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 now common in some U.S. yards and gardens. This includes parts of Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, and Oklahoma [1].
But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with them. There are several 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 popular for armadillo control. The little mammals dislike its smell.
You can sprinkle the powder in areas where these pests appear. Or, mix it with water in a spray bottle 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 sense the armadillo’s movement when it enters your property. Then, they spray the pest 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 well-lit areas. 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, so 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, 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 they hate.
To use, soak cotton balls in vinegar. Place them in areas where these 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 dig burrows and holes for insects like termites, beetles, and grubs [2]. Killing grubs in your yard will go a long way toward keeping away armadillos.
To eliminate other familiar food sources, start trimming overgrown areas of your yard. You can also employ other organic means of insect pest control.
Armadillos may eat soft fruits and vegetables. So, secure any left out. They will likely 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 burrow’s entrance.
However, ensure they are not inside so you do not 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 say mothballs repel armadillos. Their smell is said to deter them.
Therefore, place the mothballs where these pests are likely to pass. This includes near their burrows and under your house.
11. Pine Needles
You can also use pine needles and bark as mulch in your garden to keep away armadillos.
Pine tree scent can overwhelm armadillos. If they smell it in your garden, they will avoid digging in your soil.
12. Remove Their Hiding Places
You can do this by removing the objects they’re hiding under or making the area less hospitable.
If you have a garden, 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 rocks 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 an excellent remedy for repelling armadillos.
Sprinkle it around your garden. However, you will have to reapply often, especially after it rains.
14. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another natural remedy you can try. They instantly repel ground moles and, in some cases, act as a deer deterrent.
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 beneficial.
Mix 10 to 15 drops of oil 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, you can stop armadillos from coming around without harming them. You can use deterrents, trap them, or remove their food sources.
But if you’re having trouble controlling armadillos by yourself, consider hiring a professional.
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