Discovering armadillo holes in yard overnight can be unsettling. These shallow, crater-like excavations appear suddenly and disrupt the clean lines of a well-maintained lawn. Unlike the complex tunnel systems, these surface diggings indicate an active forager searching directly beneath the soil.
Identifying True Armadillo Holes
The most common sign of an armadillo in the yard is a series of small, shallow holes roughly three to five inches wide. These indentations look similar to small craters or divots and are often mistaken for damage caused by insects or lawn disease. The key characteristic is the lack of a large mound of soil, which distinguishes them from gopher mounds. You will typically find these holes in loose, moist soil where insect populations are high.
The Foraging Instinct
Armadillos are insectivores with a powerful sense of smell that allows them to locate grubs, beetles, and larvae underground. Their long snouts and sticky tongues are perfectly adapted to extract food from the soil. When they dig these numerous small holes, they are essentially vacuuming the ground, consuming any insect they encounter. A single armadillo can cover up to 16 acres in a single night, leaving a trail of holes in its wake.
Distinguishing from Other Pests
It is essential to differentiate armadillo holes in yard damage from that of other wildlife. Moles create raised ridges and volcano-shaped mounds, indicating they tunnel deep below the surface. Voles, on the other hand, create runways in the grass that look like beaten paths. Armadillo holes are distinct because they are relatively shallow craters without a central mound of dirt, and they often appear in areas where the soil is soft.
Potential Yard Damage
While the holes themselves are the primary concern, the activity can lead to secondary damage. As the armadillo digs, it can uproot small patches of grass and disrupt the root system. Furthermore, these animals are known carriers of leprosy, making it unwise to handle the soil or debris from the holes directly. Their presence also attracts secondary predators like coyotes and bobcats, who prey on the easily accessible creatures.
Addressing the Infestation
To resolve the issue, you must make the environment uninviting. Armadillos prefer moist, loose soil, so allowing the lawn to dry out thoroughly can deter them. Installing a sturdy fence that extends underground can prevent them from burrowing under barriers. Removing brush piles and sealing off potential den sites under sheds or porches reduces the shelter available to these animals.
Professional Solutions
If DIY methods fail, trapping is often the most effective solution. Live cage traps placed along runways or near known holes can capture the animal humanely. Because armadillos are a protected species in some regions, it is wise to check local regulations before proceeding. Consulting a wildlife control professional ensures the removal is handled legally and safely, preventing the animal from returning to establish a new burrow system.
