What Can I Use for Armadillo Bait?

Armadillos may seem like cute little creatures to some, but to others they are annoying pests. Trapping an armadillo is one of the most humane ways to get rid of one. Armadillo bait can be used to help trap these animals, and it should closely mimic the animal's natural diet of insects and grubs. Many people claim that earthworms, meal worms, and maggots are excellent armadillo baits. Others disagree, however, and believe the placement of the trap itself is more important.

Common in the central southern United States, armadillos are particularly abundant in Texas. Residents of this state have found these creatures can quickly become a nuisance. The animals may decide to take up residence under houses or in garages. During their stay, they will also dig holes in yards and gardens. Using armadillo bait and a live trap is one way to get rid of armadillos.

The claws of an armadillo are very sharp. The animal uses them as tools to dig in the ground for food. The natural diet of most types of armadillos consists of grubs, worms, and insects. Armadillo bait should be very similar to this diet.

Earthworms are one of the most common types of armadillo bait, since wild armadillos often snack on these invertebrates. These creatures are easy to collect. They can often be dug up, or they can be purchased at most bait shops.

Meal worms can also be used as armadillo bait. These can also be either collected or purchased from a bait shop. One may also be able to order a batch of tasty meal worms on the Internet.

One of the biggest problems with armadillo bait is that bait creatures are difficult to confine to a live trap. To prevent this, they can be placed inside of a new nylon stocking. Placing a little dirt in or on the stocking can also make it easier to trap an armadillo. Since these animals are used to digging for their food, they may be more likely to go after armadillo bait that is somewhat buried.

Maggots, or fly larvae, can also be used as armadillo bait, but this is less common, since it takes longer and it is generally more unpleasant. The food used to draw the maggots may also cause other animals to come sniffing around. Rotten meat and overripe fruit can be placed in a trap for flies to lay eggs in. A few days later, maggots will emerge.

Some people claim that armadillo bait does not work at all. Instead, they believe that the best way to catch an armadillo is to place the trap in the right spot. A large armadillo trap should be placed right on a frequently traveled path of the animal. Since an armadillo has poor eyesight, it will usually be unable to see the trap and walk right into it.

Armadillos primarily feed on insects and grubs, so bait is often less effective than other trapping methods. However, if you choose to use bait, consider foods that mimic their natural diet, such as mealworms or earthworms. According to wildlife experts, creating a funnel with wooden planks leading to a trap can be more effective than bait alone.

While armadillos are mainly insectivores, they may occasionally eat fruits and vegetables. Overripe fruits like bananas or berries can be used as bait, but they are not as enticing as live insects. It's important to note that fruits may attract other non-target animals, so they should be used judiciously in a controlled trapping environment.

There are few commercial baits marketed specifically for armadillos, as their digging behavior is typically what leads them into traps. However, some general wildlife baits claim to attract armadillos by scent. It's essential to research and select products with positive reviews from credible sources within the wildlife management community.

Making armadillo bait at home involves simulating their natural food sources. You can create a mixture of moist soil and live insects, such as worms or larvae, to entice armadillos. Place this mixture behind a trap to lure them in. Remember, the location and setup of the trap are often more crucial than the bait itself.

Live bait, such as worms or grubs, is generally more effective for armadillos due to their strong sense of smell and preference for live prey. Artificial baits may not have the same allure as the scent and movement of live bait are key factors in attracting these creatures. Always ensure that live bait is sourced responsibly and ethically.

Avoid using any food items that are not part of an armadillo's natural diet, such as processed foods, cooked meats, or any inedible materials. Not only are these ineffective, but they can also harm the armadillo or attract other unwanted wildlife. Stick to natural, biodegradable options that reflect their insectivorous habits for the best results.