When you picture wildlife threats to your home, armadillos might not be the first culprits that come to mind. These armored mammals may appear harmless—slow-moving, nocturnal, and relatively shy—but their digging habits can cause significant problems when they take up residence in your yard. At Wildlife X Team, we believe in living harmoniously with wildlife—but also in protecting your home, safety, and property. Here’s what you need to know about the hidden dangers of armadillo burrows near your home.
The Burrowing Habit of Armadillos
Armadillos are expert diggers. Using their sharp claws, they create burrows that can extend several feet underground. These tunnels serve as safe places for them to sleep, escape predators, and raise their young. But while these burrows benefit the armadillos, they can spell trouble for homeowners.
Foundation and Structural Damage
One of the most serious risks posed by armadillo burrows is to your home's foundation. If a burrow is dug too close to the structure, it can cause the soil beneath it to shift or erode. Over time, this may lead to cracks in the foundation, uneven settling, or damage to patios, driveways, and sidewalks. This kind of structural issue is not only costly to repair but also dangerous if left unchecked.
Risk of Personal Injury
The ground above an armadillo burrow may appear stable, but it’s often hollow and unsupported. This creates a risk of injury if someone unknowingly steps on it. Children playing in the yard, lawn care workers, or even pets can easily twist an ankle or suffer a fall due to a sudden collapse of the ground surface.
Landscaping Destruction
Armadillos are not selective diggers. In addition to their burrows, they dig for insects, grubs, and worms—tearing up lawns, gardens, and flower beds in the process. Homeowners often wake up to find unsightly holes scattered throughout the yard, plants uprooted, or mulch tossed aside.
Invitation for Other Wildlife
Abandoned armadillo burrows can attract other unwanted guests. Skunks, snakes, and rodents may take over these empty dens, creating a new set of wildlife control problems. What starts as one burrow can quickly turn into a hotspot for multiple invasive species.
Pest Concerns and Disease
While armadillos themselves are not aggressive, they can carry diseases such as leprosy (Hansen’s disease) and parasites like ticks and fleas. Close contact with armadillos or their burrows increases the chance of exposure, especially for pets or children playing outdoors.
What You Can Do
If you suspect an armadillo has made a home on your property, the best course of action is to contact a professional wildlife removal service. DIY trapping or deterrents can be ineffective or even illegal in some areas, and handling wildlife carries inherent risks.
Wildlife X Team's trained technicians can safely and humanely remove armadillos, locate and fill burrows, and implement preventive strategies to protect your home from future issues.
Stay One Step Ahead
Armadillos may be part of the local ecosystem, but their proximity to your home should be taken seriously. The dangers of burrows extend beyond aesthetics—they can cause real damage and endanger your family’s safety. With early detection and expert intervention, you can ensure that wildlife stays wild—and your home stays safe.
Need help with an armadillo problem? Contact Wildlife X Team today for a free inspection and let our experts take care of the rest.