Armadillos

About Armadillos

Armadillos are unique, armored mammals belonging to the family Dasypodidae. They are primarily found in the Americas, with the nine-banded armadillo being the most widespread species in the United States. Known for their distinctive bony plates covering their back, armadillos have adapted to a variety of habitats. They are primarily nocturnal and have poor eyesight, relying heavily on their keen sense of smell to locate food. Armadillos play an essential role in ecosystems by consuming insects and small invertebrates. However, their burrowing behavior can sometimes conflict with human activities, leading to the need for effective management strategies.

What Do Armadillos Look Like?

Armadillos have a distinctive appearance characterized by their bony, armored shells, which consist of overlapping plates covering their back, head, legs, and tail. They have small to medium-sized bodies, with most species ranging from 5 to 25 inches in length, not including the tail. The nine-banded armadillo, common in the United States, typically measures about 15 to 17 inches in body length, with a tail of similar length. Armadillos have pointed snouts, sharp claws for digging, and peg-like teeth adapted for their insectivorous diet. Their coloration varies from grayish-brown to reddish-brown, providing camouflage in their natural habitats.

Facts About Armadillos Gestation

Armadillos have a unique reproductive process, particularly the nine-banded armadillo, which is known for its delayed implantation. After mating, the fertilized egg remains dormant for several months before implanting in the uterus, resulting in a total gestation period of about 120 days. This species gives birth to identical quadruplets from a single egg, a rare phenomenon in the animal kingdom. The young are born with soft, leathery skin that hardens into their characteristic armor over time. Newborn armadillos are weaned by their mother and begin to forage independently after a few months. This reproductive strategy helps armadillos adapt to varying environmental conditions and resource availability.

Armadillos Habitat and Behavior

Armadillos inhabit a wide range of environments, including forests, grasslands, and semi-deserts. They prefer areas with soft, loose soil that facilitates their burrowing activities. Armadillos are primarily nocturnal, emerging at dusk to forage for food, which mainly consists of insects, grubs, and other invertebrates. They use their sharp claws to dig for prey and create extensive burrow systems for shelter and protection. These burrows can be several feet deep and wide, often with multiple entrances. Armadillos are solitary animals, coming together only during the breeding season. Their behavior includes frequent digging, foraging, and occasional swimming, as they can hold their breath for extended periods.

What Are 5 Unique Facts About Armadillos?

1. The nine-banded armadillo can hold its breath for up to six minutes, allowing it to walk along the bottom of water bodies.
2. Armadillos are capable of jumping up to three feet in the air when startled, a defense mechanism against predators.
3. They have poor eyesight but compensate with an excellent sense of smell, which they use to locate food.
4. Armadillos are the only mammals known to give birth to identical quadruplets regularly.
5. Their armor is made of bony plates called osteoderms, which provide protection against predators and environmental hazards.

What Are the Problems Related to Armadillos?

Armadillos can cause several problems, particularly when they dig in gardens, lawns, and agricultural fields. Their burrowing behavior can lead to significant soil disruption, damaging plant roots, and creating unsightly holes. These burrows can also undermine structures, such as sidewalks, driveways, and foundations, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, armadillos may raid compost piles and pet food containers, creating messes and attracting other pests. Their foraging can disrupt landscaping and irrigation systems, further contributing to property damage. Managing armadillo populations and preventing their burrowing activities are essential to mitigate these issues and protect property and crops.

What Are the Risks Associated with Armadillos?

The primary risks associated with armadillos are related to their burrowing behavior and potential health concerns. Their burrows can destabilize the ground, leading to structural damage and posing tripping hazards. Armadillos are also known carriers of the bacterium that causes leprosy (Hansen’s disease) in humans, although transmission is rare. Additionally, they can host parasites like ticks and fleas, which may spread diseases to humans and pets. Direct contact with armadillos or their burrows should be avoided to minimize these risks. Implementing effective control measures can help reduce the potential hazards associated with armadillos.

Get Rid of Armadillos Treatment

To get rid of armadillos, start by eliminating food sources such as insects and grubs from your yard using appropriate insecticides. Install physical barriers like fencing, ensuring it extends at least a foot underground to prevent burrowing. Use live traps baited with fruits, worms, or moist cat food to capture and relocate armadillos, following local wildlife regulations. Fill in existing burrows with soil and rocks to discourage reoccupation. Employ motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter armadillos from foraging in your yard. For persistent problems or if you are uncomfortable handling armadillos, consider hiring a professional wildlife control service to ensure safe and effective removal.

Armadillos Prevention Advice

Preventing armadillos involves making your property less attractive and accessible to them. Maintain a well-kept yard by mowing the lawn regularly and removing piles of debris and brush. Use fencing to protect gardens and other vulnerable areas, ensuring it is buried at least a foot deep to prevent burrowing. Reduce insect populations in your yard by using insecticides, as armadillos are attracted to areas with abundant food sources. Secure garbage cans, compost bins, and pet food containers to eliminate potential food attractants. Regularly inspect your property for signs of armadillo activity and take prompt action to address any issues, such as filling in burrows and repairing damage.