Unveiling the Secrets of the “Armored Architects”

They’re the walking tanks of the Texan plains, the champions of the dirt dive, and the bane of perfectly manicured lawns. Yes, we’re talking about armadillos aka armored architects, the official Texas state small mammal. These quirky creatures have a skill for digging and a surprising fondness for fire ants, the unofficial most annoying insect of Texas.  

Tiny armadillo aka armored architects looking directly at the camera.

What’s more, the nine-banded armadillo was the inspiration for Prickly Pear’s mascot, Prickles, but you can read more about that on this blog

Armadillo Overview

Armadillos come in 20 different species waddling around the world, but only one, the nine-banded armadillo, has truly mastered the art of living the American dream (well as close to the American dream as an armed mammal can get). These adaptable critters thrive in the southern half of the United States, from the deserts of Texas and Arizona all the way to the humid swamps of Florida. Armadillos are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night allowing them to avoid the scorching daytime heat and hungry predators, while still leaving them plenty of time to forage for food under the cloak of darkness. 

Armadillos are not picky eaters. Their diet is a buffet of opportunity, consisting mainly of insects, grubs, worms, carrion (dead animals), and even the occasional unsuspecting snake.However, their favorite seems to be fire ants, as they seek them out when and wherever possible. With sharp claws and powerful snouts armadillos are excellent diggers, allowing them to unearth their favorite subterranean snacks with impressive efficiency. Armadillos also enjoy their fruits and in another shout out to our name, they enjoy the occasional Prickly Pear! 

Armored Architects Activity: A Trail of Destruction (or Delight?)

If you suspect armadillos have taken up residence in your yard, there are a few telltale signs to look for:

  • The Great Armadillo Getaway: The most obvious sign of armadillo activity is the presence of shallow trenches or holes in your lawn. These are created as armadillos dig for food, and they can leave your yard looking like a miniature battlefield. Armadillos often target areas with a high concentration of grubs and other insects, addressing these can often result in the armadillo moving on to another location with more food. 
  • The Nighttime Nose Dive: If you hear strange snuffling or scratching noises coming from your yard at night, it might be an armadillo on the hunt for dinner.
  • Scat About: Armadillo droppings are small, round pellets, and you might find them scattered around your property, particularly near areas where they’ve been digging.

Armadillo Breeding Season

The armadillo breeding season is a time of fierce competition and fascinating adaptations. It typically occurs in the fall and winter, between September and February. During this time, male armadillos compete for the attention of females with a series of rituals, including vocalizations that sound like growls and hisses, and chasing displays that can be quite comical to observe.

After 6 months of gestation, the female armadillo gives birth to her litter. The young armadillos are born with soft shells that harden over time, and they become independent within a few months. This rapid development allows the young armadillos to fend for themselves quickly and contribute to the armadillo population. Unfortunately, with this rapid development to independence young armadillos often find their way to a dark road at night and hit by a passing automobile, making them a common “road kill” victim. 

Fun fact: Unlike most mammals, armadillos can give birth to identical quadruplets! These litters, consisting of four genetically identical babies, are all the same sex.

Armored Allies: The Role of Armadillos in the Ecosystem

While these armored architects can be a nuisance to homeowners with meticulously manicured lawns, they play a vital role in healthy ecosystems. Here’s why:

  • Natural Pest Control: Armadillos love to munch on grubs, beetles, and other insects that can damage gardens and crops. They act as natural pest controllers, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem. In areas with a high concentration of fire ants, armadillos can actually help to control these aggressive insects by preying on them.
  • Seed Dispersal: As armadillos rummage through the soil in search of food, they can inadvertently disperse seeds from plants they’ve eaten. This helps to promote plant diversity and regeneration, ensuring a healthy and vibrant ecosystem.
  • Food Chain Fuel: Armadillos themselves are a food source for predators like coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. They contribute to the intricate web of life in their habitat, playing an important role in maintaining a balanced predator-prey relationship.

Keeping Your Yard Armadillo-Free

Armadillos may be fascinating creatures, but their digging habits can wreak havoc on your landscaping. Here are a few tips to deter them from making your yard their personal buffet:

  • Fortify Your Fortress: Exclusion is key! Installing a fence made of sturdy wire mesh, at least 18 inches deep and angled outwards at the bottom, around the perimeter of your property can help to deter armadillos from digging their way in.
  • Fill in the Funnels: If you see armadillo holes in your yard, fill them in with dirt or a mixture of soil and gravel. However, armadillos are persistent diggers, so be prepared to repeat this process if they reappear.
  • Remove the Grubs: Armadillos are attracted to areas with a high concentration of grubs and insects. Consider using natural pest control methods, such as milky spore or beneficial nematodes, to reduce the grub population in your yard. This will make your property less appealing to these armored diners.
  • Spicy Strategies (with Caution): Some homeowners sprinkle cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes around the perimeter of their gardens or flowerbeds. While the capsaicin in these peppers can irritate an armadillo’s nose, this method should be used with caution as it can also harm pets and beneficial wildlife.
  • Call in the Professionals: If armadillo activity is causing significant damage to your property, consider contacting a professional wildlife removal service. Prickly Pear has the experience and expertise to safely and humanely remove armadillos from your yard.

Coexisting with Our Armored Neighbors

Armadillos may not be the most glamorous creatures, but they are a unique and important part of our natural world. By understanding their behavior and implementing preventative measures, we can learn to coexist peacefully with these fascinating “armored architects.” Remember, appreciating these quirky creatures from afar and taking steps to discourage them from turning your yard into a personal digging ground can go a long way in maintaining a healthy balance between human habitation and the natural world. 

If you have discovered these armored architects destroying your yard, it’s time to call Prickly Pear for a humane wildlife removal service!

Comments are closed.