Armadillo Control: How to Keep These Pesky Critters Out of Your Garden

Armadillos may look cute and harmless, but they can be a real nuisance when it comes to your garden. These critters are known for digging up flower beds and vegetable gardens, leaving holes and destroying plants in their wake. If you're dealing with an armadillo problem, don't worry – there are steps you can take to keep them out of your garden.

Understanding Armadillos

Armadillos are small, armored mammals that are native to the Americas. They have a hard outer shell that protects them from predators and they use their sharp claws to dig through soil in search of food. Armadillos are most active at night, which is when they'll typically do the most damage to your garden.

If you're dealing with armadillos in your garden, it's important to understand their behavior. Armadillos are attracted to soft soil and the insects that live in it, so they're more likely to target garden areas that are well-watered or have recently been tilled. In order to prevent armadillos from taking over your garden, you'll need to make some changes to your gardening habits.

Preventing Armadillo Damage

The first step to preventing armadillo damage is to make sure your garden isn't an attractive target for these critters. Here are some tips:

• Water your garden less frequently. Armadillos are attracted to moist soil, so try to water your garden only when necessary.
• Avoid using fertilizers and other soil amendments that attract insects. Armadillos are attracted to insects like grubs and earthworms, so by reducing the amount of insects in your garden, you'll also reduce the likelihood that armadillos will come calling.
• Install a fence around your garden. This can be a simple wire mesh fence or something more elaborate, depending on your budget and the size of your garden. Be sure to bury the fence at least 12 inches deep to prevent armadillos from burrowing underneath it.
• Use natural repellents. Some gardeners have had success using natural repellents like hot pepper spray or garlic oil. These substances can be sprayed directly onto plants to deter armadillos from eating them.

Trapping Armadillos

If prevention methods aren't working, you may need to resort to trapping armadillos. However, it's important to note that trapping and relocating armadillos is illegal in some states, so be sure to check with your local wildlife agency before attempting this. If trapping is legal in your area, here are some tips:

• Choose a humane trap that won't harm the armadillo. Live traps are ideal because they allow you to release the animal unharmed once it's been captured.
• Bait the trap with something smelly like canned sardines or cat food. Armadillos have a strong sense of smell and are more likely to enter the trap if there's a strong odor coming from inside.
• Check the trap regularly. Once the armadillo has been captured, release it into a remote area far away from your garden.

Calling in the Professionals

If you've tried everything and still can't get rid of armadillos, it may be time to call in the professionals. Wildlife removal experts are trained to safely and humanely remove armadillos from your property without causing harm to the animals. They can also help you implement long-term solutions to prevent future armadillo infestations.

Dealing with armadillos in your garden can be frustrating, but with the right preventative measures and a little patience, you can keep these pesky critters at bay. Whether you choose to install a fence, use natural repellents, or call in the pros, remember that persistence is key. With time and effort, you can enjoy a beautiful, armadillo-free garden.

An armadillo spotted in a garden bed.

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