How to Trap an Armidillo

The nine-banded armadillo, common to North America, is a part of the family including mammals such as the anteater and sloth. These leathery skinned mammals enjoy nesting among rocky pilings near trees and shrubs--and unfortunately under concrete slabs and foundations. The armadillos burrow anywhere from 10 to 15 meters and can cause severe structural damage to foundations as well as tearing up the surrounding yard. Check with local and state laws that might protect armadillos before trapping the animal yourself when faced with this nuisance.

Things You'll Need

• Small animal trap (LT11130)
• Six logs or wood planks 4 feet long
• Shovel

Instructions

Basic Armadillo trapping

1. Locate the armadillo burrow and food trail, and observe the animal closely for a couple of days. Notice the time of exit and entry and the distance traveled before the animal returns.

2. Set the armadillo trap (after the animal exits the burrow) at the entrance of the burrow and conceal with brush and foliage. Bait is not necessary, but you might place a trail of earthworms heading into the trap.

3. Place logs or wood planks along the flanks of the main trail high enough so that the animal can only run in a straight line. The logs should be long enough to flank a 20-foot trail.

4. Shovel dirt over the logs and conceal with foliage. Try to keep the original trail as intact as possible while camouflaging as necessary.

5. Hide nearby and wait until the armadillo approaches the threshold of the log flanking, then chase the armadillo down the trail into the trap. The trap door should spring shut after the animal enters.

6. Relocate the animal yourself, or call your local animal control authorities to ensure the proper and safest way to handle and find the animal a suitable habitat.

Tips & Warnings

• Armadillos are wild mammals, and extreme caution should be exercised when trapping and relocating.

References

• Armadillo traps for sale
• Armadillo trapping techniques