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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 architect 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! 

Armadillo 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 armadillos 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. 

image of wasps at the enterance to a hive before wasp control starts.

Buzz Off! A Guide to Wasp Control

They’re often mistaken for their bee cousins, and their reputation precedes them – wasps. These striped stingers can send shivers down even the bravest spines. But beneath their fearsome exterior lies a world of fascinating behavior, ecological importance, and even a surprising lack of interest in your picnic lunch (well, most of the time). So, ditch the swatters and join us as we unveil the truth about these often-misunderstood wasps in Prickly Pear’s guide to wasp control.

Close up of flying wasp

Wasp World

There are over 500 species of wasps buzzing around the United States, with yellowjackets being the most common. These solitary or social insects can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests and meadows to backyards and even urban areas. They are most active during the day, particularly in warm weather and sunshine. Unlike their honey-producing relatives, wasps are primarily carnivores. Wasps hunt for insects, caterpillars, and spiders, which they paralyze with their sting and then use as food for their young.

Fun Fact: some female wasps lay their eggs inside the bodies of other insects, such as caterpillars. The wasp larvae then hatch and feed on the still-living host, eventually pupating and emerging as adult wasps.

Signs of Wasps Sharing your Space

If you suspect wasps have decided to share your outdoor space, here are a few telltale signs:

  • Paper Paradise: Some wasp species, like bald-faced hornets (a type of wasp), build impressive paper nests, often in sheltered areas like eaves, trees, or even under decks. These nests are typically grey or brown and can be quite large.
  • The Lunchtime Loiterers: Wasps are attracted to sweet smells and leftover food. If you see them hovering around your picnic basket or garbage can, it’s a good sign they’re in the area.
  • The Territorial Tango: Wasps can be quite territorial, especially around their nests. If you see them flying aggressively near a particular area, it’s best to steer clear.

Wasp Weddings: Breeding Bonanza

The wasp breeding season varies depending on the species, but it generally occurs in the spring and summer. Fertile females, often called queens, build nests or find suitable cavities for their young. They lay eggs and may hunt for food to provision the nest. Depending on the species, the young may be cared for by the queen or by worker wasps, who are also female but sterile. As the nest grows, the queen’s role becomes more focused on laying eggs and more of these sterile female workers take up the hunting and care of the young. 

Wasps: Nature’s Ninja Pest Control

While a wasp sting can be painful, these often-feared insects play a vital role in the environment. Here’s why:

  • Pest Patrol: Wasps are natural predators of many insects, including some that can be harmful to gardens and crops. They help to control pest populations and maintain a balanced ecosystem. Fierce hunters, they are particularly effective in aerial strikes. 
  • Pollination Power (to an Extent): While not as efficient pollinators as bees, wasps do visit flowers in search of nectar and while hunting for food. In doing so, they can inadvertently transfer pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction.
  • Food Chain Fuel: Wasps themselves are a food source for other animals, such as birds and spiders. They contribute to the intricate web of life in their habitat.

Wasp-Free Zones: Keeping Your Property Uninviting

While wasps are beneficial insects, it’s understandable if you don’t want them buzzing around your patio furniture. Here are a few tips to deter them:

  • Seal Up the Cracks: Wasps can be adept at finding entry points into homes and outbuildings. Regularly inspect your eaves, soffits, and around windows and doors for any gaps or holes and seal them up with caulk or weather stripping.
  • Tidy Up Trash: Keep lids on trash cans and avoid leaving sugary drinks or food scraps outdoors. Wasps are attracted to sweet smells and will readily investigate potential food sources.
  • No Fake Fruit Frenzy: Decorative bowls of fake fruit might look inviting, but they can actually attract wasps. Opt for real plants instead, and enjoy the natural beauty.

For more DIY tips, check out this great article from the University of Kentucky as they cover the types of control available.

The Mahogany Wasp and the South

Generally speaking, we believe that all wildlife can find a way to coexist. But then we run into a mahogany wasp. If you live in the South, you know what we are talking about. These aggressive and territorial flying missile launchers love to build their nests in and around humans and then protect this nest with malicious intent. When you encounter these wasps, it is best to give them their space until you are ready to battle them. If you choose to engage before prepared, you will find that any failed assault (like missing with a fly swatter) may only serve to incite violence in the wasp or worse, the whole swarm. When you see these nesting on and around your living space, it is best to address the problem early when the swarm is small and seek help if you are not confident in your approach. 

