Characteristic signs of armadillo activity are shallow holes, 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches wide; which can be quickly enlarged by water erosion or other burrowers. They also uproot flowers and other ornamental plants. Some damage has been caused by their burrowing under foundations, driveways, and other structures.
Why do armadillos dig holes in my yard?
This is a very simple answer. They are hungry, if you have a armadillo digging holes in your yard they are after a food source in which they have discovered. By the very nature of the animal they will continue to dig in or near the same place until the entire food source has been depleted.
Homeowners may find holes in vegetable gardens and flower beds, as well. When digging for grubs, earthworms, and insects, an armadillo in the yard will tear out bulbs and other vegetation. This can actually destabilize foundations, driveways, and other structures.
How do you know if you have an armadillo in your yard?
At times, it can appear as if the turf has been peeled away from the surface. Homeowners may find holes in vegetable gardens and flower beds, as well. When digging for grubs, earthworms, and insects, an armadillo in the yard will tear out bulbs and other vegetation.
What happens if an armadillo dig up your yard?
When digging for grubs, earthworms, and insects, an armadillo in the yard will tear out bulbs and other vegetation. This can actually destabilize foundations, driveways, and other structures. Cosmetic damage may also occur on golf courses, while armadillo holes in pastures and farm fields can injure livestock.
Another common query is “How do I get rid of armadillos in my yard?”.
We can dig a little deeper! contrary to popular belief, armadillos are capable climbers and burrowers. Barriers such as fences can help with exclusion efforts but are not guaranteed to work long term. One of the better ways to keep armadillos away from lawns and gardens is to remove heavy brush or woodpiles that may attract the pests in the first place.
Armadillos will destroy your lawn, trees, and plants by uprooting them. These pests will dig deep holes in the garden in search of food, which will result in your driveway’s concrete slabs or home’s foundation getting weakened, or even worse, cracking due to all that fierce armadillo digging.
This is what our research found. During the summer, armadillos spend 29% of their day underground and only emerge at night. On the other hand, they spend 65% of their time in burrows during the winter and emerge during the warmest part of the day. Typically, young armadillos remain in the burrow for two to three weeks before emerging to establish their own burrow and territory.
Why do armadillos flail?
Armadillos flail their feet trying to escape and can scratch if you do not keep your body parts out of the way. Biologists who work with armadillos occasionally get scratched by the claws on the animal’s enormous front feet, which it uses for digging.
Are armadillos and burrows dangerous to humans?
Burrows can be hazardous for humans and livestock, due to the ground instability caused by the burrows below the surface. Luckily, wildlife professionals can help remove armadillos and burrows can be properly sealed and filled in.