Armadillos Digging Up Your Lawn? How to Stop These Texas Troublemakers

In Austin, Texas, a lush green lawn is something to take pride in—but armadillos can turn your yard into a digging disaster overnight. These nocturnal, armored animals dig through lawns searching for grubs and worms, leaving behind small holes and torn turf. At Loopers Lawns, we understand how frustrating it is to wake up to fresh damage. Here’s why armadillos target Austin lawns, how to spot their activity, and the best ways to keep them from tearing up your yard.

Why Armadillos Target Austin Lawns

The nine-banded armadillo, common in Central Texas, thrives in Austin’s mild climate. Several factors make local lawns especially appealing:

• Plenty of Food: Armadillos dig for grubs, worms, and fire ants. Lawns with active pest populations are like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
• Soft Soil: Austin’s clay soils become easy to dig after rain or irrigation. Newly sodded or aerated lawns are even more inviting.
• Ideal Shelter: Homes near creeks, wooded areas, or brush piles—like in Westlake or Cedar Park—offer perfect hiding spots.
• Year-Round Activity: With Austin’s mild winters, armadillos stay active almost all year, especially in spring and fall when soil is moist.

How to Identify Armadillo Damage

Armadillo damage is easy to spot once you know what to look for:

• Small Cone-Shaped Holes: Typically 2–4 inches wide and up to 3 inches deep, scattered across your yard.
• Uprooted Grass or Sod: Particularly noticeable in St. Augustine or Bermudagrass lawns.
• Nighttime Activity: New holes appear overnight. You might also notice small four- and five-toed tracks in soft soil.
• Burrows and Mounds: Armadillos dig burrows under shrubs, decks, or foundations, often leaving small piles of dirt nearby.

If you’re not sure what’s digging up your lawn, Loopers Lawns offers free inspections to confirm whether armadillos or other pests are to blame.

The Damage They Cause

While armadillos aren’t aggressive, their digging can cause serious lawn damage:

• Bare spots and weakened turf that invite weeds.
• Trip hazards for kids and pets.
• Potential irrigation or landscape damage.
• Reduced curb appeal—especially in Austin neighborhoods where beautiful lawns stand out.

How to Prevent Armadillos from Digging

Keeping armadillos away starts with making your lawn less appealing:

1. Control Insects: Armadillos come for food, so treat your lawn for grubs, fire ants, and other insects. Loopers Lawns uses EPA-approved treatments that are safe and effective.
2. Remove Hiding Spots: Clear brush, leaves, and overgrown vegetation where armadillos might rest during the day.
3. Fix Drainage Issues: Armadillos prefer moist soil. Repair leaky sprinklers and avoid overwatering.
4. Install Barriers: A wire mesh fence buried 12–18 inches deep around garden beds or property lines can block them out.
5. Use Repellents: Castor oil-based or garlic sprays can help but need frequent reapplication after rain.

What to Do If They’re Already Digging

If armadillos are actively damaging your lawn, it’s time to act quickly:

• Live Trapping: Use a humane trap near active holes or along fences. Bait it with earthworms or overripe fruit, and check it daily.
• Habitat Modification: Remove hiding spots and seal burrows once you’re sure they’re empty.
• Professional Help: Loopers Lawns combines pest control, habitat assessment, and lawn repair to stop armadillo activity long-term.

Once they’re gone, fill holes with topsoil, reseed or resod, and water deeply to promote new growth.

How Loopers Lawns Can Help

At Loopers Lawns, we offer comprehensive armadillo control for Austin homeowners, including:

• Free Inspections to identify damage and attractants.
• Targeted Pest Treatments to eliminate grubs and fire ants—their main food sources.
• Lawn Repair Services including aeration, topdressing, and reseeding to restore your turf.
• Water Conservation Practices that align with Austin’s water restrictions and can improve drainage.
• Local Expertise from a fully licensed Austin-based team that understands Texas soils and wildlife challenges.

Keep Your Austin Lawn Armadillo-Free

Don’t let armadillos undo all your hard work. With the right prevention, lawn care, and pest control plan, you can keep your yard healthy and beautiful all year long.

Contact Loopers Lawns today for a free inspection and personalized armadillo control plan.

📞 (512) 720-8788 | 🌐 www.looperslawns.com