Wasps: Worthy of Respect, Not Revenge

Wasps may not be the most cuddly creatures, but they are fascinating and vital members of our ecosystem. With a little understanding and by implementing preventative measures, we can learn to coexist peacefully with these often-misunderstood wasps. Remember, a healthy respect for these insects goes a long way. Appreciate them from afar, avoid attracting them to your living space, and if necessary, call in a professional pest control service for safe removal.

Except for mahogany wasps… there can be no peace with them. 

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Introducing Prickles: The Only Armadillo With Spikes

Prickles, Our Bug Eating Mascot

At Prickly Pear Wildlife Removal and Home Services, we believe in coexistence. We understand that wildlife is an integral part of our ecosystem, and sometimes, their paths and ours simply cross. That’s where we come in. Our company specializes in humane wildlife control, ensuring the safety of both animals and homeowners.

But beyond our services, we are a Texas original company and we wanted our brand and mascot to reflect our Texan Roots and our love for wildlife and our environment! Our logo features a friendly armadillo named Prickles, and his story is intertwined with the very essence of Prickly Pear Wildlife Removal.

Our company was created in Central Texas where the hill country, the south Texas Plains, and the Prairies all meet. This part of Texas has access to the stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife of hill country, the pristine lakes, and the grasslands to create a remarkably diverse ecosystem. 

Armadillos are a common sight here, often ambling across roads or peeking out from under brush piles. These gentle creatures, with their unique armor, wrap up Texas became a source of inspiration for us.

Armadillos, despite their tough exterior, are surprisingly shy and non-confrontational. They spend most of their time burrowing and foraging for insects and worms. This resonated deeply with our company’s philosophy. We believe in resolving wildlife conflicts peacefully, using humane methods to relocate animals without causing them harm. In addition, how great is it to have this cute bug eater as your mascot for pest control service? 

Prickles Takes Shape: From Sketch to Symbol

The idea for a mascot came naturally. We wanted a friendly face to represent our company, someone who embodied the values of coexistence and respect for wildlife. Enter Prickles, the armadillo!

Our designer began by sketching various armadillo poses. We wanted Prickles to be approachable and welcoming, not a menacing caricature. We explored different facial expressions, settling on a gentle smile that conveyed kindness and understanding.

Prickles’ body posture was another crucial element. We didn’t want him to appear aggressive or defensive. Instead, we opted for a relaxed stance, perhaps mid-stride as he investigates a situation. This subtle movement hints at his helpful nature, always ready to assist homeowners and animals alike.

Once we landed on the profile shot of our bug eating inspiration, we started adding elements that met our brand. First, our humane wildlife removal uses industry leading products and tools to harden a home represented by Prickles shell. We added spikes to this shell representing the bird spikes commonly used to deter birds from nesting or perching on a build. Then we added a small leaf to the tail as a subtle nod to the eco-friendly approach to pest control and wildlife. 

The Colors of Prickly Pear: A Palette Reflecting Nature’s Harmony

Armed with the Image of Prickles, we started working on a name and color palette. After much debate, our name was meticulously chosen as Prickly Pear; the Texas state plant. As our namesake, we selected colors that represented the natural world and the harmonious relationship of nature, but also colors that we found in the prickly pear. 

  • Oatmeal: It’s often linked to earthy tones and organic materials, giving a sense of grounding and stability. It signifies stability, reliability, and the foundation of our services – a deep understanding of wildlife behavior.
  • Cactus Green: This calming green evokes the lush landscapes of the Texas Hill Country and the natural habitats of the animals we assist. It symbolizes growth, balance, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
  • Forest Green: Forest green is a color that promotes feelings of peace and tranquility. This deep shade of green has traditionally been used for high-end products and designs, conveying a sense of elegance and refinement.

Prickles: An Ambassador for Humane Wildlife Control

Prickles is more than just a cute logo; he’s an ambassador for our company’s values. He represents our commitment to:

  • Humane Wildlife Control: Prickles embodies our dedication to resolving wildlife conflicts peacefully. We believe in using safe and effective methods to relocate animals, ensuring their well-being throughout the process.
  • Education and Awareness: Prickles serves as a reminder of the importance of coexisting with wildlife. We provide educational resources on our website to help homeowners understand animal behavior and take preventative measures to minimize conflicts.
  • Respect for All Creatures: Prickles represents our deep respect for all living things. We believe that all animals deserve to be treated with compassion, regardless of the inconvenience they may cause.

