Marina
Armadillos are increasingly becoming a nuisance in Missouri neighborhoods, digging up yards, creating burrows, and leaving behind damaged landscaping.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering advice for homeowners on how to manage these animals safely and effectively. With their growing presence across the state, learning how to treat and deter these critters is crucial for protecting property and maintaining a healthy environment.
Why Armadillos Are a Problem
Armadillos are primarily insect-eating mammals. They dig for grubs, beetles, ants, and other insects, leaving behind holes and mounds that can ruin lawns, gardens, and flowerbeds. In some cases, they also create burrows, which may cause structural damage around homes, driveways, or sidewalks.
One east Springfield neighborhood recently reported significant yard damage, highlighting the growing concerns about these animals across the Ozarks and beyond.
| Armadillo Behavior | Impact on Property |
|---|---|
| Digging for insects | Holes and damaged lawns |
| Creating burrows | Potential structural damage |
| Foraging in gardens | Destroyed plants and landscaping |
| Carrying disease | Possible health risks |
Missouri’s Wildlife Code and Control Methods
According to Francis Skalicky of the MDC, state regulations allow residents to control armadillos causing damage under the Wildlife Code of Missouri. This means property owners have legal options if armadillos become a persistent issue.
- Live trapping: Residents can capture armadillos with approved live traps and relocate them.
- Lethal control: If relocation isn’t practical, landowners may legally dispose of the animal by shooting if it is actively damaging property.
- Professional help: For severe infestations, professional wildlife control services are available across Missouri.
Skalicky emphasizes that whichever method is chosen, it’s important to follow state laws and ensure safety.
Safety Concerns with Armadillos
While armadillos may look harmless, they can carry leprosy, a rare but serious bacterial disease. This makes it essential for anyone handling or disposing of the animals to wear gloves and protective clothing.
The MDC recommends never touching an armadillo with bare hands. Instead, use proper equipment if removal is necessary, or call local wildlife authorities for assistance.
Prevention Tips for Homeowners
Preventing armadillos from targeting your yard is often more effective than dealing with the aftermath. The MDC suggests several strategies:
- Eliminate food sources – Treat your lawn for grubs and insects to make it less attractive.
- Secure gardens – Use fencing or barriers around flowerbeds and vegetable patches.
- Block access points – Close off spaces under decks, porches, or sheds where armadillos may burrow.
- Motion-activated lights or sprinklers – These can scare armadillos away at night.
By combining these methods, homeowners can minimize the risk of yard damage while reducing the likelihood of direct encounters with armadillos.
The Bigger Picture
Armadillos have steadily expanded their range northward into Missouri over the past few decades due to milder winters and climate changes.
Once rare, they are now a common sight across the state. The MDC acknowledges that total elimination isn’t realistic, but through proper management and public education, conflicts between humans and armadillos can be reduced.
The Missouri Department of Conservation’s tips on treating armadillos highlight the importance of prevention, safety, and responsible control. From live trapping to yard maintenance and disease precautions, residents now have the tools to protect their property.
As armadillos continue to make Missouri their home, residents must stay vigilant. With a mix of proactive prevention and safe handling, communities can strike a balance between managing wildlife and maintaining healthy, damage-free landscapes.