You get rid of armadillos by trapping them with funnel fencing, since armadillos do not respond well to bait or repellents. Armadillos dig for grubs at night, and the reliable fix is a trap placed along their travel path. Here is what actually works.
- Trapping with funnel fencing is the reliable fix.
- Armadillos dig for grubs, so treat the grubs to reduce the food source.
- Repellents and bait have limited effect on armadillos.
- Check state rules before trapping or relocating.
Confirm It Is an Armadillo
Armadillos leave cone-shaped holes in the lawn, often several inches deep, where they dig for grubs and insects. They are nocturnal, so the damage appears overnight.
Reduce the Food Source
Armadillos dig for grubs, earthworms, and insects. Treating the lawn for grubs removes the reason they are digging, which makes trapping and deterrents work better.
Trap with Funnel Fencing
Armadillos do not respond well to bait. The reliable method is a live trap with fencing that funnels the armadillo into the trap along its travel path. The DIY vs. pro quiz tells you in five questions whether this one is a job for you or for a licensed pro.
Set the trap along a fence or wall. Armadillos follow edges, so place the trap where they naturally travel.
Use a live trap. Relocation rules vary by state, so check with your state wildlife agency before trapping.
What Does Not Work
Repellents. Armadillos are not strongly deterred by scent, and sonic spikes have mixed results.
Bait alone. Armadillos do not bait reliably, so a baited trap in an open area catches little. Funnel fencing matters more than bait.
When to Call a Professional
Armadillos are strong diggers and can be hard to trap. A wildlife removal professional with the right equipment is the faster route for a persistent armadillo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trap it with funnel fencing along its travel path, and treat grubs to reduce the food source. Repellents and bait alone have limited effect.
Grubs, earthworms, and insects in the soil. Treating the lawn for grubs removes the reason they dig.
They have limited effect, since armadillos are not strongly deterred by scent. Trapping with funnel fencing is the reliable fix.
They are not aggressive, but they can carry leprosy bacteria in some regions, so avoid handling them and wear gloves.
