These burrows are usually located under brushpiles, stumps, rockpiles, dense brush, or concrete patios, and are about 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) in diameter and can be up to 15 feet (4.5 m) long. If an armadillo has left a burrow in your yard, fill it up with dirt. Barriers such as fences can help with exclusion … Additionally, why do Armadillos burrow? A deep hole next to a building or wall can weaken its structural integrity. This is because they snack on earthworms, crickets, termites, beetles, ants, and other grubs. If you take this route, make sure the fence is extended a foot or more into the ground, or the ’dillos might just burrow under it. The Chlamyphoridae and Dasypodidae are the only surviving families in the order, which is part of the superorder Xenarthra, along with the anteaters and sloths. Terms and Conditions | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy. Nationwide Directory of Wildlife Removal Contractors. Keeping armadillos out of your yard The best solution (and the most expensive) is a stout fence to keep the armadillos out. Armadillo digging in my yard is a very common problem that people see in the spring and summer months where armadillos are found. Also, they do not survive in places where the ground is too hard as they have to dig the soil for shelter and finding food. … Hippler has a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies from Hollins University. Armadillo holes are known to cause injury to livestock and even lead to equipment problems when they are run over. Warnings. The heat is on. Armadillos prefer to burrow in areas with ample cover, so by opening up your yard, they'll feel less at home. The problem with these burrows is twofold: first, I've seen several cases in which armadillos have destroyed underground pipes or wires. Born and raised in West Virginia, Megan Hippler has been writing environmental articles since 2008. You will need to extend the fencing at least a foot into the ground. Armadillos often dig burrows, or large holes, as they are scavenging for food in the ground. The armadillo is a nocturnal animal and tends to dig and search for food mostly at night. Texas A&M researchers found that the root systems of youpon bushes are preferred areas to build burrows in some areas of Texas. They are powerful diggers and can remove large amounts of dirt very quickly. Armadillos prefer to burrow in areas with ample cover, so by opening up your yard, they'll feel less at home. Armadillos burrow in grass, hollow logs, and sometimes underground. Nine extinct genera and 21 extant species of armadillo have been described, some of which are distinguished by the number of bands on their armor. Armadillos love to and need to dig to get their meals. The armadillo in the video above, identified as a six-banded or yellow armadillo by YouTuber Fauna and Flora, digs U-shaped burrows with a single opening. They  go to gardens and flowerbeds when the dirt has been freshly turned, leaving dozens of holes and destroyed plants in their wake. If an armadillo is disrupting your yard, you can remove it yourself, but armadillos have sharp claws and carry diseases, including rabies and the bacteria that cause leprosy. These animals have sharp claws that help them with this task. Install Lighting. Stay alert and careful. Search during the middle of the day to decrease your chances of encountering the armadillo. Essential … When the weather is cold, armadillos may group together in burrows, often making a … Armadillos are nocturnal mammals, who are experts in digging. Where Do Armadillos Sleep? Armadillos are creatures that burrow underground and forage for their food. Hence, when this is done close to your building, it can seriously damage the structural stability of your property. In Georgia, … Her work has appeared on the websites of various state government departments. Armadillos can be a nuisance because of their tendency to destroy lawns. Copyright © 2021 Allstate Animal Control. Burrows can house five armadillos: the mother and her quadruplet children. The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcintus) is nocturnal, which means it does most of its foraging at night. Our armadillo removal system will take care of your problem. “Unlike the moles, that throw the soil to a side while digging,” explains Wikipedia, “the six-banded armadillo digs with its forefeet … They use their strong legs and sharp claws to tear up the ground, which includes your beautiful rose gardens and well-manicured lawns. 3) A standard burrow next to a home - endangering underground pipes and wires. Some armadillos construct above-ground shelters using dried grass. Armadillos typically rest in a deep burrow during the day and become more active during the late evening, night, or early morning. Because the majority of an armadillo's food is underground, completely removing attractants is nearly impossible. .All Rights Reserved. Armadillos prefer dense, shady cover such as brush, woodlands, forests, and areas adjacent to creeks and rivers. Most people who have these animals present on their property consider them to be a serious nuisance. I have some damage in my yard and I could tell right away that it was an armadillo.