Armadillo
There are approximately 21 species of Armadillo in the world. Armadillos can range in size, the smallest being the pink fairy Armadillo at approximately 6 inches long. The largest species is the Giant Armadillo, which can get to be approximately 5 ft long.
The Armadillo that we commonly see in Florida is called the Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus Novemcinctus) this name comes from the 9 brakes in it’s leathery armor. Armadillos are primarily omnivores which means to eat both meat and plants. Most of an armadillos diet is made up of insects and larvae. The Nine-Banded Armadillo always gives birth to identical quadruplets.
Armadillos are considered a nuisance as they can tear up your yard looking for grubs and other insects in the soil. Armadillos can also carry diseases such as Leprosy. Although transmission of Leprosy is very rare in the United States, with under a hundred diagnosed cases per year in this country. The real danger caused by Armadillos is due to the damage they can cause to structures.
Armadillos burrow underground, sometimes up against the side of a home or business. By burrowing under the foundation, the weight of the building can cause stress cracks to form in concrete, sometimes causing severe damage to a structure. Total Pest Services offers trapping and repellant services for nuisance Armadillo encounters.