How to Get Rid of Armadillos Under Deck: Humane Trapping and Prevention Tips

That first thump under my deck at midnight told me everything. Armadillos digging in for shelter means trouble for your foundation, plants, and peace of mind.

I’ve tried everything from mothballs to flooding them out—most don’t work. The real solution combines humane trapping with smart prevention to keep them from coming back.

Within 24-48 hours, you can have them relocated and your space secured. No harsh chemicals, no harm to the animals, just a deck that stays yours.

Works for new invasions or repeat offenders. Here’s the step-by-step that actually works.

Why Armadillos Choose Deck

Armadillos are drawn to decks for a few key reasons, primarily tied to their natural behaviors and survival needs. Understanding these causes can help you address the root of the problem effectively.

🌿 Abundant Food Sources

Armadillos are insectivores, and their primary diet consists of grubs, worms, beetles, and other soil-dwelling insects. If your yard or the area beneath your deck has moist, loose soil teeming with these critters, it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet for them. They’ll dig aggressively to uncover their next meal, often leaving behind small holes or tunnels.

🏡 Shelter and Protection

Decks provide dark, enclosed spaces that armadillos find ideal for nesting. These areas offer protection from predators (like coyotes or bobcats) and harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat or rain. The underside of a deck mimics their natural burrow habitats, making it a cozy and secure spot to rest or raise their young.

💧 Moisture and Soft Soil

Armadillos prefer damp, soft soil for digging, as it’s easier to excavate and rich in food. If your deck has poor drainage or the ground beneath it stays consistently moist, it becomes a prime target. Leaky hoses, overwatered lawns, or poor grading around the deck can create these conditions, inviting armadillos to move in and start tunneling.

Solutions That Work

Armadillos under your deck can be stubborn, but these targeted fixes will help you reclaim your space—humanely and effectively.

🕳️ Remove Shelter and Food Sources

Armadillos dig for grubs, insects, and worms, so start by eliminating their food supply. Treat your lawn with beneficial nematodes or milky spore powder to reduce grubs naturally. Clear debris like leaf piles, woodpiles, or dense mulch near the deck, as these provide hiding spots. Keep pet food indoors and secure trash bins with tight lids.

🚫 Block Entry Points

Inspect your deck for gaps or holes where armadillos might be sneaking in. Use hardware cloth (1/4-inch mesh) to cover openings, burying it at least 12 inches deep and extending it outward at a 45-degree angle to prevent digging. For larger gaps, install L-shaped footers around the deck’s perimeter. This physical barrier forces armadillos to move on.

🪣 Humane Trapping and Relocation

If they’ve already settled in, use a live trap (at least 10x12x32 inches) baited with mealworms, overripe fruit, or canned dog food. Place it near the deck’s entrance or along their trails. Check the trap frequently—armadillos can’t survive long without food or water. Relocate them at least 5–10 miles away to a wooded or rural area, following local wildlife regulations.

💡 Prevention Tips

• Motion-activated sprinklers startle armadillos with water, deterring them from returning. 🌧️
• Castor oil-based repellents (sprayed around the deck) disrupt their sense of smell, making the area less appealing.
• Regularly inspect your deck and yard for new holes or signs of digging, addressing them promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions