Scientists classify armadillos with anteaters and sloths. This tells us that they have poorly developed teeth and limited mobility. In fact, armadillos have small, peg-like teeth that are useful for grinding their food but of little value for capturing prey. No other mammal in Georgia has bony skin plates or a “shell”, which makes the armadillo easy to identify. Just like a turtle, the shell is called a carapace. Armadillos are common in central and southern Georgia and are moving northward. Only one species of armadillo lives in Georgia and the southeastern U.S.

They are considered both an exotic species and a pest. However, Georgia law prohibits keeping armadillos in captivity. Because they are not protected in Georgia they can be hunted or trapped throughout the year. There are no specific threats to their survival. Armadillos have few natural predators. Many are killed while trying to cross roads or highways or when feeding along roadsides.  Because they do not tolerate cold temperatures (below about 36o), several studies suggest that further northward migration into the Appalachian Mountains will be limited.   Armadillos dig their own burrows or use the burrow of another armadillo, tortoises or natural holes. They do not hibernate but neither can they tolerate high temperature (above about 85o). Armadillos rely on a good sense of smell to locate food but have poor eyesight. They eat insects and surrounding soil and plant litter while foraging so their droppings consist of undigested insect parts, soil, and litter fragments.

 Armadillos are found to consume earthworms, crabs, crayfish, butterfly and moth larvae, fruits and vertebrates. Feeding activity, such as digging, is often considered a nuisance, although consumption of ants, including fire ants and white grubs may be beneficial in other ways.  They seem undeterred by the bite of the fire ant. Foraging pits are up to 5 inches deep and are often found in moist soil.    Soil type is important due to their burrowing. They prefer sandy or clay soils. Armadillo can be found in pine forests, hardwood woodlands, grass prairies, salt marsh and coastal dunes. Human created habitats such as pasture, cemeteries, parks, golf courses, plant nurseries and croplands also provide suitable habitat. They also forage along roadsides. 

Armadillo may carry diseases transmissible to humans, but reports are rare. Armadillo can acquire leprosy and are used in medical research to study this disease. Armadillos are used in medical research to study leprosy in humans. Only two cases are known in which a human contracted leprosy from wild armadillos. Both cases are from Texas and the transmission occurred by consuming raw or undercooked armadillo meat. There are no reported positive cases in Georgia, Alabama, or Florida.

Armadillo can be controlled by trapping. No bait, lure or attractant has been shown to be effective in increasing capture success although there are numerous report of baits used with varying success. No repellents are registered for use with armadillo. No toxicants (poisons) are registered for use. Pesticide use to reduce insect populations in landscape settings may be effective. No fumigants are registered for use to control armadillo. Shooting is an effective control technique. Use a .22 caliber rifle in a safe and legal manner. Check city and county ordinances before discharging weapons. Always practice safe gun handling procedures.