The Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is an iconic part of Texas wildlife. In fact, it holds the honor of being the official small mammal of Texas! It’s also the only armadillo species found in Texas, and it has adapted exceptionally well to both rural and suburban areas across Central Texas, including Austin, Llano, Fredericksburg, and the Highland Lakes.

Recognizable by their tough, leathery armor and long snouts, nine-banded armadillos are primarily nocturnal and are expert diggers. They are unique among mammals for their digging prowess and their peculiar reproductive habits.

Biology and Behavior:

• Lifespan: Typically 7–10 years in the wild.
• Size: Adults weigh between 8–17 pounds and measure 24–32 inches in length, including the tail.
• Habitat: Prefers forest edges, grasslands, and suburban yards with loose, sandy soils perfect for digging.
• Diet: Insectivorous – feeding mostly on ants, termites, beetles, worms, and grubs. Occasionally eats plants, small vertebrates, and carrion.
• Reproduction: The nine-banded armadillo always gives birth to identical quadruplets from a single fertilized egg—a rare trait in the animal world.

• The Nine-banded Armadillo is the official small mammal of Texas!
• Armadillos can hold their breath for up to 6 minutes and are excellent swimmers, sometimes walking along the bottoms of streams and ponds.
• Their armor is made of flexible plates connected by softer skin, allowing them surprising flexibility.
• Nine-banded armadillos are the only mammals known to regularly give birth to identical quadruplets.

While armadillos are generally harmless to humans and pets, their constant digging can lead to major problems for property owners. They are drawn to well-maintained yards, gardens, golf courses, and landscaped areas in search of insects and moist soil.

Common Problems Caused by Armadillos:

• Lawn and Garden Damage: Their rooting behavior leaves behind numerous holes and can uproot plants.
• Structural Damage: Burrows near foundations, patios, decks, and driveways can undermine the integrity of structures.
• Erosion and Drainage Issues: Tunneling can cause shifts in soil that affect drainage patterns and increase erosion risks.
• Health Concerns: Though rare, armadillos can carry diseases such as leprosy and rabies, but transmission to humans is extremely uncommon.

In areas like Austin, Fredericksburg, Llano, Marble Falls, and Horseshoe Bay, the combination of warm temperatures, moist soils, and suburban sprawl creates the perfect environment for armadillos. They are especially active during the spring and fall but may dig year-round if winter temperatures remain mild.

Properties with lush lawns, flower beds, and heavy irrigation are prime targets for hungry armadillos looking for insects.

At The Wildlife Management Company, we offer professional, humane armadillo removal and exclusion services across Austin and Central Texas. Our wildlife biologists and skilled technicians use safe, proven methods to resolve armadillo issues quickly and permanently.

Our Services Include:

• Live Trapping: Safe, humane trapping to remove armadillos from your property.
• Burrow Removal and Repair: Properly collapsing burrows and restoring soil structure.
• Exclusion Barriers: Installing underground barriers to prevent future digging and entry.
• Habitat Modification Advice: Helping homeowners make their yards less inviting to armadillos.

Why Choose The Wildlife Management Company?

• Over 30 years of wildlife management experience
• Licensed, insured, and trusted in Central Texas
• Humane, environmentally responsible techniques
• Local experts serving Llano, Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Fredericksburg, Austin, Burnet, and surrounding areas
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Call The Wildlife Management Company today at (512) 364-1523 for expert armadillo removal!