Sasha CampbellDo you have an armadillo problem? We’re talking about the kind of problem where they are digging up your lawn and garden in search of grubs and other insects.
If so, you’re not alone. Armadillos are becoming a more common sight in yards and gardens in certain areas of the United States. Areas such as Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, and Oklahoma [1].
But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with them. There are a number of ways to keep them away naturally, and we’ll outline some of them for you below.
How to Get Rid of Armadillos Naturally
Here, we’ll provide some tips on how to keep armadillos off your property using home remedies and natural methods that will not harm them.
1. Cayenne Pepper
This moderately spicy pepper is a popular choice for armadillo control because the little mammals don’t like the smell of it.
You can sprinkle the powder around the areas where these pests are known to frequent or put it in a spray bottle with water and spray it.
2. Garlic
Garlic is another popular home remedy for getting rid of armadillos.
All you have to do is place crushed garlic on the ground where the armadillos have been. Replace the garlic every few days to keep the scent fresh.
3. Motion-Activated Sprinklers
You can also install motion-activated sprinklers in your yard.
These devices work by sensing the movement of the armadillo when it enters your property and then spraying it with a burst of water.
This sudden spray startles the animal and deters it from staying any longer. Plus, it’s all-natural—no poisons or chemicals required!
4. Motion-Sensing Light
Motion-sensing lights can also be a great way to deter armadillos.
They don’t like bright lights and will avoid areas that are well-lit. Therefore, install motion-sensing lights in your yard or even around the foundation of your house.
5. Live Traps
If you’d rather not use any form of animal repellent, a live trap could be the way to go.
Live traps are humane, which means that you don’t have to worry about harming the armadillo.
They’re also relatively easy to set up and use. Just follow the instructions that come with the product.
Once your armadillo is trapped, just take it far from your home and release it in a safe area.
6. Vinegar
Does vinegar get rid of armadillos? The answer is yes! Armadillos are very sensitive to certain scents, and vinegar has a strong odor that they hate.
To use it, soak some cotton balls in vinegar and place them around areas where the mammals have been seen, such as vegetable gardens and flower beds.
The pungent smell should be enough to keep them away.
Alternatively, you can place some white vinegar in shallow dishes near areas where they may intrude to repel them. This DIY repellent also keeps other small animals away, such as raccoons and mice.
7. Eliminate Food Sources
These critters will dig burrows and holes in search of insects like termites, beetles, and grubs [2]. Killing grubs in your yard will go a long way toward keeping away armadillos.
To eliminate other common food sources, start by trimming overgrown areas of your yard. You can also employ other organic means of insect pest control.
Armadillos may also eat soft fruits and vegetables, so secure fruits and vegetables left unattended, as these are likely to attract the critters.
8. Cover the Burrows
Armadillos like to have a cozy spot to hide when they are not looking for food. So you can make it harder for them by covering up the entrance of the burrow.
Just make sure they are not inside, so you don’t trap them underground.
9. Install a Fence
Another step to take in natural armadillo control is to install a fence.
An effective barrier should be at least 18 inches deep into the ground so armadillos can’t dig underneath it. It should also be about a foot above the ground, so they can’t climb over it.
Use materials such as chicken wire or metal chain-link.
10. Mothballs
Some people have had success using mothballs as an armadillo repellent, as the strong smell is said to deter them.
You’ll want to place the mothballs in places where the pests are likely to pass, such as near their burrows and under your house.
11. Pine Needles
To further keep away armadillos, use pine needles and bark as mulch in your garden.
Pine tree scent can be overwhelming for armadillos, so if they smell it in your garden, they won’t be able to stand it and will avoid digging into your soil.
12. Remove Their Hiding Places
You can do this by either removing the objects they’re hiding under or by making the area less hospitable.
If you have a garden, make sure to keep it tidy and free of debris. Armadillos love to hide in brushy undergrowth and debris, so keeping your garden neat and clean will help deter them.
Similarly, if you have any rock and debris piles in your yard, move them somewhere else. These provide the perfect cover.
13. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is commonly used to repel voles, mice, rabbits, and other small animals. Fortunately, due to its strong scent, it is also a great remedy for repelling armadillos.
Sprinkle it around your garden. However, you will have to reapply often, especially after it rains.
14. Coffee Grounds
This is another natural remedy you can try. Coffee grounds instantly repel ground moles and, in some cases, act as a deterrent for deer.
Therefore, sprinkle some around your yard. Armadillos may very well stay away.
15. Castor Oil
You can also make a homemade armadillo repellent using castor oil, dish soap, and water. For the recipe, combine two parts castor oil with one part liquid dish soap for every gallon of water.
Mix well, then use the solution to spray your lawn, garden, and flower beds. Armadillos, moles, and other burrowing animals will stay clear of the area.
16. Essential Oils
Essential oils are a good repellent for armadillos. Lemon, eucalyptus, clove, lavender, cedar, and peppermint oil are particularly useful in this case.
Mix 10 to 15 drops of oil of your choice for every cup of water. Use the solution to spray the problem areas.
17. Bonide MoleMax RTS
As for MoleMax RTS, it is a natural repellent that comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle.
It’s said to be specially formulated with castor oil and works great against burrowing animals. Use it as a lawn and garden treatment. You can also apply it at the base of the house and sheds.
Takeaway
In short, there are a few things you can do to stop armadillos from coming around without harming them. You can try using deterrents, trapping them, or removing their food sources.
But if you’re having trouble controlling armadillos on your own, consider hiring a professional.
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