March in Texas carries a deep significance—not just because of the warmer temperatures, longer days, and blooming bluebonnets—but also because it marks a key moment in Texas history: the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence. On March 2, 1836, sixty delegates from Texas’ revolutionary government gathered at Washington-on-the-Brazos to officially break ties with Mexico. At the same time, nearly 170 miles away, the Battle of the Alamo was raging, having begun on February 23 and ending in tragedy on March 6. Just six weeks after the declaration, General Sam Houston led Texan forces to a pivotal victory, securing the young republic’s independence. Texas remained a sovereign nation for nine years before joining the United States in 1845.
All across Texas, folks will mark Texas Independence Day with the full flavor of Lone Star pride—Shiner beer, smoky barbecue, rodeos, country tunes, and that unmistakable Texas charm and grit. In the spirit of the celebration, we’re turning our attention to a creature so deeply tied to Texas identity that it appears on countless souvenirs and holds the title of the official small mammal of the state: the nine-banded armadillo. While many Texans hold this quirky animal in high regard as a state icon, it still manages to cause headaches for homeowners from one end of Texas to the other.
What do Armadillos Look Like?
While there are roughly 20 different species of armadillos in the world, only one makes its home in the United States: the nine-banded armadillo. About the size of a house cat or a small dog, these animals typically weigh between 8 and 17 pounds. Their bodies stretch around 16 inches long, with tails nearly equal in length and short, sturdy legs. The armadillo’s tough, bony shell—leaving only the belly exposed—serves as natural armor against predators. The “nine-banded” name refers to the number of flexible bands across their midsection, usually around nine, though the actual count can vary from seven to eleven. Despite a common misconception, these armadillos cannot curl into a perfect ball when threatened; only two three-banded species have that ability. They also come equipped with strong claws, ideally suited for digging.
Nine-banded armadillos are primarily nocturnal and, because they have very little hair, they aren’t great at regulating their body temperature. As a result, they’re most active on warm summer nights or during milder afternoons and evenings in the winter. Starting in March, sightings typically increase, as this is the time of year when armadillos begin to give birth. Interestingly, female nine-banded armadillos almost always produce four genetically identical offspring—quadruplets that arrive with eyes open and bodies fully formed, though their protective armor is still soft at birth.
What do Armadillos Eat?
Nine-banded armadillos primarily feed on invertebrates such as grubs, beetles, cockroaches, wasps, fire ants, spiders, and scorpions. When necessary, they’ll also eat small reptiles and amphibians, bird eggs, fruits, seeds, fungi, and other types of plant material. They rely heavily on their keen sense of smell to locate prey just beneath the surface, then use their strong claws to dig and their sticky tongues to snatch up their finds. While this foraging strategy is effective for the armadillo, it’s bad news for homeowners—these animals can quickly tear up lawns and gardens, leaving behind numerous holes and causing costly damage to landscaping.
Are Armadillos Dangerous?
If you’re wondering whether armadillos pose a threat to people or pets, the short answer is “not really.” They aren’t known to bite or act aggressively—though they are capable of using their claws to defend themselves if absolutely necessary. More often than not, when startled, they won’t fight at all. Instead, they’ll jump straight into the air—an instinctive reaction meant to spook a potential predator and buy time to make a quick escape. Despite having more teeth than any other mammal, their nature is decidedly defensive. So, does that mean they’re harmless? Unfortunately, not entirely.
The most significant risk associated with armadillos is their unique ability—shared only with humans—to contract and carry leprosy. While the chances of transmission to people are very low, it is still possible for the disease to be passed from an infected armadillo to a human.
But leprosy isn’t the only concern. Armadillos frequently dig to create burrows for shelter, and if they choose spots beneath decks, foundations, sidewalks, or other structures, they can compromise the stability of those areas. This kind of damage can lead to expensive repairs and potentially hazardous conditions around your home.
Another issue is what happens after the armadillo moves out. Their empty burrows often attract other unwelcome guests—such as snakes, opossums, rats, and skunks—all of which can bring their own set of problems when it comes to pest control and safety.
How do you Prevent Armadillos from Getting in your Yard?
Unlike many other pests, where a variety of risk factors can be managed to help prevent problems, armadillos offer only a few viable preventive options. First, keep your lawn as free of insects as possible by staying on top of pest control treatments and quickly addressing infestations—especially grub worms (check out our article on that topic). Second, consider using rocks or wood chips in your landscaping to make digging more difficult and less appealing for armadillos. Lastly—and most expensively—you can install a durable fence around your property that extends at least two feet underground. Because these animals are skilled diggers, any effective barrier must block access both above and below the surface.
How do you Handle an Armadillo Problem?
You call Mid-Cities Pest Control. We handle armadillo issues using humane live trapping methods. Our experienced technicians assess the situation and strategically place traps to maximize the chances of a successful capture. Since armadillos are notoriously difficult to lure into cages, professional help can make a big difference. Once the animal is caught, it’s safely relocated far enough away to prevent it from returning. This approach allows the armadillo to continue its peaceful life as a symbol of Texas, while giving your yard the chance to recover and look its best once again.
This March, don’t let armadillos put a damper on your spring festivities. Take action at the first sign of trouble by calling The Bug Dude at 1-800-310-BUGS and declare your own independence from pests.
Additional Resources:
“Texas declares independence” – History.com Editors – www.history.com – A&E Television Networks
“Nine-Banded Armadillo” – Texas Junior Naturalists – Texas Parks & Wildlife
“Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)” – Texas Parks & Wildlife
“Nine-Banded Armadillo” – National Wildlife Federation
