Heres how to discourage them from digging up your lawn and garden.
Occasionally, they also eat small amphibians, reptiles, and their eggs.
When theyre foraging for dinner, armadillos can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and flower beds.
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Their burrows also can be a problem if theyre undermining a house or shed foundation.
Armadillos are found throughout the Southeast but actually have expanded their range in recent years.
But researchers have discovered that there are actuallyfour distinct speciesacross that range.
The species of armadillo found in the U.S. has a new name: the Mexican long-nosed armadillo.
They can run well when necessary and are good swimmers.
Damage in your yard or garden are usually dozens of shallow holes a few inches deep, says Dykes.
You also may see three-toed tracks with claw marks.
Armadillos are nocturnal, though they may move around during the day in cooler temperatures.
Do Armadillos Carry Disease?
One theory is that contaminated soil is responsible for both armadillos and humans contracting the infection.
The disease also can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
