Armadillo Removal & Exclusion
Once confined to South and Central America, armadillos have been steadily expanding their range northward since the mid-1800s. They have now firmly established themselves across the southern United States and have been making their way into Missouri in increasing numbers. These armored animals are far more than a roadkill curiosity — they are a genuine nuisance for Missouri homeowners.
The Damage Armadillos Cause
Armadillos are powerful diggers equipped with long, sharp claws built for rooting out insects. While invertebrates make up most of their diet, they also consume fruits, vegetables, eggs, and small reptiles. Their relentless foraging and burrowing tears up lawns, gardens, flower beds, and the surrounding landscape.
Signs of an Armadillo Problem
Because armadillos are primarily nocturnal, you are unlikely to spot one in the act. Instead, look for ripped-up flower beds, uprooted plants, and shallow triangular holes in your lawn — typically 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches wide, shaped to match their snout.
Health Concerns
Armadillos are generally non-aggressive and rarely bite unless cornered. However, they are one of the few animals scientifically linked to leprosy transmission in humans. You should never handle one — alive or dead — as even indirect contact carries risk.
What To Do
Do not attempt to trap, approach, or shoot an armadillo on your own. Their bony shells are extremely hard, and bullets can ricochet unpredictably. Contact Advanced Wildlife Control for prompt, efficient, and humane removal — and to put safeguards in place to keep them from returning.