If you’re searching for how to get rid of armadillos under deck, you know the frustration. That rustling, digging, and potential damage can be a real headache. Encouraging armadillos to leave their den under your deck requires a persistent, multi-method approach. These armored diggers are stubborn, but with the right combination of strategies, you can reclaim your outdoor space.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step plan. We’ll cover everything from understanding why they moved in to humane removal tactics and long-term prevention. Let’s get started on solving your armadillo problem for good.
How To Get Rid Of Armadillos Under Deck
Your deck provides the perfect shelter for an armadillo. It’s dark, dry, and protected from predators. Getting them to leave means making that space less appealing. You’ll need to be patient and consistent. The following methods work best when used together over a period of several days or weeks.
Step 1: Confirm The Armadillo Is The Culprit
Before you begin, make sure an armadillo is your visitor. Look for these telltale signs:
- Small, conical holes (3-5 inches wide) in your lawn or flower beds.
- Shallow digging that looks like someone took a small trowel to the soil.
- Distinct three-toed tracks in soft dirt or mud.
- Noises like snuffling, scratching, or rustling coming from under the deck at dawn or dusk.
- Damage to low-hanging garden vegetables or roots.
Step 2: Apply Repellents To Encourage Relocation
Repellents make the environment under your deck unpleasant. You’ll need to reapply them regularly, especially after rain.
Commercial Armadillo Repellents
Look for granular or liquid repellents containing castor oil. Castor oil irritates the armadillo’s digestive system, making the treated area seem like a bad food source. Follow the label instructions carefully and apply around the perimeter of your deck and any entry points.
Homemade Repellent Solutions
You can make a simple yet effective repellent at home. Mix two tablespoons of cayenne pepper and two tablespoons of minced garlic with one gallon of water. Add a few drops of dish soap to help it stick. Spray this mixture liberally around the deck’s edge and any holes you see. Remember to wear gloves and avoid spraying directly on plants you want to keep.
Step 3: Install Physical Barriers And Exclusion Fencing
This is a critical step. You must physically block the armadillo from getting back under the deck once it leaves.
Identify All Entry Points
Carefully inspect the entire perimeter of your deck. Look for any gaps, loose lattice, or broken boards. Armadillos can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces. Mark every potential entry hole with chalk or tape.
Install Sturdy Hardware Cloth
Use 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch hardware cloth (galvanized wire mesh). This is much stronger than chicken wire. Bury it at least 12 inches deep and bend the bottom outward in an “L” shape to prevent digging. Attach it securely to the deck’s frame, ensuring there are no gaps at the corners or top. This barrier will also keep out other pests like skunks and rodents.
Step 4: Use Motion-Activated Deterrents
Armadillos are nearsighted and rely heavily on hearing and smell. Sudden stimuli can startle them away.
- Motion-activated sprinklers: These are highly effective. The sudden burst of water scares the armadillo and makes the area feel unsafe.
- Motion-activated lights: Install bright LED lights that trigger when movement is detected under or near the deck.
- Ultrasonic repellents: Devices that emit high-frequency sounds can bother armadillos, though their effectiveness varies.
Place these deterrents near the main entry points for the best results. Remember to move them occasionally so the armadillo doesn’t become accustomed to them.
Step 5: Modify The Habitat To Remove Attractions
Make your yard less inviting. Armadillos are there for food and shelter. Remove the buffet, and they’ll look elsewhere.
Eliminate Food Sources
Armadillos eat insects, grubs, and other invertebrates. A healthy lawn full of grubs is a dinner bell.
- Treat your lawn with a pet-safe grub control product.
- Reduce watering, as moist soil attracts earthworms and insects.
- Clear away fallen fruit, berries, and compost piles that attract bugs.
Remove Hiding Spots
Clear away brush piles, tall grass, and dense shrubbery near your deck. This removes cover and makes the armadillo feel exposed and vulnerable while traveling.
Step 6: Consider Live Trapping As A Last Resort
If other methods fail, live trapping may be necessary. Check your local and state wildlife regulations first, as permits may be required for trapping and relocating armadillos.
Choosing And Baiting A Trap
Use a sturdy, medium-sized cage trap. Place it directly in front of the main entry hole under your deck. Effective baits include overripe fruit (like bananas or apples), mealworms, or earthworms. Camouflage the trap with nearby brush to make it seem like a natural pathway.
