Opinion

Different control methods for Armadillos

Thursday, September 4, 2008

You don't have to travel very far in Southeast Kansas anymore before you see a dead armadillo along the side of the road. They rarely survive an encounter with a vehicle since they jump in the air when startled.

Armadillos have nine moveable rings of armor between their shoulders and their hips, with twelve rings around their tails. This three toed animal is about the size of an opossum, weighing from 8 to 17 pounds as adults.

They are active from twilight through the early hours during the summer months, but may be active only during the day in the winter.

Armadillos are burrowing animals which may dig tunnels up to eight inches in diameter and up to 15 feet in length. They use these areas to raise their young and to hide from predators.

The gestation length for armadillos is five months or 150 days. They have one litter of same-sexed quadruplets each year, born in March or April. Each litter mate is identical since they are from a single egg.

They prefer sandy or loam soils that are loose or porous. Armadillos also prefer dense, shady covers such as brush and woodlands, and areas adjacent to creeks or rivers.

Armadillos have very poor eyesight, but an incredibly keen sense of smell. They also are likely to be very agile, fast runners, and good swimmers.

Around 90 percent of an armadillo's diet consists of insects. However they will also consume worms, spiders, other invertebrates and small amounts of fruit and vegetable matter.

While searching for food, they tend to dig holes about 3 inches wide and 5 inches deep. They will also uproot flowers and other vegetation in loose soils. This digging can cause damage to lawns, gardens, golf courses, and flower beds. In extreme circumstances, problems can be caused by burrowing under foundations, driveways, and other structures.

There are several control methods for armadillos. Live cage trapping can be effective, but they are unpredictable animals so this may be a challenge. The traps should be placed in trails near fences or along the side of a building. If the burrow location is known, the trap should be placed at the entrance. Two long boards on each side of the trap may be helpful to funnel the animal in. Bait is not usually necessary, but if desired, overripe or spoiled fruit works well as it attracts flies and other insects.

Fences are also a possibility for eliminating access to areas. If damage is isolated to a small area, an electric fence three to four inches off the ground should be sufficient. This should be used cautiously in areas where children may be present.

A fence slanted outward at a 40 degree angle, with at least 18 inches buried, will also deter them. This method could become quiet expensive and labor intensive in large areas.

Eliminating the food source will often cause animals to look elsewhere for food. However, ridding the soil of all insects and worms is not practical and may be detrimental to plants and other life forms in the area.

Armadillos may not be a common problem for you, but I have been receiving an increase number of calls each year. For more information on animal control and damage prevention, contact the Bourbon County Extension Office.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.