Prickly Pear Wildlife Removal: Working in Harmony with Nature

Prickly Pear Wildlife Removal and Home Services takes pride in its unique logo and the message it conveys. Prickles, the friendly armadillo, is a constant reminder of our commitment to humane wildlife control and peaceful coexistence.

We understand that wildlife encounters can be stressful, but with Prickles by our side, we’re here to help navigate these situations with respect and understanding for both homeowners and animals.

If you’re facing a wildlife challenge in your home, contact Prickly Pear Wildlife Removal and Home Services today. We’ll work diligently to resolve the issue humanely and efficiently, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.world. 

up close photo of mosquito menance

Managing Mosquito Menaces

Mosquitos, the tiny, winged vampires of the insect world, are a pervasive pest across the United States. These blood-sucking bugs are most prevalent in humid, warm climates, making the Southern states their preferred playground. While they’re active throughout the warmer months, their peak season typically coincides with the height of summer making summer the prime season for managing mosquito menaces.

Interestingly, only female mosquitos bite humans and animals. They require a blood meal to produce eggs, a rather gruesome necessity for such a diminutive creature. The males, on the other hand, are harmless nectar-sippers. 

Fun Fact: Mosquitos can smell carbon dioxide and other chemicals emitted by humans and animals from hundreds of yards away.

Mosquito breeding is closely linked to warm, humid conditions. While they can breed year-round in tropical climates, in the United States, the breeding season typically peaks during the summer months. However, with climate change, this period may be extending. Female mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water, which hatch into larvae and eventually pupae before emerging as adult mosquitos. The entire process can take as little as a week under optimal conditions.

Signs of Mosquitos on Your Property

If you’re experiencing an influx of these sucky uninvited guests with itchy consequences, chances are you’re hosting a mosquito party. Here are some telltale signs of a mosquito infestation:

  • An army of itchy bumps: This is the most obvious indicator. If you’re scratching more than you’re smiling, you’ve got a mosquito problem.
  • Standing water: Mosquitos breed in stagnant water, so any puddles, birdbaths, or clogged gutters are potential breeding grounds.
  • Increased mosquito activity at dusk and dawn: These are peak feeding times for mosquitos. If you’re being bombarded by bites during these hours, it’s a clear sign.
  • If your small dog is being carried away by tiny winged insects, you are in Texas and these are mosquitos. 

Mosquitos: More Than Just a Menace

Despite their irritating nature, mosquitos do play a role in the ecosystem. They serve as a food source for various predators, including birds, bats, dragonflies, and fish. Additionally, some mosquito species pollinate plants. However, these benefits are far outweighed by the negative impacts, particularly the transmission of several mosquito transmitted diseases. 


Mosquito-borne illnesses are diseases transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. These diseases can vary widely in severity, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe and potentially fatal conditions. Common mosquito-borne illnesses include West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria. Symptoms can range from fever, headache, and body aches to more serious complications affecting the nervous system, joints, and organs. Preventing mosquito bites through repellents, protective clothing, and eliminating standing water is crucial for reducing the risk of contracting these diseases.   

Make Your Home Mosquito-Free

To deter these pesky pests from turning your property into their personal buffet, there are a few things that you can do to make your property less attractive to these blood suckers. 

  • Eliminate standing water: This is the most crucial step. Check gutters, birdbaths, flowerpots, and any other containers that can hold water and empty them regularly.
  • Landscape wisely: Mosquitos love dense vegetation. Trim bushes and tall grass to reduce their hiding places.
  • Install screens: Keep mosquitos out of your home by ensuring all windows and doors have tight-fitting screens.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito hours.

Professional Mosquito Control

Mosquito control has grown in popularity over the years as mosquito populations have shot up across the US, however not all services are created equal. There are predominately two different approaches to mosquito treatments: a misting system or routine treatments. 

Both approaches have similar effectiveness, but with the regular service, you do not need to buy and maintain an expensive system. 

Regardless of your approach, the next part of professional control is what chemicals are being applied. There are several chemicals available that affect mosquitoes and other insects differently as well as have a different effect on the mosquitos breeding cycle. Given this, it is always best to talk to your professional about their approach and what concerns you may have.

Prickly Pear uses two approaches to manage mosquito menances. Our team uses a fogger to apply a targeted pesticide for mosquitos that is bee safe and a mosquito bait station called In2Care to minimize the chemicals we apply while creating the best outcome for you.