Tatu, also known as armadillo, is a placental mammal belonging to the order Cingulata. It is easily recognized by the skin shield that covers its back and long claws, specially adapted for digging. It is spread only in the Americas, where almost 21 existing armadillo species adapted to various habitats are known. When they feel threatened, they don’t become dangerous to humans but will coil in a spherical shape.
How to recognise armadillo signs
In order to choose an optimal method for eliminating these animals, we recommend first identifying the frequented areas and the type of damage. Among those we mention:
– digging holes in the lawn;
– doing damage to pipes and underground wires;
– digging tunnels under different structures, sidewalks, under piles of plant debris, etc.;
– making cracks and crevices in sidewalks, alleys or building foundations as a result of digging;
– grounding of plants/seedlings.
The tattoo enters a certain property in search of food and shelter, but since most of the food they prefer is found underground, its complete elimination is almost impossible. However, there are certain measures that can be taken so that your private garden/space does not attract them in particular.
Among the measures that can be taken, we mention:
Removing places that can shelter armadillos, such as piles of wood, certain bushes and shrubs. They prefer to make their lair in the covered areas, so, by removing them, it will become less likely for armadillos to enter the perimeter.
Removing fruits that fell on the ground and could attract them.
Thus, after noticing the habits of the animals, it is recommended to choose the appropriate method, depending on the situation. In order for their removal to have a high degree of efficiency, it is best to use multiple methods (repellents, traps).
Using armadillo traps
It is recommended to use traps when you want to eliminate an armadillo that has found shelter on a certain property. Using traps is very easy when they are placed correctly. Armadillos have a very predictable behaviour because they use the same paths when digging.
General tips for setting traps:
– It is best to place the trap during the night, in front of the entrance to the burrow.
– Position the trap along walls or fences, as close as possible to where they caused damage.
– It is advisable to create a “V” using wooden planks to guide the armadillo into the trap.
Armadillo is a creature of habit with poor eyesight that uses the same travelling routes, which guide it to and from the burrow. Therefore, it is important to try to identify the burrow and the nearby travel routes.
Among the places where traps can be placed we mention:
– Above the burrow entrance;
– Along a wall or fence, a short distance from the entrance to the burrow;
– On an intensely circulated route, marked by the traces;
MOREOVER:
If you cannot identify the armadillo burrow, it is recommended to place the trap along a wall or fence, near the area where they caused damage.
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They are reusable traps specially designed to capture the animal without injuring it. They ensure fast, safe catches as well as release them safely, targeting the specific size of the animals.
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Baits inside the trap are highly efficient and recommended. Because the armadillo rarely feeds on the surface, this method is rarely chosen, so as not to trap other animals (e.g. raccoons). However, good results have been observed with baits that target armadillo-specific preferences such as worms, larvae or rotten food. It is also important to note that each animal is different, so using bait along with the trap will help you determine if they are effective for the tattoo population in the area. In addition to an efficient capture, choosing a suitable bait, and positioning in the trap, are essential.
The general recommendation for placing traps:
Maintaining a fair distance between the bait and each open door for it must be sufficient to trap the animal entirely.
In order to reach the bait, it is necessary for the armadillo to activate the trigger (to step on the metal plate);
Place accordingly to the type of trap (1 entrance or 2 entrances);
A single entry trap:
Place the bait towards the end of it, right behind the trigger, as far away from its walls as possible, to prevent the armadillo from reaching it from the outside.
Two-entry traps:
Place the bait behind the trigger or place it in the ground, just below the trigger/trap or you can cling it to the top of the trap.
Additional information
Since an armadillo can overturn the trap in an attempt to reach the bait, it is advisable to place a weight or a brick on top of it.
It is advisable to place the traps on a straight, flat surface.
If you notice that other animals have been caught, it is advisable not to use the same bait anymore and to make sure that its positioning is adequate, in the areas where the tattoo carries out its activity.
It is recommended to wear gloves to avoid transferring the odour, as any traces of human odour can discourage the tattoo from falling into the trap.
Where to place the trap:
It is recommended to place the trap just before they come out to feed. In general, the armadillo is a nocturnal animal, but in winter and in areas with colder climates, they often come out during the day. Always follow the instructions specific to the chosen trap.
Monitoring the trap:
A well-known fact about armadillos is that they tend to escape the trap after a while, digging into the bottom of the trap or running into the walls of the trap. Therefore, it is important for the trap to be constantly monitored, so as not to leave the animal captured for a long time.
Capturing the armadillo. After the armadillo has been captured:
Avoid direct contact with the animal. It is recommended to use protective gloves when handling the trap and to keep it a greater distance from the body. Respect the local regulations when relocating to another area.
Usually, it is advisable to choose a humid, forested environment, near a stream or a river. When you release the animal, it is recommended that you move away from the trap door, allowing it to come out slowly. In addition, it is advisable to check if the old armadillo burrow is empty, then it can be filled with gravel to prevent other animals from using it for shelter.
Using repellents
Use repellent products to keep the armadillos away from the property. Therefore, after identifying the areas where it has caused damage and determining the habits in the yard, it is recommended to use a repellent suitable for your requirements. There are generally 3 ways to remove them:
– Damage to underground food sources;
– Creating an unpleasant odour in their lairs;
– By scaring them by using different tactics;
In addition to the regular application of repellents, certain measures are also very important, so that the respective space does not attract these animals. Removal of piles of vegetable/wood residues, bushes, fallen fruit, etc. is very important.
Depending on the product, the repellents may be liquid, in the form of granules or powder. They will be applied/used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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They can be found in powder, granule or liquid form. They contain certain irritating substances for the armadillo, which have the role of removing them from the perimeter that is to be protected.
In conclusion, depending on the situation, when wishing for the removal of an armadillo, it is advisable to choose the optimal elimination methods, in accordance with the legal provisions, without harming them. At the same time, it is advisable to take certain measures (cleaning, gathering plant debris, using protective fences) so that the space does not attract them in particular and does not facilitate their return.
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