Sasha CampbellDo you have an armadillo problem?
We’re talking about the kind of problem where they dig up your lawn and garden in search of grubs and other insects. If so, you’re not alone.
Armadillos have expanded their range in recent decades and 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 natural ways to keep them away, and we’ll outline some of them for you below.
A point to note, though, is that although armadillos can damage lawns and gardens, they also help control insects such as beetles and grubs.
How to Get Rid of Armadillos Naturally
Here, we will provide some tips on how to keep armadillos off your property using home remedies and natural methods that are safe for them.
1. Cayenne Pepper
This moderately spicy pepper is commonly used in homemade armadillo repellents because its strong smell may help discourage them.
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.
Place crushed garlic in areas where armadillos frequently dig or travel. 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 detect movement when an armadillo enters the area. Then, they release a sudden burst of water.
The 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.
Because armadillos are mostly nocturnal, sudden bright lights may help startle and discourage them. Therefore, install motion-sensing lights in your yard or around your home’s foundation.
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.
However, check your local wildlife rules before trapping or relocating armadillos. These rules can vary by location.
6. Vinegar
Does vinegar get rid of armadillos? Some gardeners use vinegar to help discourage armadillos because of its strong smell.
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 may help 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 repels other small animals, 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 use other organic pest control methods.
Armadillos may eat soft fruits and vegetables. So, harvest ripe produce promptly and avoid leaving fruits or vegetables on the ground. They will likely attract the critters.
8. Cover the Burrows
Armadillos like to have sheltered places 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 extend about a foot above the ground.
Use materials such as chicken wire or metal chain link.
10. Pick Up Fallen Fruits
Fallen fruit can attract armadillos looking for an easy food source.
So, make it a habit to go out every day and pick the fallen fruit from under the trees. Doing so will make your yard less appealing to these animals.
11. Pine Needles
You can also use pine needles as mulch in your garden to keep away armadillos.
Some gardeners also believe the strong scent and texture of pine needles may help discourage armadillos from digging.
12. Remove Their Hiding Places
You can do this by removing the objects they’re hiding under or making the area less hospitable to them.
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 or debris piles in your yard, move them to a different location. These provide the perfect cover.
13. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is commonly used to repel voles, mice, rabbits, and other small animals. Some gardeners also sprinkle it around problem areas in hopes of discouraging armadillos.
So, sprinkle it around your garden. However, you will have to reapply it often, especially after it rains.
14. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another natural remedy you can try. Some homeowners use coffee grounds as a natural scent deterrent for burrowing animals.
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 may avoid the area.
16. Essential Oils
Some essential oils may help deter armadillos due to their strong scent. Lemon, eucalyptus, clove, lavender, cedar, and peppermint oils are commonly used.
Mix 10 to 15 drops of oil for every cup of water. Use the solution to spray the problem areas.
You may need to reapply the spray frequently, especially after rainfall. Also, avoid spraying directly near pets.
17. Bonide MoleMax
As for MoleMax, 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 is marketed as a repellent for moles and other 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 help keep armadillos away without harming them by using deterrents, removing food sources, and making your yard less attractive to them.
However, if you’re having trouble controlling armadillos on your own, consider hiring a professional to help.
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