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Where Do Armadillos Live

Though most armadillos live in either South or Central America, there is one species that is most commonly seen in the United States. The nine-banded armadillo is the type we are most familiar with in the United States, living primarily in the southern United States.

Armadillos are more at home in tropical and subtropical environments, so this makes sense. Ecosystems like these can be found anywhere, from lush grasslands to tropical rain forests to desert plains.

They settle in the south of the United States because of the plentiful grasslands and mild winters.

 

Are Armadillos Nocturnal

In comparison to the usual mammalian temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, an armadillo’s normal body temperature is only about 91.4 degrees. Armadillos are primarily nocturnal and spend the day sleeping or resting in their burrows, but they are known to emerge from their underground homes during the day on rare occasions.

Armadillos are nocturnal animals that are most active just before dawn and just after sunset. If you are in a location with plenty of cover and a reliable water supply, you may spot one during this time of year. The armadillo’s need to feed and burrow draws it to these areas.

The six-banded armadillo, on the other hand, is a diurnal species of armadillo. This species is diurnal, meaning it forages during the day and dines on items like plants, insects, and even carrion.

 

What Does An Armadillo Look Like

Armadillos are among the most peculiar animals you might find in your yard. It certainly resembles a hybrid of several different species:

• Bony plates cover its entire body.
• It’s a mammal.
• Its tongue is very sticky.
• It has a lengthy, reptile-like tail.
• It has mule-like ears.
• It can dig like a mole because it has powerful, sharp claws.

In a nutshell, it looks like a cross between a rat and a hairy turtle.

It’s natural to wonder what these strange-looking (but adorable) small critters consume, given their peculiar appearance. As for a concise explanation, it would be: a little of everything. Armadillos, like all omnivores, consume both animal and plant matter. They eat many sorts of creepy-crawlies, worms, insects, butterflies, spiders, snails, lizards, rats, eggs, seeds, fruits, tubers, mushrooms, and even carrion once in a while.

 

Armadillos Keep Digging

Why Armadillos Dig

Armadillos are often spotted burrowing in the yards of people who live in the aforementioned conditions. You may have discovered evidence of their misdeeds even if you haven’t managed to catch them in the act.

It’s annoying when there are holes in the yard, and they detract from the overall look and feel of the yard. Understanding these animals and their motivations before having to deal with them can help, even if it doesn’t make things any easier.

Armadillos mostly forage for food, which is why you’ll often see them excavating holes. They snoop around underground in search of grubs, worms, and other insects and vermin to eat.

Armadillos will also dig to create a burrow into which they can retreat for the night. These infamous little diggers often leave behind enormous mazes.

 

Are Armadillos Dangerous

One of the most regular wildlife sightings in Florida is an armadillo. Humans typically leave them alone because we know they won’t attack. However, armadillos pose greater risks than most of us realize. If you discover even a single one of these pests on your home, it is critical that you contact a specialist immediately. It’s best if you can capture them as quickly as possible.

While armadillos rarely attack humans or domesticated animals, this can change if they feel threatened. While armadillos pose no threat to humans due to their lack of bite or scratch, this does not make them completely harmless. Armadillo threats, such as those listed below, often coincide with the armadillo’s actual presence on your land.

• Armadillos are excellent tunnelers and diggers.
• Plant life and beautiful gardens can be destroyed by armadillos.
• Diseases could be carried by armadillos.

 

Armadillos are great diggers and burrowers.

They have the ability to create larger-than-normal tunnels. If your garden is not landscaped, this behavior is probably fine; nevertheless, it becomes dangerous if they begin digging near or beneath your home’s foundation. Because of this, concrete may crack and buildings may become unstable.

 

Armadillos can destroy vegetation and landscaped gardens.

These creatures are hard workers when it comes to digging, as was previously established. Infestations of armadillos can wipe out months of hard work tending a garden.

 

Armadillos may carry diseases.

The armadillo has been shown to be a possible leprosy virus carrier in a few investigations. Of the several potential threats posed by armadillos, this one is the most severe. Wear gloves if you need to clean up soil that has been disturbed, as this may have been done by armadillos. In any case, get in touch with armadillo removal experts.

 

Are Armadillos Aggressive Toward Humans?

Unless confronted, armadillos are docile animals that are highly unlikely to attack humans. Since their diet consists entirely of small insects and worms, there is no danger of their attacking for any reason other than hunger or pure chance.

When cornered or threatened, however, they turn violent, and even their tiny teeth may easily pierce human skin.

Do Armadillos Bite?

Despite common assumptions, armadillos are dangerous and can bite. Although their teeth are little and they prefer soft foods like worms, when cornered, they will bite without hesitation.

Are Armadillos Rabid?

There are a variety of diseases that armadillos can transmit. The only known animal capable of transmitting leprosy to people through direct touch is the sand fly. Rabies is a disease that can be carried and spread by any wild animal, including armadillos.

You should therefore always take precautions, such as wearing thick gloves and long sleeves, when working with an armadillo.

 

Armadillo Feces And Urine

Although armadillos can transmit diseases to humans by biting them, their waste poses a much greater threat to humans. More dangerous than getting bitten by an armadillo is coming into contact with its feces or urine.

Armadillo poop is a known carrier of various infectious diseases, including Leptospirosis, Mycobacteriosis, Salmonella, and Histoplasmosis.

Read this list of diseases that can be contracted from armadillo droppings to fully grasp the gravity of the threat they pose to human health.

 

Leptospirosis

High fever, muscle pain, chills, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and perhaps jaundice are all indications of this bacterial disease.

While it is true that some infected individuals may not display any symptoms at all, the vast majority will.

 

Salmonella

Eating raw chicken can also infect you with salmonella. Symptoms, which frequently include vomiting, diarrhea, and severe stomach cramps, can last anywhere from six hours to six days.

You can think of salmonella as food poisoning times 10, plus it lasts for days.

 

Mycobacteriosis

When you come into contact with armadillo feces, you risk contracting Mycobacteriosis, a nasty skin ailment that manifests as huge, painful abscesses.

Symptoms of these abscesses include redness, tenderness, and pus. Even after treatment, abscesses can leave permanent scars and discoloration on their victims’ skin.

 

Histoplasmosis

Chest pain, chills, exhaustion, body pains, a cough, and, in severe cases, a high fever are just some of the symptoms of histoplasmosis, a fungal disease. The worst aspect is that these symptoms might last for years, albeit rarely.

 

What Does Armadillo Poop Look Like?

Armadillo droppings resemble little pellets. Usually measuring between an inch and an inch and a half in length, the pellets clearly show the armadillo’s most recent meal of beetles, worms, or other insects.

 

How To Get Rid Of Armadillos

Do not dismiss the risks posed by armadillos. Immediately get some help if you need it. In the past few years, On Demand Pest Control has received a large number of calls from Floridians asking for armadillo removal services. If you have any problems with wild animals on your land, our crew is prepared to help remove them.

Professionals from On Demand can help remove armadillos from your Broward, Miami, West Palm Beach, or nearby Florida property. Please call us at 954-998-0113 for a no-obligation estimate.

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