I just re-read Click here for more information. What a fantastic description of the "herd" by Morpheus. Everyone should go re-read this right now if they need to be reminded what nature is all about. Anyway, is there any chance that I could look at Armadillos as something positive? They are back in force. Hadn't seen them in months, and now every morning I see them and they are leaving the lawn pretty ripped up. My lawns is backed up to a conservation area, so there is no way of ever getting rid of them. Plus, I bet my organic lawncare is starting to increase my worms and things they eat. I've read the other posts about armadillos, there seems to be no answer for them. So, for my sanity, is there any way I could possibly brainwash myself into thinking they are doing me a service? I'm hoping, because of this quote from Morpheus: "Skunks, moles, and voles can be annoying if they dig in the yard going after grubs or worms, but really, they're doing a service. It's a larger-scale aeration of the soil, plus they go to the bathroom there, depositing nutrients. Nobody really wants 'em around, but they're part of nature." Please tell me armadillos are good in an organic lawn care regime! Thanks!

Slightly off-topic but related, if you got all excited about how the microherd works, then it is time to get your hands on a copy of "Teaming With Microbes". It may be more than you care to know, but it will change the way you understand what you are doing to the soil when you apply "stuff".

Sorry, was I too excited again? I'm like a bi-polar lawn guy - if it looks good and works, I'm totally ecstatic, but, boy, when I see a bunch of weeds (or armadillo holes), I'm devastated! LOL.

You came to the Asylum to ask the inmates if you're crazy? Son, you've got a L-O-N-G way to go to top some of the crazies in THIS place...

Yes, they have a positive angle to their downside. Armadillo poo is going to move nitrogen around, which is a good thing. Their digging also aerates soil, which is good in nature and pretty neutral on the home lawn as it does damage.

Given the conservation status, I'd just enjoy the armadillo. Realize that most of us have never seen them up close.

So most of you have never held one in preparation for an armadillo race, either, I presume. Did that once - don't need to do it again. Those are some weird beasts. As for the issue, they can claw up the yard looking for grubs and worms. If that is okay with you, then leave them alone. If not you could get a dog. They leave organic droppings, too. They might dig in the yard for a couple of years, but for the last many years they will likely stop that.

Dchall_San_Antonio wrote:So most of you have never held one in preparation for an armadillo race, either, I presume.

For most native Pennsylvanians such as myself, you can assume that, yes. While we do have the occasional animal race, the odder ones tend to be frogs and garter snakes. The state is, regrettably, armadillo-free in nature.

Did that once - don't need to do it again. Those are some weird beasts. As for the issue, they can claw up the yard looking for grubs and worms. If that is okay with you, then leave them alone. If not you could get a dog. They leave organic droppings, too. They might dig in the yard for a couple of years, but for the last many years they will likely stop that.

Wouldn't they be attracted to the increasing number of worms from organics?

I would think so, yes. I would want them out of the garden.

Thanks for the tip w/ the dog, but there is no way I'm getting a dog! That's why I'm saying I'm stuck w/ them and wanted to convince myself that they have benefits. So far, it's manageable enough, not TOO many holes in the ground. Let's hope it stays that way.When I do see them, I scarecrow them away. People say they are dumb, but maybe they'll learn eventually that it ain't not peaceful grubbing 'round here!

What has your weather been like?

For example, my moles generally aren't a problem when rainfall is keeping things out of drought conditions. They'd rather be in the woods anyways, but when conditions get bad, a well cared for lawn is the next best thing they can find.

Michael, what you're saying makes sense. We've been drier than usual for November. About 1/10 of an inch of rain this month. That would explain why I saw them in the dry spring, then they stay in the woods all summer when it's wet, and now that it's dry again they come back to my juicy lawn.

Its like that TV commercial where the little brother is drooling over his sister's hot friends. When the daughter complains, the dad replies, "Maybe you should have uglier friends."

Maybe you should have an uglier lawn. Just kidding!

I think your hazing idea is the best, peaceful bet.

Armadillos make good target practice and speed bumps.

I can't be shooting these things. I love all animals. Plus, they would just keep coming back anyway (others, I mean, not the dead ones).