The armadillo is a curious little creature, covered in armor-like plates and driven by an insatiable appetite for grubs and insects. While it might look harmless, this burrowing mammal can cause serious trouble for property owners. These unique creatures dig with incredible determination, searching for food beneath lawns, gardens, and flowerbeds. In the process, they can tear up turf, uproot plants, and tunnel near foundations or sidewalks, creating uneven ground that’s both unsightly and problematic.
Many homeowners first notice small holes scattered across their yard, about the size of a golf ball, and assume it’s a minor issue. But behind those holes can be extensive underground burrows where these animals take shelter during the day. These tunnels can stretch several feet, weakening soil structure and affecting irrigation systems or landscaping work. Beyond the visible mess, the hidden damage beneath the surface can end up costing far more than most people realize. That’s why it’s so important to address a problem with these creatures early, before the situation grows worse.
Armadillos are mostly nocturnal, which means they do most of their digging and foraging at night. Homeowners often wake up to find the aftermath of their nighttime activity, mounds of dirt, disturbed mulch, and damaged garden beds. Because they’re persistent creatures, setting out repellents or sprinkling deterrents usually doesn’t do much to stop them. The key is understanding how and why they move, and that’s where professional trapping becomes essential.
Our Proven Approach
When our team handles removal, we focus on identifying the patterns that make each case unique. Every property has different soil conditions, food sources, and shelter options that attract these animals. By studying signs such as burrow locations, tracks, and digging habits, we can determine the most strategic places to set traps. Timing and placement make all the difference, especially since armadillos are cautious and tend to return to familiar routes.
We use proven trapping methods designed to capture the animal effectively without causing harm. There’s no guesswork involved, just experienced handling and careful monitoring. We also assess whether the problem involves a single animal or multiple ones, which is surprisingly common. Once we know how many are active on a property, our plan becomes far more targeted.
Because armadillos dig through soil and mulch while hunting for insects, we often recommend additional steps after trapping to make the area less appealing in the future. Reducing food sources, sealing potential burrow entrances, and maintaining consistent yard care all help discourage their return. Our goal isn’t only to remove the animal but also to prevent new ones from moving in later. We treat every situation as a long-term solution rather than a quick fix.
Why They Pick Certain Properties
Armadillos tend to favor soft, loose soil because it’s easier for them to dig. Yards with steady moisture, like those watered frequently or located near a pond or drainage area, offer ideal conditions for their burrows. They’re drawn to places rich in insects and larvae, which means healthy lawns or gardens can unintentionally become prime feeding grounds. Even suburban neighborhoods with neatly maintained landscapes often find themselves dealing with these persistent diggers.
Another factor is shelter. Armadillos create elaborate tunnel systems for resting and nesting, sometimes close to driveways, patios, or foundations. These burrows can extend under structures, and over time, the ground above may begin to sink or shift. It’s not unusual for homeowners to notice cracks forming along sidewalks or driveways after extended activity takes place underneath them. Understanding this behavior helps explain why they’re so hard to deter. Once they find a reliable food source and a place to hide, they’ll keep coming back.
Our professionals take time to evaluate not just the immediate signs of digging but the larger environment that supports their activity. That attention to detail ensures the trapping process addresses both the current population and the conditions that have allowed it to exist. It’s an approach that provides much more reliable results than relying on generic repellents or DIY traps that rarely work.
The Value of Professional Intervention
Trying to handle an these animals without experience often leads to frustration. These animals are clever, strong, and persistent. They can squeeze through gaps, climb short barriers, and burrow right under fences if they’re determined. Store-bought traps might catch something occasionally, but without knowing exactly how the animal will behave, it’s easy to misplace them or set them incorrectly.
Our professionals bring both skill and patience to the process. Each trap is chosen and positioned for the specific environment. We check and adjust placements regularly, ensuring that we capture the animal efficiently and humanely. Beyond trapping, we educate property owners on what attracts these animals in the first place, helping to minimize future encounters.
Professional intervention also saves time and prevents ongoing damage. What might seem like a minor nuisance one week can escalate quickly as burrows expand or new animals discover the same territory. Acting promptly protects your property’s structure and appearance while restoring the peace of mind that comes with knowing the problem is being handled properly.
Dealing with an armadillo invasion can be stressful and messy, but you don’t have to manage it on your own. At Campbell’s Trapping Service, our mission is to help property owners regain control of their yards and prevent further damage through careful, humane trapping and removal. We understand how frustrating it is to wake up to fresh digging every morning, and we’re here to stop it. Contact us today to schedule professional removal or to learn more about how our team can protect your property from future disturbances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Armadillos
Q1. What Are the Most Common Signs That an Armadillo Is Living on My Property?
A1. One of the first clues that an armadillo has moved in is the sudden appearance of small, cone-shaped holes across the yard or garden. These holes are usually about three to five inches wide and indicate where the animal has been digging for insects and grubs. Homeowners might also notice loose soil around flowerbeds, shallow tunnels near patios, or disturbed mulch that wasn’t there the day before. Another clear sign is the presence of small burrow openings near fences, sheds, or foundations. In some cases, you may even hear scratching or rustling sounds late at night when the animal is most active.
Q2. Why Do Armadillos Keep Returning Even After I Try Repellents or DIY Traps?
A2. Armadillos are highly motivated by food and shelter, which makes them tough to deter with simple home remedies. Most repellents fail because they don’t remove the underlying attraction, such as a plentiful insect population or soft soil that’s easy to dig through. DIY traps can also be ineffective when they’re not placed correctly or when the animal’s usual travel routes aren’t identified. These creatures are creatures of habit, often following the same paths between feeding areas and burrows. Without understanding those patterns, it’s easy to miss them completely. Professional trapping uses strategy and experience to locate the best spots for capture and address what’s drawing them in to begin with.
Q3. How Long Does the Armadillo Removal Process Usually Take?
A3. The time it takes to trap and remove an armadillo depends on several factors, including how many are on the property, where their burrows are located, and how familiar they’ve become with the area. Some cases can be resolved within a few days, while others may take a bit longer if multiple traps are needed or if the animals have several active tunnels. The goal is not just to remove the visible problem but to ensure that the property is no longer appealing to future armadillos. Once the traps have done their job, preventive steps such as filling burrows and managing food sources can help keep the ground clear and undisturbed moving forward.