Armadillos
Description
They use their front claws to dig out burrows to live in which are only as wide as the animal itself. They often have several within their home range. They also use their front claws to dig up the ant and termite nests.
The middle toes on the 2 front feet are longer than the rest and are used for digging but are not as large as the much bigger Giant Armadillo of South America. Contrary to popular belief it is only the Three Banded Armadillo that can roll itself into a ball to avoid attacks. Most species of armadillo will try and flee any danger by running into heavy brush or thorn bushes if available. The North American Nine Banded Armadillo can jump 3 to 4 feet straight up into the air when surprised often colliding with the undercarriages and bumpers of passing vehicles.
Though armadillos have short legs they can move quickly when threatened. Armadillos will inflate their intestines to float across small streams and rivers or sink and run across the riverbed. They can hold their breath up to 6 minutes underwater. It is believed they developed this ability due to the fact they have their snouts buried in the soil for long periods of time forging for insects. Armadillos have long stick tongues that aid in the collection of ants, termites and other insects and have been observed rolling in ant and termite mounds to dislodge as many insects as possible to make feeding more productive.
Diet
Range
Trapping Armadillos
There are some sure fire signs you may need to get rid of armadillos. You may wake up to find deep holes throughout your lawn which is a result of armadillos digging for grubs and earthworms. They might also choose to dig a tunnel (burrow) under your deck, porch, shed, or home for a place to live. Armadillo burrows are typically 6-8 inches in diameter and are only as wide as the animal's body. They can move quite a bit of dirt and can potentially undermine the stability of a structure if they remove the supporting soil beneath it. Armadillos typically move approximately 35 cubic feet of soil for each burrow system they dig. When trapping armadillos Jarrod's uses humane catch and release methods. We survey the areas of your home or business for signs of armadillo activity then set out live capture steel cage traps. Once an animal has been caught we transport it to a remote woodland area for release. We have years of experience in trapping armadillos and will eliminate your armadillo problem the first time - guaranteed! While many nuisance animals can easily be captured by homeowners the armadillo isn't one of them. Armadillos don't respond to bait and back out of steel cage traps when they come into contact with them. Armadillos recognize changes in surface textures and become wary when they suddenly change (i.e. from grass to the metal of the trap).
Getting rid of armadillos can be a accomplished by trapping them with a humane, live trap. A wire mesh cage trap 10 x 12 x 30 or larger (about raccoon size) will do the job. Using bait to trap armadillos doesn't work. Professional wildlife trappers have tried for years and have come away empty handed. Armadillos need to be "funneled" into a trap. If you decide you want to try to trap armadillos yourself Jarrod's sells armadillo traps at the lowest prices you will find on the web. Whether you are a homeowner or a wildlife removal specialist you will not find armadillo traps for less than Jarrod's.
However, trapping armadillos yourself isn't easy. It's more of an art than a science. Many homeowners have trouble getting rid of armadillos themselves because they are so "trap wary." At Jarrod's Affordable Wildlife Eviction we know how to get rid of armadillos for good. We've been doing it for a long, long time. Call us for a free estimate 706-221-8000. For more info go to jarrods.net/armadillos
In Alabama we provide armadillo removal in Phenix City, Eufaula, Smiths Station, Auburn, Seale, Cusseta, Opelika and everywhere in between. Click to see if you fall in our service area.
- Columbus, Ga
- Ft. Benning Ga.
- Fortson, Ga.
- La Grange Ga.
- Hamilton, Ga.
- Waverly Hall, Ga.
- Cussesta, Ga.
- Phenix City, Al.
- Eufaula, Al.
- Smiths Station, Al.
- Fort Mitchell, Al.
- Opelika, Al.