Waking up to find your lawn covered with mysterious holes can be frustrating, especially when the culprit is an armadillo.
These armored critters have been expanding their range northward, and Pennsylvania homeowners are now dealing with their digging habits.
Understanding how to handle this situation will help you protect your yard while respecting wildlife.
Identify The Damage Pattern
Armadillos leave behind distinct cone-shaped holes about three to five inches wide as they search for grubs and insects.
Their digging usually happens at night, and you might notice shallow burrows near foundations or garden beds.
Look for tracks with four toes on the front feet and five on the back.
Fresh dirt piles around holes indicate recent activity, helping you determine if armadillos are actively visiting your Pennsylvania property right now.
Remove Their Food Source
Armadillos primarily hunt for grubs, beetles, and other lawn insects that live beneath the surface.
Treating your Pennsylvania yard with beneficial nematodes or milky spore can naturally reduce these pest populations without harsh chemicals.
Keeping your grass healthy and properly watered also discourages grub infestations.
When food becomes scarce, armadillos will naturally move on to more promising hunting grounds, solving your problem without direct confrontation with the animals themselves.
Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Armadillos dislike sudden surprises, making motion-activated sprinklers an effective deterrent.
These devices detect movement and spray water, startling the animals without causing harm.
Position sprinklers near areas where you notice the most digging activity.
The surprise factor works best during nighttime hours when armadillos are most active.
Most Pennsylvania homeowners report success within a few weeks as the creatures learn to avoid the uncomfortable experience and seek easier yards.
Build Physical Barriers
Fencing can effectively keep armadillos out if installed correctly.
Bury wire mesh or hardware cloth at least twelve inches deep and extend it eighteen inches above ground.
Armadillos are surprisingly good diggers but poor climbers, so underground barriers work better than tall fences.
Focus on protecting vegetable gardens, flower beds, and foundation areas.
Bend the bottom portion outward underground to create an L-shape that prevents burrowing underneath the barrier.
Use Natural Repellents
Certain scents can discourage armadillos from visiting your property.
Castor oil-based repellents create an unpleasant taste and smell that makes your lawn less appealing as a feeding area.
Apply repellents after rainfall or watering for best results.
Cayenne pepper, garlic, and ammonia-soaked rags placed near burrow entrances may also help.
Reapply natural deterrents regularly since rain and wind reduce their effectiveness.
Combining multiple methods increases your chances of success significantly.
Fill Existing Holes Properly
Once armadillos stop visiting, repair the damage they left behind.
Fill holes with soil and tamp it down firmly to prevent settling and creating uneven surfaces.
Add grass seed to bare spots and water regularly until new growth appears.
Larger burrows near foundations should be filled carefully to avoid structural issues.
Monitor previously damaged areas for several weeks to ensure the animals have not returned to continue their excavation efforts in your yard.
Contact Wildlife Professionals
Sometimes DIY methods are not enough, and professional help becomes necessary.
Licensed wildlife control experts understand armadillo behavior and can humanely trap and relocate persistent animals.
Pennsylvania wildlife regulations require proper permits for trapping, so professionals ensure legal compliance.
They can also identify entry points and recommend long-term prevention strategies.
Professional services cost money upfront but often save time and frustration compared to months of unsuccessful attempts to solve the problem yourself.