|
| Photo
courtesy Dove Key Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation |
| These three grunting
girls came in as orphans, found still trying to suckle from their
deceased mother. Now the identical siblings are excitedly learning
how to hunt insects and dig out other treats in their sand-filled
pen. The armored trainees are already quite adept at what most armadillos
do for 19 hours a day: sleep. Piled on top of one another, twitching
with each particularly exciting dream, they manifest a comical scene
of tranquility. |
| Photo
courtesy Dove Key Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation |
Armadillos
in Your Yard:
Although Shangri-la
for an armadillo is a densely shaded wetland, packed full of grubs
in easily probed sandy soils, these armored omnivores scuttle through
thorny scrubland to bottomland woods to prairie grasslands and, most
likely, your backyard.
Wherever they may roam, these relatives of anteaters and sloths use
their 32, peg-like, non-enameled molars to chow down on their insect-rich
diet. In fact, 90 % of what they consume directly benefits pest-plagued
landowners: fire ants and other native ants, grubs and destructive
insect larvae, caterpillars, termites, and even the occasional carrion.
In the process, armadillos aerate soil, helping with seed germination
and successful sprouting. However, when pickings are thin and/or when
drought conditions harden soil, these schnuffling mammals may seek
out the softer soils and insect-laden strata of your flowerbeds, well-manicured
lawns, or vegetable gardens. Armadillos generally are only a temporary
disturbance to the suburban landscape, continuing their foraging elsewhere
once a locally abundant prey base has been fully exploited.
For those who are a bit impatient or cannot tolerate the diggings
remaining from the armadillo’s free pest control services, there are
several humane and cheap methods to deter the grubbing of these grunting
neighbors. If an armadillo is focusing its nocturnal searchings in
a limited area, you can fence the intruder out. Ensure that the fencing
has a rigid overhang that extends for a foot or more at a 45 degree
angle and be sure to bury the fencing one foot or more to prevent
the armadillo from either climbing over or digging under the barricade.
For a larger area of disruption, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper,
any type of chili powder, or Critter Ridder (http://www.havaheart.com)
over the affected region: one snort of the burning powder and the
armored excavator won’t be back for more. For more determined armadillos,
a homeowner can remove tall grass, brush, and rock piles, which provide
areas of safety for these mammals. In well-aired, open spaces, mothballs
or ammonia-soaked rags can be strewn about to offend the sensitive
sense of smell of these insect-seekers. NEVER use mothballs, ammonia,
or any strong-scented alternative to evict an armadillo from a burrow
as it can cause serious health problems or even death to underground
inhabitants, especially juveniles.
Once an armadillo has settled on a territory, he/she may construct
as many as 15 burrows in a ten-acre range. Although most of these
excavations serve as emergency hiding areas or temporary retreats
for relief from the heat, some tunnels can wind 20 ft deep and have
up to four entrances to an elaborate network of subterranean domains.
In February to April, female dasypodids give birth to quadruplets
3-5 ft underground in a chamber delicately lined with grass, leaves,
and soft organic debris. Burrows not only provide shelter to armadillos
and their offspring, but also furnish homes for countless native wild
denizens of Texas, from (my favorite) skunks to toads to burrowing
owls. Unfortunately, the tunnelings of armadillos can also cause havoc
for cattle ranchers
and the foundations of homes. Fortunately, many of the same solutions
to problems with foraging armadillos are applicable to situations
involving burrowing individuals. Once a habitat is deemed uninviting
as a homestead, an armadillo will move on to better terrain. Removing
food sources (i.e. pet food left outside) and zones of safety (tall
vegetation and brush/rock piles) is the first step towards evicting
burrowing armadillos. A generous sprinkling of cayenne, chili powders,
or Critter Ridder in excavated areas is a more direct means to eradicate
further digging activities. If these methods fail, volunteers at Dove
Key Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation are always prepared to coach you
through mitigating armadillo damage.
With a bit of patience for your grunting, grumbling armadillo neighbors,
you can enjoy free pest control and entertainment, while protecting
a distinctive feature of the wilds of Texas.
© Bonnie Wroblewski
http://www.dovekeywildlife.org
May 28,
2010 |
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Armadillos by C. F. Eckhardt
This is gonna come as a surprise to a lot of folks, but armadillos
are not native to Texas. In fact, the very first armadillo ever identified
in the Lone Star State apparently crossed the Rio Grande near Brownsville
in 1859... |
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