“Armadillos are highly prolific diggers and hence perhaps one of the most destructive of pests as well. Their sturdy armor keeps them safe and their sharp claws help them in digging very effectively. It is not just mere holes and burrows and the loss of your precious plants and beautiful garden; an armadillo digging can cause you problems much beyond all this, if not attended to in time. While usually they dig in the yards and gardens, they are also found under the porches, and generally around the building, where you cannot see. They are nocturnal animals and can do a lot of damage in just one night. So, even if you suspect an armadillo activity, it is better to confirm and deal with it, whichever possible way seen effective,” describes Getridofarmadillos.com.
Here are some interesting facts about Armadillos:
Swimmers – Armadillos are pretty good at swimming doggy style and they can hold their breath for up to six minutes.
House cat size – The average size of an Armadillo is a large house cat.
20 varieties – There are 20 varieties of this animal but only one variety lives in the United States.
Little armored one – Armadillo is a Spanish word meaning “little armored one” and refers to the bony plates that cover the back, head, legs and tail. It is a very odd-looking creature if you’ve ever come face-to-face with it. The Armadillo is the only living mammal that wears this shell. One species in particular – the nine-banded armadillo – has made its way into the southern United States
Only Species in U.S. – The nine-banded armadillo is the only species found in the U.S. There are nine (sometimes fewer) narrow, jointed armor bands on its midsection that let it bend. Although it is called nine-banded armadillos, it can sometimes only have 7 to 11 bands on their armor.
Related to Anteaters and Sloths – “They are related to anteaters and sloths and have a pointy or shovel-shaped snout and small eyes. They vary widely in size and color, from the 6-inch-long, salmon-colored pink fairy armadillo to the 5-foot-long, dark-brown giant armadillo. Others have black, red, gray, or yellowish coloring”, states National Geographic.
Long, sticky tongues – They use their long, sticky tongues to eat insects and bugs.
Cold is their enemy – Cold is their enemy because they have a low metabolic rate and no fat stores. Cold weather can wipe out an entire population. Because of it, they live in mild and warm habitats, including rain forests, grasslands, and semi-deserts.
Sleep a lot – They can sleep up to 16 hours per day.
Diggers – Armadillos are expert diggers that excavate land for food and dig burrows for shelter. They prefer to dig in areas with loose, porous soil, rich in insects and invertebrates.
Nocturnal – Armadillos are nocturnal animals and spend their nights building burrows.
Life Span – Their average life span in captivity is 7 – 10 years.
Can contract Leprosy – Armadillos have the ability to carry the bacterium that causes leprosy in humans (Mycobacterium leprae). The risk of contracting leprosy from an armadillo is extremely low. Scientists believe that in order to contract leprosy from an armadillo, one must handle armadillos frequently and/or consume armadillo meat.
Quadruplets – Most female armadillos of the Dasypus family give birth to identical quadruplets.
Roll up into a ball – To protect against predators, the three-banded armadillo can roll into a ball.
If you see any signs of an armadillo, make sure you let a professional pest control company handle it for you?
Houseman is the only complete service company in the Athens, GA area. We provide Weed control, fertilization, shrub care, mulch & pine straw, sod, annual plantings, irrigation, and commercial & residential lawn maintenance. We are also state certified and licensed in wood destroying organisms (termite control), household pest control, public heath, and turf & ornamental weed control. We are licensed to control and treat mosquitoes, termites, all pest problems and turf & ornamental weed control. Contact the professionals at Houseman Services and set up a free inspection of your yard. We have been servicing homes and businesses in the Athens, Clarke County area since 1985!