Protecting Your Home from Armadillo Damage
Armadillos are often viewed as shy, solitary creatures, but when they invade your property, they can quickly become a nuisance. Known for their nocturnal habits, armadillos dig and burrow, leaving extensive damage in their wake. In North Myrtle Beach, where lush landscapes and urban development intersect, these creatures are increasingly common. They can easily damage lawns, gardens, and even the structural integrity of your home. At Critter Stop, we specialize in effective and humane North Myrtle Beach armadillo removal services. Our expert team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to quickly address infestations, prevent further damage, and ensure your home remains safe from these burrowing pests.
Why Armadillos Are Attracted to North Myrtle Beach Homes
North Myrtle Beach’s mix of warm coastal climates, wooded areas, and residential development provides armadillos with the ideal environment. They are drawn to properties with easy access to food, shelter, and quiet places to build nests. Here’s why they frequently invade homes:
- Food Availability: Armadillos are insectivores, feeding primarily on grubs, worms, and other insects found beneath the soil. If your lawn or garden has an abundance of these pests, your property is likely to attract armadillos.
- Shelter: The areas under decks, porches, and even in crawlspaces provide armadillos with shelter. These spaces offer warmth and protection from predators.
- Ease of Access: Armadillos can easily squeeze through small gaps and cracks. If there are any weak points in your property’s exterior—like damaged vents, holes in the foundation, or broken siding—they will take advantage of these openings to enter your home.
Once these creatures find access, they will dig and burrow to create nests, causing extensive damage to both your yard and home’s foundation.
The Impact of Armadillo Infestations
While they may appear harmless, armadillos bring several risks when they enter your home. Their burrowing habits can lead to long-term damage if not addressed promptly. Here’s why an armadillo infestation needs immediate attention:
- Structural Damage: Armadillos dig extensively, creating tunnels under foundations, decks, and porches. This constant digging can weaken the soil beneath your home, leading to cracks, sagging, or shifting structures.
- Damage to Lawns and Gardens: Armadillos are notorious for digging up lawns and gardens in search of food. This results in unsightly, patchy lawns and potential damage to plants and flower beds.
- Health Risks: Armadillos are carriers of diseases such as leprosy, leptospirosis, and salmonella. Their droppings and urine can contaminate your property, creating unsafe living conditions.
- Pest Problems: Burrows left behind by armadillos can attract other pests, including rodents, insects, and snakes. This can create an even larger infestation, complicating the problem.
- Parasites: Armadillos are known to carry fleas, ticks, and mites. These pests can spread to pets or humans, causing further health issues and discomfort.
How to Detect an Armadillo Problem
Armadillos are elusive creatures that prefer to stay hidden during the day. However, there are telltale signs of their presence:
- Burrowing: Armadillos dig cone-shaped holes in your lawn and garden as they search for insects. These holes are usually 3–5 inches in diameter and can appear anywhere in the yard.
- Tracks: Look for five-toed paw prints or tracks in damp soil, particularly near gardens, sheds, or under decks.
- Scratching Noises: Armadillos are most active at night. If you hear scratching or digging noises coming from under your porch or near your foundation, it’s likely an armadillo is nearby.
- Droppings: Armadillo droppings are small, cylindrical, and dark. You may find them near burrow entrances or in your yard.
- Yard Damage: If your yard or garden has unexplained holes or signs of digging, armadillos are probably responsible.
Critter Stop’s Proven North Myrtle Beach Armadillo Removal Process
At Critter Stop, we use a humane and comprehensive approach to armadillo removal. Our multi-step process ensures that your property is free of armadillos and that the problem doesn’t return:
1. Thorough Property Inspection
Our first step is a full inspection of your property. We look for active burrows, signs of damage, and potential entry points. This helps us assess the severity of the infestation and determine the best course of action.
2. Humane Trapping and Safe Removal
We use live traps that are designed specifically for armadillos. These traps are placed in strategic locations where armadillos are most likely to travel. Once trapped, the animals are safely relocated to an area far from your property, in compliance with local wildlife regulations.
3. Sealing Entry Points
After removal, we seal all known and potential entry points with durable materials such as steel mesh, concrete, and flashing. This step prevents armadillos from re-entering your home or yard.
4. Cleanup and Sanitization
Armadillos can leave behind a mess of nesting materials, droppings, and urine. We thoroughly clean and sanitize the affected areas, removing any harmful bacteria and unpleasant odors to restore your home to a safe, clean environment.
5. Long-Term Prevention
We provide ongoing monitoring and offer tips on how to keep armadillos away in the future. This may include securing trash, trimming trees, and making sure your yard is free of food sources that may attract wildlife.
Why Homeowners Choose Critter Stop's North Myrtle Beach Armadillo Removal Process
Critter Stop is the trusted name for wildlife removal in North Myrtle Beach. Here’s why homeowners choose us:
- Local Expertise: We understand the behavior of armadillos and other wildlife specific to North Myrtle Beach’s coastal environment.
- Humane Methods: All of our removal techniques are humane and in full compliance with state regulations.
- All-in-One Service: From inspection to trapping, sealing, cleanup, and prevention, we handle every aspect of armadillo removal.
- Prompt Service: We offer same-day or next-day appointments to address urgent infestations quickly.
- Guaranteed Results: If armadillos return after we’ve removed them, we come back at no extra cost until the issue is resolved.
Preventing Future Armadillo Infestations
Once your home is free of armadillos, taking preventative steps will help ensure that they don’t return:
- Seal Holes and Gaps: Inspect your property regularly for cracks, holes, or damaged areas around the foundation, vents, and roofline. Seal these openings with durable materials like caulk and steel mesh.
- Proper Trash Storage: Armadillos are attracted to food sources. Store trash in sealed bins, and avoid leaving pet food or bird seed outside.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Overhanging branches can act as bridges to your roof. Keep branches trimmed at least 6 feet away from your home to discourage armadillos from gaining access.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Remove any sources of standing water, such as birdbaths or puddles, which can attract wildlife.
- Maintain Yard Cleanliness: Keep your yard free of debris, tall grass, and leaves. These are attractive hiding spots for armadillos and other pests.
Full-Service North Myrtle Beach Armadillo Removal
In addition to armadillo removal, Critter Stop offers a comprehensive range of wildlife control services to address any pest or wildlife problem:
Whatever the wildlife challenge, we have the experience and tools to resolve it quickly and humanely.
Schedule Your North Myrtle Beach Armadillo Removal Today
Don’t wait for the damage to escalate. If you notice signs of armadillo activity on your property, contact Critter Stop for fast, professional, and humane North Myrtle Beach armadillo removal. We offer prompt, reliable services to restore the safety and comfort of your home.
Contact Us today at (843) 380-7713 to schedule your free inspection and take the first step toward a secure, armadillo-free home.
