How to Trap an Armadillo

Tap to Read ➤ Sonia Nair

On a digging spree, armadillos can cause damage to your lawn, garden or building. Trapping is one of the options, if you want to get rid of these animals. Read on for a brief overview about how to trap an armadillo.

Armadillos are nocturnal animals with large, sharp claws that are adapted for digging. They can dig up holes in your gardens and lawns, while searching for food. They can even make burrows beneath your house and damage the foundation of the building.

You may prevent these animals from entering your premises by using deterrents or by constructing a fence around your land, but many people consider trapping as the best method to get rid of armadillos. The following paragraphs deal with the various aspects of trapping this animal.

Trapping Armadillos - Legal Aspects

Before choosing trapping as the most viable method for getting rid of armadillos, you have to check the local laws. While in some regions, it is illegal to trap this animal, in some others, you cannot trap an armadillo and release it in some other area. You may also be bound to euthanize the animal, after trapping.

So, it is almost impossible for a layman to euthanize an animal, that too an armadillo. If you want to trap an armadillo, then contact the officials of the state Fish and Game Department. Understand the legal aspects of trapping armadillos, in your state.

If it is illegal for anybody (except professional wildlife control officials) to trap armadillos, then hire such experts. Even if it is legal, you must know how to trap and get rid of armadillos, in the proper manner.

Though, it is always advisable to hire professionals for trapping armadillos, you may do the same, if it is legal in your region and you know the proper methods.

Armadillo Trapping Tips

In order to trap armadillos, observe the behavior and habits of them. Once you understand their visits and daily route, you can plan accordingly. They are active during late nights and early mornings, making it impossible for you to stay awake and watch the movements of armadillos.

Once you find out their daily path and the places they frequently visit, you can plan the trapping task. If trapping armadillos is legal in your area, then decide whether you want to hire professionals for the task or do it for yourself. Once you decide to do it on your own, get a suitable trap.

As we all know, armadillos are tough animals with strong and sharp claws. So, go for a sturdy trap that can keep the animal enclosed safely. The size of the trap is also equally important. For trapping armadillos, you need large traps with a minimum size of 12 x 10 x 30.

Another important point to note is the correct placement of the trap. Place the trap near their burrows or on their daily route. It will be beneficial to place barriers on either side of the trap's opening as well as the path leading to it. You can use materials like wooden planks, fences or concrete blocks as barriers.

The barriers on both sides (of the path) should be at least 12 inches apart and must run parallel to each other, creating the visual of a corridor ending at the opening of the trap. The barriers help in directing the armadillo (having very poor vision) exactly to the trap. Make sure the barriers are strong enough to withstand the movements of the animal.

While some people keep worms, insects and rotten vegetables inside the trap as bait, others oppose the idea. It is contended that armadillos prefer to dig out food and cannot be lured by foodstuff kept inside a trap.

Using bait has one more disadvantage. It can lead animals other than armadillos to the trap. So, it is better to avoid use of bait inside the trap. You can make the trap more inviting by adding some dirt or soil. For better results, you may use more than one trap at the same location or at different places.

Once the animal is trapped, you can relocate it to some remote or wild area, preferably near some water source. Be careful while dealing with armadillos, as they may try to use their claws in retaliation. If you think that you will not be able to do this task, approach professionals, who can handle this job more skillfully.

Though the task may sound easy, it is risky unless and until you know the proper techniques, which are legal in your state. So, it will be better to hire professionals (or else, you may do the trapping part for yourself and leave the task of relocating the animal to professionals). It is also not advisable to euthanize the animal for yourself.