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Armadillos
The armadillo is considered a nuisance animal because of it’s characteristic burrowing and digging which is detrimental to:
- Lawns
- Gardens
- Flower Beds
- Golf Course
- Orchards
- Other Situations where undisturbed topsoil is preferred
Armadillos can be infected by the bacterium Mycobacterium Leprae which is the causative agent of Leprosy. The role that armadillos have in human infections, however, has not been determined. They may pose a potential risk for humans, particularly in the Gulf Coast region.
Disease
Biology & Habits
The armadillo is active primarily from twilight through early morning hours in the warmer months. In winter, the armadillo may only be active during the day.The armadillo usually digs a burrow that is 7 – 8 inches in diameter and up to 15 feet in length. The burrow provides the armadillo with shelter and place to raise their young. Armadillos often have several dens in an area to use for escape.
The young are born in a nest within the burrow. The female produces only one litter each year. The litter is born in March or April after a 150 day gestation period. The litter always consists of quadruplets of the same sex.
Physical Abilities
The armadillo has poor eye sight but a keen sense of smell. In spite of its cumbersome appearance, the agile armadillo can run well when in danger. It is a good swimmer and can climb in order to gain access to raised flower beds.
Management
Armadillos have the ability to climb and burrow. Fencing or barriers may exclude armadillos under certain conditions. A fence with a portion buried can be effective. The cost of exclusion of a large area should be compared to the cost of trapping and the value of the resources being protected. Treating the damaged area with insecticides is seldom effective. Insecticides will eliminate the armadillo’s food source but they also eliminate the beneficial insects in the soil. Armadillos will still create damage in search of food after a chemical treatment. Armadillo damage increases in managed areas in dry weather due to watering. One might say the smell of wet soil is the magnet for armadillos. If you are currently experiencing armadillo damage give us a call for a free consultation.
Damage
As a result of their rooting, most armadillo damage occurs to:
* Lawns
*
Golf courses
* Vegetable gardens
* Flower beds
Characteristic signs of armadillo activity are:
* Shallow holes, dug in search
of food
- 1 to 3 inches deep
- 3 to 5 inches wide
* Armadillo
burrows
- 7 to 8 inches in diameter
- Up to 15 feet in length
*
Uprooted flowers and other ornamental plants
* Some damage, due to burrowing
under, has been caused to:
- Foundations
- Driveways
-
Other structures
AWRS Armadillo Philosophy
Armadillos, like people, need three things to survive:
-Food
-Water
-Shelter
When an armadillo finds a steady food source, it is making a living and, like humans, if you can make a living, you settle down. The armadillo digs a burrow. Since eliminating the food source means the eliminating the beneficial insects and doesn’t stop the armadillo from burrowing, all one can do is exclude the armadillo with fencing and barriers. You must also reduce your watering in order to lessen the attractiveness of the soil and the possibility of an armadillo conflict.
