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.

The Sticky Situation: Glue Boards for Pest Control

Glue boards (aka glue traps) are a seemingly simple pest control method that have been a controversial topic for years. Their ability to capture a wide range of pests, from rodents to insects, without the use of harmful chemicals has made them a popular choice for many. However, the ethical implications of their use have raised significant concerns among animal welfare advocates and environmentalists alike.

glue boards are sticky surfaces that trap any small animal that touches it.

The Issue

One of the primary advantages of glue boards is their effectiveness in capturing a variety of pests. The sticky adhesive on these boards can trap small animals, preventing them from accessing food sources and spreading diseases. This can be particularly beneficial in areas where traditional methods, such as pesticides, are not suitable or effective such as in a food production facility, where the use of chemicals can contaminate products, glue boards can be a safer and create a product friendly option.

Additionally, glue boards are relatively inexpensive and seem easy to use. They require minimal setup and with some training, can be placed in strategic locations to target specific pest populations. This makes them a convenient and accessible pest control solution for both homeowners and businesses.

However, the effectiveness of glue boards comes at a significant cost to animal welfare. The adhesive used on these boards is extremely strong and can cause immense suffering to trapped animals. They may struggle for hours or even days to free themselves, experiencing pain, stress, and ultimately, a slow and agonizing death. This inhumane treatment of animals has led to widespread condemnation of glue boards.

Furthermore, there is a risk of non-target species being caught on glue boards. Birds, reptiles, and even small mammals can become trapped, leading to unnecessary suffering and potential population declines. This is particularly concerning in areas with diverse wildlife populations.

While glue boards can be effective in certain situations, their use should be carefully considered and limited. They should only be used in areas where other pest control methods are not feasible, such as food production facilities. Additionally, they should be placed in strategic locations to minimize the risk of non-target species being captured and never used to catch anything more than insects. It is essential to monitor glue boards regularly and release any non-target animals that may become trapped.

Releasing a trapped non-target animal such as a snake can be a challenge, especially if the trapped animal can pose a threat to the human who is attempting to release them. So if you don’t feel that you can safely do this, seek help from a company like Prickly Pear who has the experience and tools required to safely remove these animals.

If you are capable of removing the animal yourself though, you may use vegetable oil or olive oil rubbed along the glue next to the animal and slowly lift the animal out of the glue. As the glue begins to break down, the animal will begin moving itself in an attempt to free itself. Once freed, the animal should be washed gently in a dawn dish soap and water mix to remove the remaining glue from their fur/skin. When done successfully and early enough, the animal can make a full recovery!

Summary

It is important to explore alternative pest control methods that are more humane and environmentally friendly. These may include traps that provide a quick and painless death, exclusion techniques to prevent pests from entering buildings, and habitat modification to reduce pest populations.While glue boards may offer a convenient and effective way to control pests, their use in the wrong applications or placement creates inhumane and ethical concerns. While they may be necessary in certain situations, their application should be carefully considered with careful placement in order to minimize harm to animals. When used, they should be monitored frequently to ensure that no non-targeted animals have become trapped by the glue board.

How Does Prickly Pear Use Glue Boards?

Prickly Pear specializes in humane wildlife control. That means that we take special care to ensure the safety of the humans AND the wildlife when solving pest or wildlife concerns. As such, we never recommend homeowners or DIY’rs use glue boards because of the risk to non-targeted animals. Prickly Pear will use glue boards when necessary to measure pest infestation levels or control in food production. When we do, we ensure that the traps are placed in places that minimize the risk to other animals and we always pair it with frequent checks to ensure that they are working as intended. If you want to learn more, reach out to us and we would be happy to talk through your specific use case.

Prickly Pear employee holding a 4.5 foot long rattlesnake in front of the Prickly Pear van

Snakes of the Lone Star State

Snakes, those serpentine slitherers, are found in abundance across the United States, with Texas boasting a particularly diverse population. These cold-blooded creatures are ectothermic, meaning they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. As a result, the snakes of the lone star state are most active during the warmer months when the sun provides the heat they need.

Texas’s varied landscapes, from the humid Gulf Coast to the arid western plains, offer a wide range of habitats for snakes. While the state is home to a variety of species, not all are venomous. In fact, most snakes are harmless and play essential roles in the ecosystem. An interesting fact about snakes is their ability to dislocate their jaws, allowing them to consume prey much larger than their heads. Since snakes eat their prey whole, this skill is especially useful!

Why Shouldn’t I kill it First and Ask Questions Later?

Said simply, snakes are vital components of the ecosystem. As predators, they help control populations of rodents, insects, and other small animals. They also serve as prey for larger predators, such as hawks, owls, and raccoons.

At Prickly Pear, we offer snake removal services, but what we have found is that most snake jobs are actually just rodent jobs in disguise. Which means, the snake you are saying is just there because there is a food source (mice or rats) there. When we remove the food source, the snake will leave on its own. Unlike the small mammals of your neighborhood (like squirrels), snakes are not looking to co habitat with you, just looking for their next meal.

We never recommend killing a snake (even a venomous one), as their benefits usually outweigh the risk. But when they are too close for comfort, seek a professional company, like Prickly Pear, to come remove the snake and relocate it to another area.

In fact, it is often best to treat all snakes as venomous until you are certain that they are not. We have a wealth of information available (thanks to the internet), but please make sure the source is authoritative when you consider your life is at risk based on the information your getting. Prickly Pear highly recommends Texas A&M as the best authority in our state and they happen to produce a great guide for identification.

Signs of Snakes of the Lone Star State on Your Property

If you encounter snakes on your property, it’s important to maintain a safe distance and observe them from afar. Here are some signs that might indicate snake presence:

Shed Skin: Snakes shed their skin periodically, so finding shed skin can be a sign of their presence.
Sunning Spots: Snakes often bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. Look for smooth, flat rocks or logs where they might be found.
Burrows: Some snakes create burrows in the ground or under objects.
Rodent Activity Decrease: A sudden drop in rodent populations could indicate a healthy snake population.

Snake Breeding Season

Snake breeding varies depending on the species, but generally occurs in the spring or early summer. After a gestation period, which can range from weeks to months, female snakes lay eggs or give birth to live young. The number of offspring depends on the species.

Making Your Home Less Inviting for Snakes

To reduce the likelihood of snake encounters on your property, consider these tips:

Habitat Modification: Clear away debris, brush, and tall grass around your home to eliminate potential hiding places.
Secure Entry Points: Seal any gaps or holes in your home’s foundation, attic, and basement to prevent snakes from entering.
Reduce Attractants: Remove potential food sources for rodents, such as birdseed and pet food, which can attract snakes.
Lawn Care: Keep your lawn trimmed short to reduce hiding spots.
Secure Chicken Coops and Rabbit Hutches: Snakes may prey on poultry or rabbits, so ensure their enclosures are secure.
Woodpiles: Store firewood away from your home to avoid creating snake habitats.

Sssssummary…

Snakes are fascinating creatures. They live a solitary life, following the warmth of the sun to move about their world and search for tasty snacks. They are (mostly) silent, as they experience the world from a unique angle (their belly) and bathe in the sun. Snakes provide effective rodent control and are most often in your environment to help with a rodent issue. When you encounter a snake, remember, most snakes in Texas are harmless to humans. If you encounter a venomous snake, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance and contact a professional wildlife removal service.

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.

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