The armadillo, meaning “little armored one” in Spanish, gets its name from the nine breaks in its leathery armor, which allow it to flex its stiff hide. Native to southwestern North America, the armadillo has become a familiar creature all across Florida. Armadillos prefer to roam forested or semi-open habitats with loose soil, allowing them to dig for food easily. Their diet includes insects, other vertebrates, and plants.

Signs of Armadillos in the Yard

Because armadillos are active at night, you may not even notice you have a problem until you see the holes in your yard, damage to your plants, or large tunnels where the armadillos have burrowed. Armadillos are known to dig under the foundation of homes as well as air conditioning slabs, which can weaken structures and cost homeowners a lot in repairs.

It is recommended by the Florida Department of Health that individuals should avoid contact with wild animals such as armadillos and take preventative measures if they must handle them such as wearing gloves and washing their hands before and after being exposed.

Armadillo Problems in Gardens & Around Homes

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 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. Finally, even though disease transmission is rare, these pests are known to carry the bacteria that causes leprosy.

Trust the Professionals of Armadillo Control

Armadillo trapping and removal can be difficult especially because armadillos are not territorial creatures. Even if you remove one from your yard, overlooking necessary measures could leave your property vulnerable to another armadillo or other type of wildlife to enter.

To ensure your wildlife issues are being adequately addressed, it’s best to let a trained technician handle the situation. Our experts at Critter Control® have the proper tools and expertise to safely and humanely remove all unwanted critters from your home or business. Call us today at 305-363-7136 or contact us online for more information or to schedule your free home inspection.