ARMADILLOS IN THE LOW COUNTRY

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 | The Greenery, Inc.

The Greenery, Inc. – Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Armadillos are invasive species to the low country and have slowly migrated from Mexico over the last 150 years. They are nocturnal and can be extremely destructive to lawns, gardens and flower beds.  Armadillos primary food is insects; the same insects that also are damaging to your yard – such as chinch bugs, grubs and mole crickets.  The best defense with armadillos is a good defense. Apply seasonal insecticides to control insect populations and they should move on down the road.

The last option will be trapping them because they have no natural predators.  You need to use extreme caution when handling armadillos.  They have been known to carry leprosy.  Most cases of leprosy (less than 200/year) happen in Louisiana and Texas where people hunt and eat armadillos.
Armadillos are here to stay or retire.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of these or other issues in your landscape, please contact your Greenery supervisor at 843-785-3848.

By:  David Hatton / Residential Supervisor / Hilton Head Island
The Greenery Inc.