Armadillo invasion

[HemiEd]

These disgusting little critters are migrating north and are causing some maddening damage on my property. I have learned that several of my friends are also experiencing this you. How about you? Have you any suggestions or experience with them?

I remember when as a kid, they were not north of Texas. Then according to what I have found they made it north to Missouri in the 70s. Armadillos migrated to North America through Central America and Mexico, crossing the Rio Grande River in the late 1800s. Humans also introduced them to Florida during this time.

Now, I don't intend to start an argument about climate change, but they don't like the cold and they are mostly nocturnal, but they may be more active during the day when it's cooler. Researchers believe climate change is a factor in armadillos' northward expansion, as they prefer hot weather and sandy or clay environments.

There is a ton of information out there on them, so I am not going to bore you with cutting and pasting all of it.

Below is just a small sample of the damage they have been doing to my property.



Below is a picture of one I shot the other night a 3 AM. No, armadillos are not protected in Missouri, and are legal to hunt and trap year-round. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) allows residents to trap or shoot armadillos that are causing damage to their property.
Armadillos are considered a nuisance because they can: Damage lawns and gardens, Burrow into the ground, and Carry bacteria that can cause leprosy.

[threebag]

Originally Posted by HemiEd

I have tried the trapping thing with dog food and even dug up a bunch of grubs and worms for the $70 trap I bought that was a waste of money. Spent about two weeks doing it with no luck.

I made a trail of grub worms in little container lids from in front of the trap all the way to the back of it. Nope. Everything I have read indicated that it would be very difficult to trap them and I have determined it is a waste of time and money.

My next step is to spread so much Merit/bug killer that it will totally eliminate the food source that attracts them. I have put Merit down annually, but plan on going well beyond that. https://www.domyown.com/merit-05-ins...les-p-301.html

I was thinking more sitting on the porch, drinking coffee and the 12 ga.

[HemiEd]

Originally Posted by threebag

I was thinking more sitting on the porch, drinking coffee and the 12 ga.

I tried that one night and the boredom was just overwhelming, plus, staying up past nine o'clock for me is just not in the cards anymore.

I have a balcony deck over my garage that is where I have been doing the shooting from.

Just a few minutes ago I checked and there is as much or more yard damage as ever, so there are still plenty of these little varmits around it appears.