Armadillo invasion

[HemiEd]

These disgusting little critters are migrating north and are causing some maddening damage on my property. I have learned that several of my friends are also experiencing this you. How about you? Have you any suggestions or experience with them?

I remember when as a kid, they were not north of Texas. Then according to what I have found they made it north to Missouri in the 70s. Armadillos migrated to North America through Central America and Mexico, crossing the Rio Grande River in the late 1800s. Humans also introduced them to Florida during this time.

Now, I don't intend to start an argument about climate change, but they don't like the cold and they are mostly nocturnal, but they may be more active during the day when it's cooler. Researchers believe climate change is a factor in armadillos' northward expansion, as they prefer hot weather and sandy or clay environments.

There is a ton of information out there on them, so I am not going to bore you with cutting and pasting all of it.

Below is just a small sample of the damage they have been doing to my property.



Below is a picture of one I shot the other night a 3 AM. No, armadillos are not protected in Missouri, and are legal to hunt and trap year-round. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) allows residents to trap or shoot armadillos that are causing damage to their property.
Armadillos are considered a nuisance because they can: Damage lawns and gardens, Burrow into the ground, and Carry bacteria that can cause leprosy.

[philfree]

People may become infected from other people with untreated leprosy or from the nine-banded armadillo, a natural host of M. leprae. There is a risk that armadillos may contaminate soil with the leprosy bacteria by burrowing and defecating, infecting humans who later handle soil.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...C&opi=89978449

Nasty critters

[IowaHawkeyeChief]

You probably have grubs. Treat the grubs and they will leave your lawn alone.

[BWillie]

Giant rats

[seamonster]

Argentina is infested with armadillo's so this idea that they're incapable of living in colder climates is alarmist BS (it's 26 degree's in Salta and you'll find armadillo's there)...They proliferate because they bread like pigs and eat anything and everything and can reproduce faster than they can be killed off by coyote's.

[neech]

Originally Posted by Hammock Parties

i know for a fact they've been all over the area north of springfield for years now

dad used to sit on the porch and snipe them so the dog wouldn't get into one

I've got my .22 ready for a couple raccoons roaming around the area. I should put my trap out.

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by seamonster

Argentina is infested with armadillo's so this idea that they're incapable of living in colder climates is alarmist BS (it's 26 degree's in Salta and you'll find armadillo's there)...They proliferate because they bread like pigs and eat anything and everything and can reproduce faster than they can be killed off by coyote's.

A quick search shows that there are real biological reasons that they prefer winters less harsh than what you get the further north you go.

Also there are a variety of species, some native to Argentina, so no surprise they do well there. Interestingly this article shows that the US armadillo is actually a different species than the similar one in Argentina, which apparently was typically thought to be the same due to the similar appearance.

https://amp.miamiherald.com/news/nat...289577360.html