Armadillos (extermination, live, fence)

[Nu2pomona]

This pesky intruder to our state has begun to be a problem for us. First, my dogs go nuts when one is on our property and all their barking doesn't seem to phase the beasts a bit. Second, they're digging holes all over the place. Now if they would dig up rocks, I wouldn't care but the holes make walking across the meadow dangerous.

I contacted the Missouri Department of Conservation for help in getting rid of them. The MDC said they are not native to Missouri, they are not wanted in Missouri and they really don't care how I get rid of them. They suggested a 22. I've never owned a gun in my life but I'm willing to take the plunge if that is the only way but am open to suggestions for other remedies.

[Curmudgeon]

[quote=Nu2pomona;13294676]This pesky intruder to our state has begun to be a problem for us.

Another interesting tidbit. Other than humans, they're the only animal that can contract and spread leprosy!

I also vote for the .22. They're often called varmint guns for a reason.

[XMed]

Originally Posted by Nu2pomona

I've never owned a gun in my life but I'm willing to take the plunge if that is the only way but am open to suggestions for other remedies.

I recommend a Ruger 10/22 and training. Google Appleseedinfo

X-out

[lifelongMOgal]

If the .22 option leaves you uneasy and if you are in a congested area with no safe back stop for your shooting, suggest the Hav-a-heart live traps and a deep tank to drown the invaders in once trapped (drown them in the trap as they swim).

If you have a garden planned these armored varmits will dig it up pronto. Extermination is the only control. You can't fence them out.

Take a hint from the MDC when they tell you they don't care how you get rid of them. It is their way of telling you, that like ferel hogs, armadillos have the real potential to get out of control in this state and the more people willing to exterminate them, the better.

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by lifelongMOgal

If the .22 option leaves you uneasy and if you are in a congested area with no safe back stop for your shooting, suggest the Hav-a-heart live traps and a deep tank to drown the invaders in once trapped (drown them in the trap as they swim).

How do you draw the armadillos into the traps? I don't think armadillos respond to bait like raccoons or ground hogs.

[lifelongMOgal]

Originally Posted by 8 SNAKE

How do you draw the armadillos into the traps? I don't think armadillos respond to bait like raccoons or ground hogs.

I'm not certain as I would likely choose the .22 method myself. My friends in FL shoot them every chance they get. out on their land. Not unlike prairie dogs, but much more challenging and futher apart.

'dillos dig for roots & insects so maybe the mealy worms that one puts out for wild birds might work in the trap? Their eyesight is poor so putting under the bushes in areas they have been actively digging might nab them by chance. I've captured curious raccoons in open hav-a-heart traps without placing any bait in them.

Probably just have to experiment if the OP doesn't want to expedite them with lead/copper projectiles.

Luckly 'dillos (a.k.a. roadkill on the 1/2 shell) haven't made it to my part of the state.....yet. Too far north. So ya'll in Southern Missouri keep up the erradication efforts, deal?

[Versatile]

Originally Posted by 8 SNAKE

How do you draw the armadillos into the traps? I don't think armadillos respond to bait like raccoons or ground hogs.

I think i read once that you use a V shaped type funnel to get them in towards the trap.

[firebll31]

Originally Posted by 8 SNAKE

How do you draw the armadillos into the traps? I don't think armadillos respond to bait like raccoons or ground hogs.

How to Trap An Armadillo - Trapping

[MoNative34]

I'm with Curmudgeon. Blast them.

[imperialmog]

I wonder if in the end it might be futile since unlike most invasive species they came in on their own power. It might just be a case of having to eventually accept them as native since its not a case of someone releasing an animal in the wild. Just be thankful there aren't worse creatures that start entering the state on its own. I remember seeing a list of what animals if numbers increase elsewhere and/or slight changes in land use and climate might start entering the state. The two most surprising people had was moose (with one or two examples of lone moose actually spotted in state) and in the Bootheel gators (have been spotted within 50 miles of state line). Just be thankful you aren't finding moutain lions which also have started appearing (that's more returning in this case) and will likely go from being guests to breeding populations at some point.

Now how far North in Missouri have armadillos now have been sighted? I remember a decade ago they thought they couldn't get that far North but went further than what experts thought since they weren't too sure on cold tolerance. The current guess is they will exist statewide with a limit somewhere along the Iowa border.