How To Get Rid Of Armadillos Under Deck

If you’ve noticed digging and damage under your deck, you might be dealing with an armadillo. Learning how to get rid of armadillos under deck is key to protecting your yard and home’s foundation. These armored diggers are looking for insects and a safe place to nest, and the space under a deck is perfect for them. But don’t worry, you can solve this problem effectively and with kindness.

This guide will walk you through every step. We’ll cover why they moved in, how to make them leave, and how to keep them from comming back. Let’s get started.

This is your main action plan. It combines several methods for the best results. Patience and consistency are your best tools here.

Step 1: Confirm the Armadillo is Actually There

Before you do anything, be sure an armadillo is your culprit. Look for these signs:

Conical holes in your lawn or flower beds, about 1-3 inches wide and a few inches deep.
Shallow burrows or dug-out areas right at the edge of your deck’s skirt board.
Disturbed soil or mulch directly under the deck.
If you can safely do so, look for the burrow entrance under the deck itself.

Step 2: Remove the Attractants

Armadillos eat insects, worms, and other invertebrates. Your yard is a buffet to them. Make the menu less appealing.

Treat for grubs and lawn insects. Use a natural nematode treatment or a pet-safe insecticide.
Reduce watering. Overly moist soil attracts earthworms and bugs.
Clear away fallen fruit, berries, and dense ground cover where insects thrive.

Step 3: Encourage Them to Leave (Humane Eviction)

Now, make the space under your deck feel unwelcoming. Do this at dusk when armadillos are leaving to forage.

Let There Be Light: Place a bright work light or a motion-activated light under the deck. Armadillos prefer dark, secluded spots.
Make Some Noise: Put a battery-operated radio under the deck. Tune it to a talk station and leave it on for several nights.
Use Smell Deterrents: Soak rags in strong-smelling substances like vinegar, ammonia, or predator urine (coyote or fox). Place them near the burrow entrance. Reapply after rain.

These methods are non-lethal and simply encourage the animal to find a new home. It may take 3-5 nights to work.

Step 4: Install Exclusion Barriers

This is the most important, permanent step. You must physically block access under the deck.

Wait until you are sure the armadillo is gone. Look for no new digging for several nights.
Use sturdy, galvanized hardware cloth or heavy-duty welded wire fencing. Chicken wire is not strong enough.
Dig a trench about 12 inches deep along the entire perimeter of the deck.
Attach the mesh to the deck’s frame. Bend the bottom 6-12 inches outward into an “L” shape and bury it in the trench. This prevents digging underneath.
Fill the trench back in with soil and pack it down firmly.

Step 5: Reinforce with Repellents

After exclusion, use repellents around the deck’s exterior as a second line of defense.

Commercial granular or spray repellents with ingredients like castor oil can be effective.
Reapply repellents regularly, especialy after heavy rain.
You can also plant deterrents like marigolds or garlic around the deck’s border, though their effectiveness varies.

When to Call a Professional

If the problem persists or you have multiple armadillos, call a licensed wildlife removal expert. They have the tools and knowledge to handle the situation safely and legally. Never try to handle or trap an armadillo yourself without checking local regulations first.

Why Armadillos Choose Your Deck

Understanding their behavior is half the battle. Armadillos are insectivores with poor eyesight but a great sense of smell. They are excellent diggers seeking soft, moist soil full of bugs. The area under a deck offers shade, protection from weather and predators, and is often close to a food source (your lawn and garden). They are mostly nocturnal and solitary, except during breeding season.

The Problems They Cause

Beyond the nuisance, armadillos can create real issues:

Structural damage from burrowing near foundations, sidewalks, and of course, deck supports.
Extensive lawn and garden destruction from their constant foraging.
Potential health concerns, as they can carry diseases like leprosy (though the risk to humans is very low).

Humane Trapping: A Last Resort

Live trapping is tricky and should be a last resort. If you must, follow these guidelines strictly.

Use a large, sturdy live trap (at least 10″ x 12″ x 30″).
Bait it with overripe fruit (like bananas), mealworms, or earthworms. Place the trap near the burrow entrance.
Check the trap frequently, at least twice a day. An trapped animal is vulnerable to stress and weather.
Have a relocation plan before you trap. Know your state and local laws. It is often illegal to relocate wildlife without a permit, and relocating them can just move the problem elsewhere or doom the animal.

Long-Term Prevention Strategies

Once they’re gone, keep them gone for good. A few changes to your yard maintenance can make a big difference.

Keep your lawn trimmed and clear of excessive thatch.
Remove rock piles, wood piles, and other debris that offer hiding spots.
Install low-profile fencing around your entire yard, buried at least 18 inches deep with an outward lip.
Fix any leaky outdoor faucets or irrigation lines to reduce soil moisture.

Consistency is key. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when dealing with persistent diggers like armadillos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good intentions, people make errors. Here’s what not to do.

Using poisons: This is inhumane, dangerous to pets and other wildlife, and often illegal. It also leaves a dead animal under your deck to deal with.
Sealing them in: Never block the entrance while an animal is inside. This is cruel and will lead to a worse problem.
Relying on one method: A single deterrent rarely works. Combine removal of food, eviction, and exclusion.
Giving up too soon: Persistence pays off. Keep up with deterrents and repairs for at least a week after signs stop.

FAQ Section

What is the fastest way to get armadillos out from under a deck?

Combining light and noise deterrents placed directly under the deck at night is the fastest humane method. For immediate, guaranteed removal, contact a wildlife professional.

What smell do armadillos hate the most?

Armadillos have a sensitive sense of smell and dislike strong odors. Common effective choices include ammonia, vinegar, and commercial repellents with castor oil or garlic. Predator urine can also be a strong deterrent.

Will mothballs or bleach run armadillos off?

While the strong smell might help, mothballs are pesticides and are not labeled for outdoor pest control. They can harm soil, pets, and children. Bleach is corrosive and can damage your property. It’s better to use safer, targeted repellents.

How deep should I bury a barrier to stop armadillos?

You should bury your hardware cloth or fencing at least 12 inches deep. For added security, bend the bottom outward into an “L” shape that is 6-12 inches long. This creates a digging barrier they cannot get past.

Are armadillos active during the day?

They are primarily nocturnal. Seeing one during the day is not uncommon, especialy in colder weather when they may forage for food when it’s warmer. It doesn’t necessarily mean the animal is sick.

Will a fence keep armadillos out of my yard?

A standard above-ground fence will not. They are excellent diggers and climbers. To be effective, a fence must be buried at least 18 inches deep and have a smooth, outward-angled top to prevent climbing.

Dealing with an armadillo under your deck can be frustrating. But with a calm, step-by-step approach, you can reclaim your space. Remember the core steps: confirm, remove food, encourage exit, and then permanently exclude. By being patient and thorough, you can solve this problem humanely and ensure your deck remains a place for you to enjoy, not for wildlife to inhabit.