Do you know that Nine-Banded armadillos are one of the largest species in the USA? Armadillos are nocturnal animals. They are not active during the whole day but are primarily active late at night or before dawn. Generally, they are solitary creatures with a special ability to dig the ground with their long, sharp claws.
Armadillos’ burrows, which they dig into the ground, can cause many dangers. They can severely damage plants’ roots, disrupt the soil structure, and lead to soil erosion, impacting the health and stability of gardens and lawns. Besides, deadly creatures like skunks, cotton rats, burrowing owls, pine snakes, rattlesnakes, and more are sometimes found in the holes.
So, you must always be cautious about their activities in your living areas. But in cases where armadillos have already established caves, you should take strict steps or follow some methods to trap them in cage traps without worry. Below are the things you must know before catching them.
1. Armadillo Diet (Bait to Trap)
Armadillos are experienced diggers. They use their claws to dig burrows for their desired food. Various armadillos are found worldwide, and both have different diet plans. However, the Nine-Banded armadillos, primarily found in the USA, mainly establish their burrows near creeks and streams to have the best bait.
Armadillos are omnivores living on plants and animals. They are very fond of insects and worms. Nine-banded armadillos have a long list of diets that include arachnids, ants, Earthworms, millipedes, grasshoppers, centipedes, small reptiles, bird eggs, small mammals, carrions, fish, rotten fruits, and more. However, some people think putting these food items as the best bait in the cage will attract them and make an ideal armadillo cage trap. Here is one twist that you should know first.
2. Armadillo Trap Bait
Though armadillos have a long list of foods they prefer, they do not eat the things already on the ground. This means they like only those foods they dig out from the ground. So, it is useless to trap an armadillo with that plan. This technique will not give you the desired result. Instead, it attracts other animals like Skunks, Raccoons, Opossums, and Cats, which are fond of those baits and make your trap useless. So, what practical measures should you follow? Let’s discuss the best bait for armadillo trapping.
2.1. Best Bait to Catch Armadillos
Wildlife rescue professionals say a practical cage works if placed in the correct position. Armadillos have poor eyesight. But they have a strong-smelling power. You can take it as an advantage. How? You can place another armadillo cage because of the smell, boosting the chances of armadillo trapping. Placing that cage in the correct position will work for you.
2.1.1. Building Cage to Trapping Armadillos
You could build a cage with wood or other items, but buying a steel cage from a nearby store is preferable. Choose a cage according to your understanding of that animal’s size. A cage trap of 10 height × 12 width × 32 lengths to 12 height × 14 widths × 42 lengths in inches with an opening on either side is ideal for trapping Armadillos. But you can also choose according to your needs and preferences.
Setting up the cage is the most essential part of this process. It would be best if you knew about that creature’s pathways and understood this technique. Generally, an armadillo uses a particular pathway to travel. It walks along the fence-like things. They use the same track to travel from one hole to the other. Remember, an armadillo has multiple caves; they visit those frequently to dig a little bit.
It is best to place the cage in front of one of the caves. You can use a funnel strategy by placing two steel plates or wooden material on both sides of the trap door opening. This will help misguide ArmadiArmadillotrengthen your plan.
2.1.2. Alternative Options to Trapping Armadillos
Caging an armadillo is the best option, but you can choose alternatives. You can use a dip net to capture those animals. But always ensures that the net is strong enough to hold those. Armadillos are very strong and can tear the net and escape your grip.
3. Things to Do After Bait Catches Armadillos
After catching that animal, you have several things to do. You can put the cage into your car with the plastic bag below it to prevent dirt. Then, you take the animal far from your home and release it in a dense forest. While releasing, open the cage and let the animal free into the forest. It will never come back if it finds food there.
3.1. How to Get Rid of Armadillo Dig
Armadillos are extreme diggers. They do too much damage to the yard. So, it is essential to take preventive measures to catch armadillos. Below is the step-by-step process of implementing preventive measures.
3.1.1. Fencing
If facing an armadillo issue, you must focus on your yard’s fencing. Installing a solid fence around your property is one of the best parts you must do first. Choose a wall with a smooth surface and install it at least one to two feet underground to prevent armadillos from digging underneath.
Also, extend the fences deep into the ground so that the unique creatures and other invertebrates might not jump onto your lawn to take control of the ground and not cause you trouble. This fencing method can slow down the effectiveness of Armadillo activity.
3.1.2. Habitat Modification
Reducing appealing things of armadillos like over-ripened fruits, rotten meats, and compost piles need to be removed from your house to make the surroundings a dirty, scent-free atmosphere. Besides, it keeps the yard neat and clean by eliminating long grasses. Minimize hiding places in that location to easily spot the walk of an armadillo.
3.1.3. Live Trap
A live trap is another option to get rid of armadillos. If you notice everyday armadillo activities like breaking up soil, burrowing, damaging the plant roots, and damaging the pipes underground in your yard, then you can use a trap to the paths of that creature and trapping the right way will work for you. Once it is done relocate it to a favorable atmosphere, where it will find its food to eat.
3.1.4. Use Armadillo Repellents
Using armadillo repellents is one of the tips that you need to follow. Some of the armadillo repellents are mentioned below.
- Castor oil is a natural repellent. Castor oil is also considered a natural repellent for armadillos. Apply it to areas of suspected armadillo activity. It will trigger their activities, such as walking along fence lines, near burrow entrances, or around gardens.
- One tip you can follow is to use garlic and chili pepper spray. As armadillos have a strong odor, the above-mentioned spray can deter them from digging.
- Using Motion-Activated sprinklers is another method that you can follow. Set the motion active sprinkle device in the suspected areas. The sensor of this device will detect any movement and trigger a jet of water to discourage that animal. Set this in the right place.
Final Words
The methods mentioned above will solve your problem, but if you face persistent issues with armadillos dig, seek assistance from a professional wildlife removal service. They have experience and expertise in rescuing wildlife using the best baits, targeted trapping, and funneling methods. Proper use of nylon stocking by putting mealworms, earthworms, worms, grubs and so on to lure them. This will explain to you how to get rid of that animal and also give you valuable advice on preventing future armadillo problems as well.
So, it is necessary to take serious steps to prevent armadillo activity. This animal has the power to destroy your underground lawn and cause serious trouble for homeowners, gardeners, and farmers alike. But understanding the food catches armadillos, like insects, worms, crickets, rotten food, earthworms, and grubs, will help to deploy the traps in the right place to lure and catch armadillos.
Remember, while using all methods to catch, it is essential to care about the well-being of these fascinating creatures. It is our duty not to harm any animal that affects our ecosystem. Instead, we can relocate them to a suitable place to create a healthy environment.
Last Updated on by aashruti013