Use one of these baits if you’re having a hard time catching a pesky armadillo
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Armadillos are notoriously difficult to attract with bait, and some trapping experts even recommend avoiding bait altogether as armadillo bait can inadvertently attract other unwanted critters, like raccoons, rats, and possums. However, it’s worth trying if traps alone aren’t working. After all, an especially difficult armadillo problem calls for pulling out all the stops. We’ve listed the seven best baits for armadillos and explained their pros and cons to help you reclaim your yard.
Earthworms are an excellent starting point for bait since armadillos—not to be mistaken for the similar-looking pangolin—love to dig them up and eat them. Worms are also easier to find than some of the other bait options, as they’re sold at garden centers and hardware stores. The downside is that worms are live bait and can easily wriggle out of an armadillo trap depending on how they’re positioned. Try keeping them inside a nylon stocking when putting them in the trap.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap and easy to find | Can escape from trap |
| No bad smell | Takes longer to set up |
Best for: A first attempt at armadillo removal
Despite frequently being referred to as worms, grubs and mealworms are the larvae of various beetle species. Like worms, however, grubs and mealworms are a key fixture in an armadillo’s diet. If an armadillo is in the area, it may wander into your trap to get one of its favorite snacks. Nine-banded armadillos usually prefer to dig for grubs and mealworms, though, so success isn’t guaranteed. These creepy crawlies are less available than your standard worm, but exotic pet stores will sell them as food for lizards and other pets.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Naturally eaten by armadillos | Can escape from armadillo trap |
| No bad smell | Difficult to find |
Best for: An odorless bait
Armadillos often eat fruit like apples, bananas, and berries, so anything you’ve got around the house is a viable bait option. Overripe or rotting food is better because it’s more pungent and, when left outside, attracts other critters that armadillos eat, including ants and larvae. Of course, large animals like raccoons and possums eat fruit too, so there’s a chance of trapping the wrong creature in your armadillo cage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Probably have fruit around the house | May attract other animals |
| Low price | Messy |
Best for: Bait you already have at home
While armadillos primarily eat worms, insects, and larvae, they may be lured in by spoiled meat. And it’s not just because of the meat itself but also the insects and larvae that will accumulate on an old chicken breast or cut of steak that’s been left outside. However, this is one of the bait options most likely to lure unwanted animals into an armadillo trap.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to find around the house | May attract other animals |
| Lasts in a trap for several days | Bad odor |
Best for: A last-ditch effort
Perhaps surprisingly, there are reports of intermittent success when using rotten eggs as bait. Armadillos eat the eggs of various animals, but a common chicken egg works just as well for a trap. The main drawback is that, while you probably have a carton of eggs in the fridge, it may take time for them to go rotten.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap | Takes effort to procure |
| Easy to find around the house | Messy inside trap |
Best for: An affordable, at-home bait option
Leaving any type of fish in a cage for a few days will attract flies, maggots, and other insects that armadillos eat. Sardines are one of the most commonly used fish to catch armadillos, partially because they're cheap, pre-packaged, and especially pungent. However, like most armadillo bait options, homeowners should keep expectations of success low.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap and easy to find | May attract other animals |
| Lasts in a trap for several days | Bad odor |
Best for: Convenient and inexpensive bait
Armadillos snack on several different vegetables but cabbage tends to be one of their favorites. In fact, a major reason why you might be looking to get rid of an armadillo is because it’s destroying your vegetable garden. Try placing some cabbage leaves in your armadillo trap overnight.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Naturally eaten by armadillos | May not stand out as much as other bait |
| Easy to clean up afterward | Will not attract armadillos from a distance |
Best for: Armadillos attacking your vegetable garden
There are a few ways to get rid of armadillos and prevent them from damaging your property. Most of the methods involve using deterrents rather than traps since armadillos are so difficult to catch.
Use scent repellents like garlic
Use motion-activated lights and sprinkler systems
Install in-ground fencing around your yard
Should these tactics fail, a catch-and-release trap is worth trying. Note that kill traps are illegal in most states, so check local guidelines beforehand. Traps can also be used in conjunction with the deterrents mentioned above.
The key to trapping an armadillo is how the trap is positioned. Place traps near burrows and use fences to direct armadillos toward the trap. Bait is more of an option than a necessity and should only be used if you’re alright with the risk of another animal ending up in your trap.
If DIY traps and bait don’t work, it’s worth calling a local wildlife removal expert. They’ll guarantee that the job is done correctly and save you weeks of hassle. Of course, it’s more expensive to hire a pro, but they’ll solve your problem humanely and follow all local regulations. The average cost of armadillo removal is $250 with a range anywhere from $175 to $500 depending on the size of your property and the severity of the infestation.
