At first glance, armadillos may not seem dangerous. They’re small, slow, and seem more curious than aggressive. But if you’re seeing signs of armadillo activity around your yard or foundation, it’s worth paying attention.
These armored animals are becoming increasingly common in Florida and throughout the Southeast. While they don’t typically attack humans or pets, they can cause property damage, spread disease, and disrupt your landscaping in ways that are far from harmless.
If you suspect one has made your property home, contacting a trusted pest control company in Sandy Springs can help you assess the situation and protect your yard from further damage.
Here’s what to know if you suspect one has made your property home.
What Attracts Armadillos to Residential Areas?
Armadillos are nocturnal burrowers. They come out at night in search of soft soil and plenty of bugs to eat. Homes with loose soil, mulch, or shaded landscaping are especially attractive.
They’re often drawn to:
- Moist, grub-rich lawns and gardens
- Shady or overgrown areas with ground cover
- Raised homes or crawlspaces
- Compost piles and unsecured trash
- Areas near water or dense vegetation
Once they’ve found a good spot, armadillos start digging. That’s when problems begin.
Hidden Ways Armadillos Can Be Dangerous
They might not be aggressive, but armadillos pose risks to your home, yard, and health in the following ways:
1. Burrowing Under Foundations and Slabs
One of the biggest concerns with armadillos is structural damage. They dig long tunnels and burrows, which can weaken the ground around your home. If they dig beneath driveways, patios, HVAC slabs, or foundations, it can lead to cracks, sinking, or other expensive repairs.
2. Destroying Lawns and Gardens
Armadillos root around for grubs and insects, leaving behind holes, overturned sod, and damaged plants. They can turn a healthy lawn into a patchy mess in a single night.
3. Damaging Irrigation Systems
If your sprinkler or drip lines run near the surface, an armadillo may dig them up or damage them by accident. That can lead to leaks, water waste, and added repair costs.
4. Spreading Disease
While rare, armadillos can carry leprosy (Hansen’s disease) and other bacteria that pose health risks to humans. According to the CDC, about 10–20% of U.S. leprosy cases are linked to direct contact with armadillos, especially in central Florida regions where testing is increasing.
Their droppings can also spread salmonella or other pathogens if left in gardens or near play areas. Most people would need direct or prolonged contact to be at risk, but it’s another reason to keep your distance.
5. Endangering Pets
Armadillos aren’t usually aggressive, but cornered animals may scratch or bite in defense. Dogs who try to chase or dig them out can also get injured or infected through contact. At the very least, an armadillo presence can trigger unwanted digging behavior in pets trying to “help.”
How to Tell If Armadillos Are on Your Property
Armadillos are quiet and avoid people, so spotting one in action isn’t always easy. But they leave plenty of signs, especially in yards and soft soil.
Look for:
- Shallow holes or tunnel entrances (about 3–5 inches wide)
- Raised soil along flowerbeds or fence lines
- Damaged plants or mulch scattered around
- Scratching or rustling sounds at night
- A musky or earthy smell near burrow areas
If you find a burrow near your home’s foundation or under your porch, act quickly. The longer it’s left alone, the more damage it can cause.
What to Do If You Spot One
Do not try to trap or handle armadillos yourself, as this can be dangerous for you and the animal. They are protected in many areas, and relocation without the proper steps can lead to legal or environmental issues. Some species are also considered invasive in parts of Florida, making professional removal the safest and most effective option.
Here’s what to do instead:
- Do not fill in the burrow right away. It could trap the animal underground or lead it to dig elsewhere.
- Remove attractants. Secure trash bins, clear overgrowth, and avoid overwatering your lawn.
- Call a licensed wildlife control professional. They’ll assess the situation, humanely trap the animal if needed, and advise you on prevention.
Nextgen Pest Control and Wildlife Removal offers humane trapping, burrow evaluation, and exclusion services to prevent future intrusions.
Related Questions
Can an armadillo get into my attic or walls?
Unlikely. Armadillos don’t typically climb, but if your home has gaps around crawlspaces or porch vents, they can dig underneath and cause issues from below.
How can I keep armadillos away long-term?
Installing underground barriers or fencing, improving drainage, and reducing food sources (like grubs or compost) can help. Wildlife prevention services can also seal off entry points and make your yard less appealing overall.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover armadillo damage?
In most cases, no. Damage from animals is often excluded unless it leads to a covered event. Preventative measures are the best protection.
What other wildlife issues should I look out for?
If you’ve had armadillos, you may also be at risk for raccoons, opossums, or rodents. Nextgen provides full wildlife exclusion and pest control services in Clearwater and surrounding areas.
Final Thoughts
Armadillos might not look dangerous, but they can cause serious issues for homeowners. From damaging your landscaping to digging beneath foundations and spreading disease, they’re far from harmless when left alone.
If you think you have one on your property, don’t wait for it to go away. Let the experts at Nextgen Pest Solutions safely inspect, trap, remove and prevent future armadillo damage before the problem grows.
