Armadillo Removal
Armadillo Removal in Savannah, GA
Armadillos have become increasingly common in Coastal Georgia, and their burrowing habits can cause real problems for Savannah homeowners. They dig for insects and grubs, which can tear up lawns — and they often burrow under structures for shelter.
If you're noticing holes in your yard, damaged turf, or burrowing under your porch, deck or shed, armadillos may be the cause.
What Homeowners Notice
- Multiple cone-shaped holes in the lawn, typically 3–5 inches deep
- Uprooted plants or damaged turf from digging
- Burrow openings under porches, decks, sheds or AC units
- Damaged garden beds from rooting
- Armadillo sightings at dawn or dusk, as they're most active at night
Where Armadillos Are Found
Armadillos are ground-dwellers. They're drawn to areas with soft soil and abundant insects — which means well-watered lawns and gardens can be especially attractive.
- Lawns and garden beds with soft, moist soil
- Under porches, decks and raised structures
- Under sheds or outbuildings
- Near AC units or other ground-level structures that provide shade and shelter
How Armadillos Get In
Armadillos don't climb — they burrow. They can dig surprisingly deep and wide, which means the concern isn't just the yard damage but the potential for structural undermining.
- Burrowing under foundation footings or crawl space walls
- Digging under concrete pads, steps or patios
- Creating burrows under fences or landscape barriers
What Damage Can Occur
The primary damage from armadillos is to lawns and landscaping, but burrowing under structures can create longer-term concerns.
- Widespread lawn damage from feeding holes
- Destabilized soil under porches, decks or outbuildings
- Damage to garden beds and root systems
- Potential undermining of walkways or patios if burrowing is extensive
What Removal May Involve
Armadillo removal typically involves trapping, as they follow fairly predictable routes between feeding areas and burrows. After removal, exclusion work — like sealing the area under a deck or porch — can help prevent new armadillos from taking over the same burrow.
Reducing what attracts them — like insect populations and easy burrowing spots — can also help make the property less appealing.
What Not to Do
- Don't try to grab or handle an armadillo directly. They can be surprisingly quick and have strong claws.
- Don't just fill in the burrow without confirming the armadillo has left — it may dig back out or be trapped.
- Don't assume the problem is solved after one armadillo is removed. Others may take over the same burrow if it isn't addressed.
Savannah & Coastal Georgia Context
Armadillos have been expanding their range in Georgia and are now common throughout Coastal Georgia, including Savannah and Chatham County. The warm climate and soft, moist soil in many Savannah neighborhoods make the area attractive to them year-round.
Related
Not sure what you're dealing with? Start here.
Tell us what you've seen or heard. We'll help you figure out what might be happening and what to do next.