversity of insect life, it may be attractive to hungry armadillos.
Armadillos also need a consistent source of water. If you fertilize and water your lawn and garden frequently, you’re more likely to attract these destructive creatures. Watering your lawn also creates an excellent environment for earthworms–a staple of the armadillo’s diet.
Unsecured garbage cans can also attract hungry armadillos. Like raccoons, coyotes, and other wildlife, armadillos can sniff out stinky garbage from a fair distance away. Armadillos have poor vision and hearing, but their sense of smell makes up for these deficits. If your trash is uncovered or poorly secured, armadillos may just find their way to your yard.
You’re more likely to have armadillo problems if your property has loose soil, which allows for easier digging, or if you’re near a forest. Armadillos love humid, shady areas and will always choose to make their home in these environments.
Signs of Armadillos in Your Yard
Armadillos are highly recognizable as they are the only armored mammal on Earth. While many people find armadillos adorable, they are destructive and have the potential to be dangerous.
You may notice the damage armadillos cause before you see the armadillos themselves. Here are some signs that you are dealing with armadillos.
Burrows
Armadillos are prolific diggers, creating up to 15 burrows in an area. Each burrow can measure up to 24 feet long, meaning your lawn can become a bustling network of armadillo activity unless you get rid of these little pests.
Nose prints
You might be imagining cute little dents in the soil–but armadillo snouts are long and pointy. Armadillo nose prints look like you took the end of a broom and dragged it through the soil. Their keen sense of smell means that they can track an underground scent for a long time–and you’ll notice a trail of divots and trails all over your lawn as a result.
Bad smell
Armadillos have a unique, mucus-secreting gland that emits a disgusting, fishlike scent when they’re excited, afraid, or to mark their territory. This foul, fishy smell can attract more armadillos to your property–and repel any humans who may want to spend time there.
Armadillos can also uproot plants, break pavement, and crack pipes and concrete. If your lawn shows signs of armadillo infestation, you need to act quickly to get rid of them before they cause even more damage.
How to Get Rid of Armadillos in Florida
While armadillos aren’t naturally aggressive creatures, they can be highly aggressive when cornered, trapped, or during any interaction with humans. Armadillos carry a lot of bacteria, making a scratch or bite very dangerous. You should never attempt to trap an armadillo on your own. Always call in the expert for professional armadillo removal.
The team at Nuisance Wildlife Rangers takes care to trap and relocate armadillos and other wildlife humanely. Our wildlife removal specialists have decades of experience in identifying and removing animals. We use practices to keep ourselves and the animals safe during removal, following all state and local guidelines.
Our equipment and experience can ensure you get your lawn back and that the armadillos are moved somewhere where they can be safe and comfortable so that humans and wildlife can thrive in their environments. Our team can also help with damage repair, insurance claims, and more so your property can be restored to its original condition.
Get Rid of Armadillos in Florida
An armadillo invasion doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your healthy, beautiful lawn or garden. Get rid of armadillos in Florida by contacting the expert team at Nuisance Wildlife Removal now.