Safe Handling And Relocation
Check the trap frequently, at least twice a day. Once caught, cover the trap with a blanket to calm the animal. Relocate it at least 5 miles away in a suitable, rural habitat (with permission from the landowner). Always wear thick gloves when handling the trap, as armadillos can carry diseases.
Why Armadillos Choose Your Deck
Understanding their behavior is key to eviction. Armadillos are insectivores with poor eyesight. They are excellent diggers, primarily active at night. Your deck offers a perfect, secure burrow site close to food—your lawn and garden. They are solitary animals, so you’re likely dealing with just one, though a female may have young with her in the spring.
They are creatures of habit. They will follow the same paths nightly from their burrow to feeding sites. Disrupting these habits is a major part of convincing them to move on. Their strong sense of smell is both a weakness you can exploit with repellents and a strength that leads them to food.
Preventing Future Armadillo Problems
Once the armadillo is gone, your work isn’t over. Prevention is cheaper and easier than removal. Implement these strategies to keep them from returning.
Maintain Your Exclusion Barriers
Inspect the hardware cloth around your deck seasonally. Look for rust, damage, or soil erosion that might create a new gap. Repair any issues immediately to maintain a solid barrier.
Keep Up With Yard Maintenance
Continue to manage grub populations in your lawn. Keep the perimeter of your deck and house clear of dense vegetation. Store firewood and building materials on racks, not directly on the ground.
Install Landscape Lighting
Consistent low-level lighting around your deck and home can deter nocturnal animals. Solar-powered path lights are an energy-efficient option. Armadillos prefer to move and forage in darkness.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Some well-intentioned actions can make the problem worse or prolong it. Steer clear of these errors.
- Using poison: This is inhumane, illegal for armadillos in most areas, and dangerous to pets, children, and other wildlife.
- Sealing the entry while the animal is inside: This traps the armadillo, leading to a terrible odor and potential damage as it tries to escape.
- Giving up too soon: Persistence is crucial. One application of repellent or one night of lights won’t solve the problem.
- Ignoring other pest issues: A grub-infested lawn will continue to attract armadillos and other wildlife, no matter how well you seal your deck.
When To Call A Professional Wildlife Control Service
If your efforts aren’t working, or the situation is beyond your comfort level, call a pro. Consider professional help if:
- You suspect a female with babies under the deck (removal requires special care).
- The armadillo has caused significant structural damage to your deck’s foundation.
- You are unable to safely set traps or install barriers.
- You’ve tried multiple methods for several weeks without success.
A licensed wildlife control operator has the experience, tools, and knowledge of local laws to resolve the issue efficiently and humanely. They can also offer guarantees on their exclusion work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Armadillo Repellent?
The most consistently effective repellents are those based on castor oil. They work by making the soil and insects in the treated area taste bad. Motion-activated sprinklers are also a highly effective deterrent, as armadillos dislike the sudden noise and water.
Will Ammonia Or Mothballs Get Rid Of Armadillos?
While some people recommend ammonia-soaked rags or mothballs, these are not reliable solutions. The smell fades quickly, and mothballs are a pesticide that is toxic to soil, pets, and children. They are not approved for this use and can pollute groundwater. It’s better to use approved repellents or physical barriers.
How Deep Do Armadillos Burrow Under Decks?
Armadillo burrows under structures are typically just deep enough for the animal to fit, usually 1 to 3 feet deep. However, the tunnel itself can be quite long, extending 5 to 15 feet. They prefer to burrow in loose, sandy soil that is easy to dig.
Are Armadillos Dangerous To Pets Or Humans?
Armadillos are not aggressive and will usually flee when startled. However, they can carry the bacteria that causes leprosy (Hansen’s disease), though the risk of transmission to humans is very low. The primary concern is their claws, which they may use if cornered. Always avoid direct contact. For pets, the main risk is from their digging or if a pet tries to attack one.
Will An Armadillo Leave On Its Own?
It is possible, but unlikely if the location is ideal. If the food source under your deck is plentiful and the shelter is secure, they have no reason to leave. You must actively encourage them to relocate by making the area inhospitable through the methods described above.
Getting rid of an armadillo under your deck takes a comprehensive plan. Start by making the area unpleasant with repellents and deterrents. Then, permanently seal all entry points with sturdy hardware cloth. Finally, eliminate the food sources that attracted them in the first place. With patience and consistency, you can encourage your unwanted guest to find a new home and enjoy a armadillo-free yard once again.