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Lawn & Garden Pests · Pest guide

Armadillos control

Night-time digging for grubs across southern lawns.

When to call a pro

Armadillos at a glance

Scientific name
Dasypus novemcinctus
Size
15 to 17 inches body, plus tail (38–43 cm)
Appearance
Armored shell, long snout, long tail
Where found
Southern lawns, flower beds, under slabs and sheds
  • Health riskModerate
  • Property damageModerate
  • Do it yourself?DIY or pro
When armadillos are active Peak: Apr–Aug
  1. Jan Low
  2. Feb Low
  3. Mar Active
  4. Apr Peak
  5. May Peak
  6. Jun Peak
  7. Jul Peak
  8. Aug Peak
  9. Sep Active (this month)
  10. Oct Active
  11. Nov Low
  12. Dec Low

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Shallow 1 to 3 inch holes across the lawn overnight
  • Uprooted plants
  • Burrows 7 to 8 inches wide

Call a professional when

  • Burrows under foundations or driveways
How to choose a pest control company

Safety first

Armadillos can carry the bacterium that causes leprosy. Wear gloves and avoid handling them.

Our armadillos guides are being researched. Meanwhile, the profile above covers the signs, the risks and when to call a professional.

Keep armadillos out

  1. Fence with buried mesh
  2. Reduce grubs and irrigation that draw them in

Often confused or found together

All lawn & garden pests
Moles Raised ridges and volcano mounds: why moles are there and what actually works. Skunks Dens under porches and the smell that follows: removal and odor cleanup. Possums Virginia opossums under decks and in garages: mostly harmless, easy to deter.