Critter Corner: Residents Guide to Armadillos

  Nine-Banded Armadillos are the only armadillo species found in the United States. They prefer warm, wet climates. However, lately, they have been expanding their range northward. Historically, they have been found south of the Rio Grande, to as far north as the Midwest. Armadillos can cause damage to lawns, golf courses, and flower beds. Their burrowing activity can uproot flowers or other plants and can cause damage to driveways or paths.

   If you have an issue with armadillos or other such animals (e.g., squirrels or raccoons), following is a list of local companies that can assist you with your trapping needs. Please keep in mind that this is only a partial list of companies that provide this service in Savannah. Please also note that both the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and The Landings Association are prohibited from trapping on private property.

If you are not ready to call in the professionals, below are some useful tips and educational information to help reduce the frequency of armadillos on and around your property.

• Armadillos are nocturnal and eat worms, grubs, and insects. Keeping this food source out of your grass and landscaping (including mulch and pine straw areas) is the most beneficial way to rid yourself of these pests. Spraying a mixture of insecticides onto your grass also will create a barrier that will help prevent these types of insects from attracting the presence of armadillos.
• Armadillos are not territorial. However, they are scent driven. If they establish a den hole or use your yard for any period of time, they will leave a scent in the soil that will last for a prolonged amount of time. This scent also may attract other armadillos to the same area/den.
• If you have a reoccurring armadillo concern, there are repellants such as Armadillo Scram or Yard Guard that will help in removing the scent and deterring future armadillos. The repellants should be used in any den holes or areas where the animal was spotted.

If you would like to learn more about Nine-Banded Armadillos, please visit www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Nine-Banded-Armadillo. If you have a specific concern related to wildlife (deer, feral hogs, coyotes, or migratory birds), please report the issue by calling the Public Works Office (912-598-5506) or via SeeClickFix on TLA’s website (www.landings.org/service-requests). You also can use your TLA app to submit a SeeClickFix request.