The 9-banded armadillo, also known as the long-nosed armadillo, has become a serial pest in the USA. Originally from South America, armadillos migrated here before the pioneers and have gradually moved throughout the southern states to the western seaboard… and right under your deck. In this article, we’ll be discussing how to get rid of armadillos under the deck!
Table of Contents
How Do I Know I Have An Armadillo?
The first evidence that you have a new tenant will usually be holes in the garden. As armadillos are nocturnal, the cause may not be immediately apparent. These are the armadillo digging away for insects and grubs in the night. This wouldn’t be a problem – you are probably trying to get rid of insects and grubs too – except for one thing. The burrows they dig can be quite a trap. These can be about 9 inches wide and as deep as 20 feet. Not only are they dangerous to family members (including pets), but if they are too close, they can make your house foundations unstable.
Are There Ways Of Getting Rid Of Armadillos?
Calling The Professionals
The easiest way to get rid of armadillos is to seek professional help. They will trap the armadillos and make sure they are relocated appropriately.
Eliminating Food Sources
Getting rid of the food sources is not going to be a fast process. Bugs and grubs don’t disappear overnight, but if you go about it systematically, eventually, the armadillo will move away to grubbier pastures.
Given the digging problem and the safety issues, you may wish to consider a speedier method.
Using Sprays
Some people suggest using sprays scented with the smell of predators. This often works well with creatures who fear predators. As armadillos have no natural predators in the USA, usually, this is not how to get rid of an armadillo from your home.
Laying A Trap
If you have a deck, the armadillo is saved from the trouble of digging a burrow. Under the deck is ideal an armadillo resting place. This does make them a little easier to catch. It is probably the best place for you to capture and remove it.
Start by locating all the available entrances to the deck. These may include a burrow, so there are likely to be a few. Once you have done this, seal off all but one or two entrances. Metal fence wire is an excellent material to use for this. At the open entrances, you can place a suitably sized trap for the armadillo to wander into when it comes out at night. A large wire cage is generally considered the best option for trapping armadillos. Putting food in the trap doesn’t always have the best result as it can attract other pests, leaving the armadillo living safely under your home.
Once you have the armadillo trapped in the cage, it is time to move him on.
What To Do With The Trapped Animal
You need to be aware that armadillos can be carriers of leprosy, although, in more recent times, studies show the risk is minimal. Nonetheless, try to keep your handing to a minimum where possible.
Check with your local wildlife authorities about the relocation of armadillos, as there are often legal restrictions. If there aren’t, just remember that wherever you leave it, it could become someone else’s problem, so be thoughtful in the location you choose.
This next suggestion may not be to your taste, but with care, it is possible. You could try some Mexican cuisine and cook it up.
Have you ever wondered what “possum on the half-shell” or “Hoover Hogs” are? Names which appear in history books about pioneer times or the Great Depression? Armadillo is the answer. There are several websites with recipes for serving these dishes, most of which recommend the meat as quite tasty (and apparently like pork, not chicken.)
Conclusion
Armadillos may be a problem, but one not beyond help. As soon as you see an armadillo hole (or even armadillo holes if it gets going quickly), take action. Trapping and then taking the armadillos away is probably the most effective way, but be sure you comply with any wildlife rulings.
