Question 1

Why do I suddenly have armadillos in my yard?

Accepted Answer

Armadillos follow food. Their diet is almost entirely insects and grubs — specifically the beetle larvae that live just below the soil surface. If your yard has a healthy grub population (common in well-watered lawns), armadillos will find it. They also expand their range as populations grow, so a neighbor's removal can push animals into your yard. Once an armadillo finds a reliable food source, it returns every night until the food is gone or it's removed.

Question 2

Are armadillos nocturnal?

Accepted Answer

Mostly, yes. Nine-banded armadillos are primarily active at night and in the early morning hours, which is why most homeowners never see the animal — only the damage. During cold snaps they may forage during the day to take advantage of warmer temperatures. If you're seeing armadillo activity in full daylight, it usually means the food pressure is high or the population on your property is larger than one animal.

Question 3

How many armadillos are likely on my property?

Accepted Answer

Armadillos are largely solitary, but a single property can have multiple individuals working it — especially if there are multiple burrow sites or the yard is large. One armadillo can dig 3–5 burrows and dozens of foraging holes per night. If you're seeing widespread damage across different areas of your yard simultaneously, it's often two or more animals. We assess the damage pattern on every job to determine how many traps to deploy.

Question 4

Will armadillos go away on their own?

Accepted Answer

Rarely. Once an armadillo establishes a burrow and a feeding routine on your property, it has no reason to leave. They're not migratory. The damage will continue and typically worsen as the animal digs more burrows and foraging holes. Repellents, mothballs, and home remedies have very low effectiveness — armadillos have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell, and they quickly habituate to scent deterrents.

Question 5

How does your removal process work?

Accepted Answer

We start with a site assessment — we walk the property, identify active burrows, map the damage pattern, and determine how many animals are involved. We then deploy professional-grade live traps positioned along the armadillo's travel corridors with funnel guide boards. Traps are checked every morning. Captured armadillos are relocated alive in compliance with TWRA regulations. After removal, we fill and treat burrows and can install exclusion barriers to prevent re-entry.

Question 6

How long does removal take?

Accepted Answer

Most single-armadillo properties are resolved in 3–7 days. Properties with multiple animals or extensive burrow systems can take 1–2 weeks. We don't pull traps early — we continue monitoring until we've confirmed no new activity for several consecutive nights. You'll hear from us every day we have traps on your property.

Question 7

Do you offer same-day service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Call before noon and we can typically be on-site the same day for an assessment and initial trap deployment. We serve all of Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, and surrounding areas.

Question 8

Are you licensed and certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are licensed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and hold the NWCOA Advanced Wildlife Operator certification — the highest professional credential in the wildlife removal industry. We carry $2M in liability coverage on every job. You can ask to see our credentials at any time.

Question 9

Do you use poison or lethal traps?

Accepted Answer

No. We use humane live traps exclusively. All captured armadillos are relocated alive, well away from residential areas, in compliance with TWRA regulations. We do not use poison, kill traps, or any method that harms the animal. Beyond the ethical reasons, lethal methods often leave carcasses in burrows — which creates a separate odor and pest problem.

Question 10

Will armadillos come back after removal?

Accepted Answer

A different armadillo can move into a vacated territory, especially if the burrows are left open and the food source (grubs) is still present. We address this by filling and treating burrows after removal and offering exclusion barrier installation around foundation perimeters, garden beds, and other high-value areas. We also discuss grub treatment options — reducing the food source makes your yard less attractive to future armadillos.

Question 11

How serious is the foundation damage armadillos cause?

Accepted Answer

Very serious if left unaddressed. Armadillos prefer to burrow along foundation walls, under concrete slabs, driveways, and sidewalks. A burrow under a slab removes the soil support beneath it — over time this causes cracking, settling, and in severe cases structural failure. Foundation repair costs from armadillo damage routinely run into thousands of dollars. If you have active burrows near your foundation, treat it as urgent.

Question 12

Can armadillos damage my AC unit or HVAC system?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Armadillos frequently burrow under and around outdoor AC condenser units. The digging can undermine the concrete pad the unit sits on, causing it to tilt or settle unevenly. This stresses refrigerant lines and electrical connections. We've seen units pulled out of level by armadillo activity beneath them. If you have an armadillo working near your HVAC equipment, get it addressed before the unit is damaged.

Question 13

Do armadillos really carry leprosy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nine-banded armadillos are one of the only non-human animals that naturally carry Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy (Hansen's disease). Studies in the southeastern US have found M. leprae in 15–20% of wild armadillos tested. Transmission requires direct contact — handling live or dead armadillos, contact with blood or tissue, or disturbing burrow soil without protection. Do not handle armadillos or dig in active burrow areas without gloves and a dust mask. See our full diseases page for more detail.

Question 14

How much does armadillo removal cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the size of the property, the number of animals, the extent of burrow activity, and whether exclusion work is needed. We provide a free on-site assessment and quote before any work begins — no surprises. Call us at (615) 555-0100 to schedule your free assessment.

Question 15

Do you offer a guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If armadillo activity resumes within the guarantee period after our removal and exclusion work, we return at no additional charge. Ask about our guarantee terms when you call.

Question 16

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve all of Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Thompson's Station, Spring Hill, Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, Murfreesboro, Mt. Juliet, Gallatin, and Belle Meade. If you're in the greater Nashville area and not sure if we cover your location, call us — we'll let you know.

Armadillo Removal FAQ

About Armadillos

Our Removal Process

Damage & Prevention

Pricing & Service Area

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