Best Way to Get Rid of Armadillos: Humane Removal and Prevention Guide

Armadillos in your yard are more than a nuisance—they dig up lawns and destroy gardens overnight. I’ve dealt with these nocturnal diggers firsthand, and the solution isn’t as complicated as you might think.

The key is understanding what attracts them: grubs, worms, and soft soil. Remove the food source and block access points, and they’ll move on. I’ve tested dozens of methods, and the humane approaches actually work best.

Within a week of implementing these strategies, you’ll see fewer holes and less damage. The yard stays intact, the garden thrives, and the armadillos find a new place to forage.

Works for suburban lawns, rural properties, and everything in between. Here’s how to reclaim your space.

What Causes Armadillo Infestations

Armadillos dig up lawns and gardens for a reason. Understanding why they show up is the first step to keeping them away. Below are the most common causes, explained simply and scientifically.

🔍 Food Sources Attract Them

Armadillos are insectivores, and your yard might be an all-you-can-eat buffet. They dig for grubs, worms, beetles, and ants, which thrive in moist, loose soil. Overwatered lawns or untreated pest infestations directly invite them to start foraging.

🏡 Shelter and Nesting Opportunities

These nocturnal creatures seek safe, warm burrows to rest during the day. Brush piles, dense shrubs, or gaps under sheds and decks provide perfect hiding spots. If your property offers easy access to such areas, armadillos will move in for the long haul.

💧 Moisture and Soft Soil

Armadillos prefer loose, damp earth because it’s easier to dig. Poor drainage, frequent irrigation, or clay-heavy soil creates ideal conditions. Their strong claws can turn a well-maintained lawn into a pockmarked landscape overnight if the soil is too soft.

🌿 Lack of Natural Predators

In urban and suburban areas, armadillos face fewer threats from predators like coyotes or bobcats. With no natural enemies to deter them, they roam freely, expanding their range into yards and gardens without fear.

Solutions That Work

Dealing with armadillos digging up your yard or garden? Here’s how to safely and effectively address the root causes and keep them from coming back.

🔥 Digging and Burrowing → Exclusion Barriers

Armadillos love loose soil for digging. Install hardware cloth or buried fencing at least 1–2 feet deep around gardens or vulnerable areas. Bend the top outward at a 45-degree angle to create a “L” shape—this deters them from burrowing underneath. For existing holes, fill them with gravel or rocks to discourage re-digging.

Prevention tip: 💡 Keep your yard clutter-free—remove brush piles, leaf litter, and wood stacks where armadillos might hide or nest.

🍳 Food Sources → Remove Attractants

Armadillos feast on grubs, worms, and insects. Reduce their food supply by treating your lawn for pests (e.g., milky spore for grubs) or using beneficial nematodes. Secure compost bins and avoid leaving pet food outside. If they’re raiding your garden, consider raised beds with wire mesh at the bottom.

Prevention tip: 🌡️ Water your lawn early in the day—damp soil at night attracts insects, which in turn lure armadillos.

⏰ Shelter Access → Habitat Modification

Armadillos seek dense vegetation or dark spaces for cover. Trim overgrown shrubs and tall grass, and seal gaps under sheds, decks, or porches with steel mesh or concrete. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can also startle them away.

Prevention tip: ✨ Install gravel or mulch borders around structures—armadillos dislike the uneven texture underfoot.

👨‍🍳 Humane Removal → Live Trapping

If armadillos are already on your property, use a live cage trap (at least 10x12x32 inches) baited with earthworms, mealworms, or overripe fruit. Place it near their burrow entrance or along their path. Check the trap daily and relocate the armadillo at least 10 miles away to a wooded or rural area (check local regulations first).

Pro tip: 🎯 Wear gloves when handling traps to avoid transferring human scent, which may deter armadillos.

Frequently Asked Questions