Anyone Please have advice on trapping an Armadillo?

[renovationmom]

I have an armadillo digging up my garden beds. I have a live trap set, I placed it in a flower bed with lots of mulch, that I have watered well, he is digging there, but will not go into the trap. I have put worms in, and bananas, but the ants keep getting anything I put in. I hope someone can help!

 

[lesa]

Sorry- that is one thing I don't have to tangle with in upstate NY!! I am sure someone will have an idea. Good luck!

 

[renovationmom]

Sorry- that is one thing I don't have to tangle with in upstate NY!! I am sure someone will have an idea. Good luck!

Lol. Thanks. They really are cute, I am from NYC, so I was amazed to see them for the first time. Along with chickens, they are one of the many animals that make me believe that the dinosours did not become extinct, they just bred down to a more managable size. I read where you are restoring a historic home too. Would love to see pictures, and hear your plans! Is there an old house forum similar to this one? lol. I saw you are also on the BYC. We have 3 hobbies? obsessions? in common.

 

[lesa]

I have been renovating homes for many years- over a dozen buildings by now. This one, is really cool. It is a post and beam built in the early 1800's. It was in very neglected shape when we purchased it last year. By that I mean, you could do your stargazing from the second story bedroom! Dh is incredibly talented and has transformed half of it into an incredible apartment, which is rented. We are still working on the remaining half. The house is over 3000 sq feet, and has a wonderful old carriage house.
Chickens, gardening and old houses! Yep, we've got a few obsessions in common! You don't collect antique buttons, do you?

 

[digitS']

I have sent BoggyB this question in an email.

Are there armadillos in Alabama? Anyway, and if I remember right, Boggy will trap critters that invade his property.

Personally regarding this question, I haven't a clue.

Steve

 

[nachoqtpie]

Armadillos are incredibly smart from what I remember from watching Jack Hannahs Animal Kingdom!

Honestly I haven't a clue... but.. I hope you can get him (or her) trapped safely!

 

[Ridgerunner]

That is an interesting question. I've never done it but did some research on it. I'll copy a couple of links. No bait works. A not-baited trap was just as effective as a baited trap.

Do you know where it has its den? Do you know a route it takes to get to your garden? If you can set up directional barriers, you can maybe guide it into your trap. Think of placing two planks spread out to create a funnel that leads it into your trap. Placing it along a fence or wall can help. The Georgia link has a sketch. This is supposed to be a way to get groundhogs too.

Florida Wildlife

http://www.247wildlife.com/armadillotrap.htm

Georgia Trapping Study

http://warnell.forestry.uga.edu/service/library/for05-003/for05-003.pdf

I don't know what the laws are in Texas. Release may be against the law. You might want to check.

 

[Rhodie Ranch]

I was born in San Antonio and also lived in Amarillo. I love armadillos, but then I was a child during those stints in TX.

I have a concrete armadillo in my garden. He pretty much obeys all my commands, doesn't root around for veggies or grubs, and is nice to the dogs, cats and other critters.

 

[hoodat]

It's going to be difficult to live trap an armadillo. Most of their food is grubs dug up from the ground. They are little armored tanks and can walk right through many barriers that would stop most animals (or dig under them). They can dig into the ground faster than you can with a shovel so you can't dig them out.
The only sollution I know of is to shoot them. A pellet gun won't do the job. You need at least a 22.
A few people have mastered the art of sneaking up behind them and grabbing them by the tail. I've seen kids do that in Oklahoma. They don't see well to the rear so if you move slowly and quietly it can be done. If you get them in the open they can also be run down. They can't move fast for any but short distances. If they reach cover they will immediately dig in. You won't believe how fast they can disappear into the ground.

 

[renovationmom]

I have been renovating homes for many years- over a dozen buildings by now. This one, is really cool. It is a post and beam built in the early 1800's. It was in very neglected shape when we purchased it last year. By that I mean, you could do your stargazing from the second story bedroom! Dh is incredibly talented and has transformed half of it into an incredible apartment, which is rented. We are still working on the remaining half. The house is over 3000 sq feet, and has a wonderful old carriage house.
Chickens, gardening and old houses! Yep, we've got a few obsessions in common! You don't collect antique buttons, do you?

Wow, that sounds awesome, and a huge undertaking. I had always dreamed of owning and restoring a historic home. This is my first. If I had the means, I would do a few more! I am afraid I would want to keep them all though. I love and collect Antiques, of all kinds. Right now, I am working on carnival glass.