EXTENSION CORNER: Protecting lawns, gardens from pesky armadillos

Lately, we have had a lot of questions concerning armadillos. Folks locally are beginning to take note of their destructive nature in their own backyards. Here is some general information on these unique creatures that may help you combat them.

Armadillos were first noted in Alabama in the 1940s around Mobile County. Since then, they have quickly expanded their range to include the majority of our state’s 67 counties. They are called the nine-banded armadillo because of the nine movable rings of armor between the shoulder and the hip shields. It has a long tail that is also protected by rings of armor. Three-toe prints and sharp claw marks are typical of armadillo tracks. The animals are about the size of opossums.

Armadillos are mainly nocturnal; however, they occasionally move around during the day. They burrow in the ground and have strong legs adapted for digging. They root about in ground litter searching for insects, grubs and other invertebrates. While searching for food, they seem oblivious to anything else and may come very close to humans before becoming alarmed. When startled, they jump in the air. This behavior greatly reduces their chances of surviving an encounter with a vehicle.

As armadillos search for food, they dig small holes in the ground. These holes are about 3 inches wide and 5 inches deep. They will also uproot flowers and other vegetation in loose soils. These animals have been known to carry the bacterium associated with human leprosy, but there has been no conclusive evidence that human beings can contract leprosy from contact with armadillos. While the health threat from armadillos may be minimal, their feeding habits can cause severe damage to lawns and gardens. Here are some suggestions for controlling them.

Since they feed on invertebrates in the ground, eliminating the food source often will cause armadillos to look elsewhere for food. However, ridding the soil and vegetation of all insects, worms and grubs may not be practical and may be detrimental to the plants and other life forms in the area. Live traps baited with overripe fruit, such as apples or bananas, can be used to catch problem armadillos. If the damage is isolated to a garden area, an electric fence may be an effective form of control. A single strand 3 to 4 inches off the ground should be sufficient. However, be very careful when placing a fence in areas where children may play.

No toxicant, fumigants or repellents are currently registered for armadillo control. However, since damage usually localized, the control measures suggested here should be useful.

Armadillos are becoming more and more common in our area. If they become troublesome to you, follow the steps here and contact one of the Extension agents at the Etowah County Extension Office on Meighan Boulevard at 256-547-7936. We look forward to serving you.