Armadillos. They're kind of cute and very Texan, but they're the last animal you want to invite into your home. They carry Hansen's Disease, also known as leprosy. They are in fact one of the only animals that carry this disease. They also carry tapeworms and salmonella.
They also love to dig up the yard, which means they're terrible for your garden and landscape. They are not a small problem!
Are armadillos bad for your house?
Unlike many nuisance animals, armadillos don't target the attic.
Instead, they tend to burrow under the house, and all around your yard. They can cause foundation cracks, as well as driveway and sidewalk cracks. Ignoring an infestation could result in having to make a $10,000 foundation repair!
Signs of Armadillo Infestation
You may have an armadillo if:
- You're finding shallow holes all over your yard. These will usually be about 5 inches wide and about 3 inches deep, though they can be deeper if it's been raining.
- You're finding uprooted flowers and plants.
- You're seeing cracks in your sidewalks or foundations.
You may also see an armadillo in the daytime. While these animals are nocturnal they sometimes emerge during the ay to sun themselves, or, hobbitlike, to find themselves a second breakfast.
How do I get rid of an armadillo in my house?
We use humane traps to get rid of the armadillos. We move them somewhere else. Then, we seal up all their burrows so they're less tempted to come back.
After we're gone, you'll want to look into using a nice pine mulch for your garden. Armadillos hate the smell of pine. You lose very little, as mulching is good for your garden anyway. You can spray your fence line with vinegar or ammonia, but you'll have to smell those scents, too.
Installing a fence armadillos can't burrow under is also a good move, as it will keep a new family of armadillos from moving in after the first family has been removed.
The good news is that we usually only find a handful of armadillos in any one place. You generally won't have to deal with an entire swarm or infestation of them.
How much does it cost to get rid of an armadillo?
We can usually get rid of an armadillo for less than $500, depending on how many there are and how extensive the burrow damage is. To keep costs low, you should consider calling us as soon as you know you have one to contend with.
We'll give you a more specific estimate when we call. We're here to help you live an armadillo-free existence, not to beat up your budget. There won't be any surprises after we've given you our initial quote.
If you've seen an armadillo or signs of an armadillo, keep your family safe. Contact Elite Wildlife to start the removal process today.