Nashville and Middle Tennessee Armadillo Removal
How Do you Get Rid of Armadillos?
There's really only one way to go about it. You've got to catch the armadillos and relocate them off the property. There's no other good approach that I know of. Maybe having a big, scary dog would help. But otherwise, this is a nocturnal animal that comes along into your yard or landscaping for just a short time every night or so, and digs a bunch of holes while looking for earthworms and grubs. There is no effective repellent that'll keep them away, nor any device that will discourage them from entering the yard. A sturdy fence, one that goes into the ground that they can't dig under would do as well. But if that's not an option, you just need to set some traps, catch them, and relocate them at least five miles away. Of course, trapping is tricky for a novice. Call Trapper Jack Today! 615-469-6000
Why Professional Trapping Works Better
Armadillos are notoriously difficult to trap because they rely heavily on scent rather than sight. Cage traps placed in the wrong location, even just a few feet off, are ignored entirely. Our technicians read the burrow pattern and scent trails to identify the active travel routes and place traps where they will actually catch the animal.
We completely solve your armadillo problem by taking these steps:
- Inspect the entire property grounds - lawn, yard, garden, etc.
- Set several humane traps on your property - the correct and safe way!
- Remove all armadillos as they are caught and monitor for activity
- Once there is no more activity and no more armadillos caught, we're done
- When needed, fill in burrows and seal with underground fencing
After removal, the exclusion barrier is critical. Without it, a new armadillo (or the same relocated one if released too close) will simply move in to the vacated territory. We install rigid exclusion barriers buried at least 12 inches deep along foundation perimeters and garden beds to prevent future burrowing.
We relocate captured armadillos to suitable rural habitat well away from residential neighborhoods. Direct handling is done with proper gloves and PPE given the leprosy consideration. The relocation distance ensures the animal cannot return to its original territory.
Can't I Just Use A Repellant?
Go ahead and try. In over half of the cases that I take on, the customer has already purchased all matter of magic "armadillo-b-gone" or "armadillo-away" type repellents. These repellents are usually comprised of either naphthalene (moth balls) or predator urine (fox or coyote) or castor oil. I've personally observed dozens of cases in which customers have loaded their yards with these sorts of gimmicks, or even poured entire boxes of mothballs or bleach down armadillo burrows (NOT good for the environment) and it doesn't affect the armadillo's behavior one bit. The animal just kicks the mothballs out of the way and continues to use the burrow. As usual in wildlife control, there's no cheap and easy solution. If you are unable to catch them yourself, your best bet is to call out a professional.
You also have the option of trying to prevent the armadillos in the first place, but the reality is that it can be very difficult, and the only surefire thing that keeps them away is a sturdy fence around the perimeter of the property, one that extends underground, so they can't dig underneath it. You also have some other options for how to keep armadillos out of the yard or garden, mostly through discouraging landscaping such as gravel or heavy wood chips that they don't want to dig through. Call Trapper Jack Today! 615-469-6000
Armadillo Behavior:
It is the armadillo’s natural tendency to dig. They have powerful legs equipped with strong claws, and like most burrowing animals, can dig amazingly quickly, often throwing mounds of dirt out behind them as they plow the earth. They dig for two primary reasons: first, they make burrows underground in which to live and raise young. They also often dig several shallow (2-4 feet deep) holes in their range in which to escape should danger arise. The second reason for the digging is food. Armadillos are nocturnal animals, and do most of this foraging at night, although they will occasionally emerge and become active during daylight hours, often in cooler weather or after a good rainstorm. They usually sleep during the day, deep inside one of their burrows. They usually have a favorite burrow in which to den. Call Trapper Jack Today! 615-469-6000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Armadillo Removal
Why are armadillos digging in my yard?
Armadillos dig for grubs, earthworms, and insects. They can destroy a lawn overnight and undermine garden beds and foundations.
Are armadillos dangerous?
Armadillos can carry leprosy (though transmission to humans is rare). Avoid direct contact and call us for safe removal.
What time of day are armadillos active?
Primarily at dawn and dusk. They follow regular patterns, making them reliably trapped with proper placement.
Can I prevent armadillos without trapping?
Exclusion barriers buried 12+ inches underground can deter armadillos, but trapping is usually required first to remove the existing animal.