Armadillo Removal

What do armadillos look like and how big are they?

Armadillos are small to medium-sized mammals with a leathery, armored shell. In Northern Virginia the most common species, the nine-banded armadillo, typically measures 15–17 inches long (head and body) with a 12–16 inch tail and weighs 6–14 pounds.

Are armadillos common in Northern Virginia and Purcellville?

Yes. Armadillos have been expanding northward and are increasingly encountered in parts of Northern Virginia, including Loudoun County and the Purcellville area, especially in wooded, brushy and suburban properties with loose soil.

Are armadillos dangerous to people, pets, or structures?

Armadillos are generally not aggressive toward people or pets, but they can carry parasites and diseases such as fleas, ticks, and rarely leprosy. They do not typically damage structures but can dig burrows under decks, patios, and foundations and create lawn damage from foraging.

What kinds of damage do armadillos cause?

Common damage includes: shallow round holes from digging for insects and grubs, burrows that undermine foundations or landscaping, and disturbed garden beds and lawns. They may also attract predators that use the burrows.

How can I tell if I have armadillos on my property?

Look for distinctive cone-shaped or round foraging holes (1–3 inches wide), burrow entrances (4–6 inches), tracks showing four front toes and five hind toes, and overturned soil in grassy or wooded areas—especially at dawn and dusk.

Can I trap or relocate armadillos myself?

Live-trapping and relocation of armadillos is regulated and can be difficult and unsafe. In Virginia, relocation may be restricted and often ineffective because armadillos have large home ranges. We recommend contacting a licensed wildlife control professional for safe, legal removal.

What humane removal methods do professionals use?

Licensed technicians use approved live traps, exclusion techniques to block burrows, habitat modification, and targeted removal when necessary. Humane euthanasia may be used if relocation or release is prohibited and depending on local regulations and the animal’s condition.

How much does professional armadillo removal cost?

Costs vary by property, severity, and method used. Typical factors include trapping effort, number of animals, burrow repair, and exclusion work. Contact Hunt Country Wildlife Control for a site-specific estimate and inspection in Purcellville and surrounding Northern Virginia areas.

Can I prevent armadillos from coming onto my property?

Yes. Effective prevention includes:

• filling and compacting holes and burrows,
• removing ground-level shelter (brush piles, dense vegetation),
• securing compost and pet food,
• installing perimeter fencing with buried skirts (6–12 inches),
• reducing insect populations in lawns through proper turf care).

Will repellents or deterrents work for armadillos?

Most commercial repellents are ineffective long-term. Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, and ultrasonic devices may offer temporary deterrence, but exclusion and habitat modification are the most reliable solutions.

What should I do if I find an injured or orphaned armadillo?

If you find an injured or orphaned armadillo, avoid handling it directly. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or Hunt Country Wildlife Control for guidance. Because armadillos can carry diseases and parasites, professional assessment is important.

How does Hunt Country Wildlife Control handle armadillo problems in Purcellville and Northern Virginia?

We provide on-site inspections, humane trapping and removal when permitted, burrow and entry exclusion, property repairs, and long-term prevention plans tailored to Northern Virginia conditions. Our technicians follow state and local wildlife regulations and prioritize safety for people, pets and wildlife.