Armadillos are peculiar and misunderstood creatures. With a bony armor shell and secretive habits, many know next to nothing about them, despite their growing presence in our lives. If you’re unfamiliar with them, the sight of one might stop you in your tracks and make you wonder – do armadillos bite? In a moment, we’ll look closer at armadillo biology, behavior, and the truth behind their potential to bite.
Armadillo 101
Armadillos are small to medium-sized mammals best known for their unique bony armor shell, which covers most of their body. These primarily nocturnal animals have poor eyesight but an incredibly keen sense of smell. They use this to locate their favorite food – insects. Armadillos are native to the Americas, with multiple species found throughout South America, Central America, and parts of North America.
While many people believe that armadillos can roll up into a ball for protection like pangolins or hedgehogs, this is a myth.
Instead, armadillos rely on their armor and quick movements to escape from predators. When threatened, they may jump straight up into the air, startling their attacker and giving themselves a chance to escape.
Typical Armadillo Behavior and Body Language
Armadillos are generally solitary and non-aggressive animals that prefer to avoid confrontation whenever possible. They spend most of their time foraging for food and digging burrows for shelter. However, when an armadillo feels threatened, it may display defensive behaviors such as hissing, jumping, or quickly fleeing the scene.
Despite their intimidating appearance, armadillos rarely bite humans. Their teeth are designed for grinding down insects, not for attacking larger animals. In most cases, an armadillo will only bite if it is handled or cornered and feels directly threatened. To minimize stress for both armadillos and humans, respecting their personal space is essential. Whenever possible, you should refrain from attempting to corner or handle them.
Preventing Armadillo Activity Near Your Home
If you’re concerned about armadillos taking up residence on your property, there are several proactive measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of encounters:
- Secure potential food sources, such as pet food or fallen fruit
- Eliminate hiding spots like brush piles or dense vegetation
- Keep your yard clean and clutter-free to minimize attractive denning sites
- Install fencing or barriers to deter armadillos from entering your property
If you spot an armadillo in your backyard or the wild, observe it calmly from a safe distance without attempting to interact with or feed it. Remember, a hands-off approach is best for both your safety and the animal’s well-being.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Along with the preventative measures mentioned above, you can take a few other steps to make your yard less appealing to armadillos and other animals.
- Regularly mow your lawn and trim vegetation to reduce insect populations, which are a primary food source for armadillos.
- Use a motion-activated sprinkler system or ultrasonic devices to startle armadillos and discourage them from returning to your property.
- Ensure that your garbage cans are securely closed! That way, no food waste is left accessible, as this can attract armadillos and other wildlife.
When to Call a Professional
While armadillos aren’t typically aggressive or dangerous, it’s still best to contact a professional if:
- You suspect an armadillo has taken up residence in your yard or underneath your home or deck.
- Armadillo activity is causing significant damage to your lawn, garden, or property.
- You are unable to resolve the issue on your own or feel uncomfortable dealing with the situation.
A professional wildlife removal service will have the knowledge, experience, and tools to safely and humanely remove armadillos from your property.
Conclusion
In essence, armadillos can bite – but generally, they don’t. While they may occasionally wander into our yards or gardens, it’s important to remember that they are not aggressive by nature and don’t want to hurt people or pets!
If you do encounter an armadillo on your property, remember to keep a safe distance and avoid attempting to handle or corner the animal. However, if you experience persistent issues or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional wildlife removal service for assistance.
For questions about existing pest issues in and around your home or to schedule preventative services, call All South Pest Control in Atlanta, GA, and surrounding areas.
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