Have you found some poop that you think is from an Armadillo, do you know what does armadillo poop look like.
Are you sure the poop is from an Armadillo?
Below I will cover how you can identify the poop and will include images.
What Does Armadillo Poop Look like?
Armadillo poop will be small pellets of about an inch long. The texture will be clay like and usually contains small insects such as beetles.
An Armadillo scat can be identified even without taking a look at it as they smell tremendously offensive and nauseating. The droppings are easy to step on while strolling around your backyard or garden.
The droppings can be extremely difficult to clean up especially when stepped on.
The shape, size, and color of the feces generally depend on the food they have been feeding on. However, the scat always appears as a structure of pellet that is small measuring about an inch in length only.
Picture Of Armadillo Poop
Below is a picture of an armadillo poop I took earlier this year.
As you can see the poop is around 1 inch in size and looks very dry. It looks very dry because it will contain a lot of soil the armadillo consumes when hunting insects.
The color of the feces determines the amount of time it has been exposed to the outside environment.
Where Do Armadillo Usually Poop
Armadillos typically defecate in a relatively haphazard manner as they go about their activities. Their droppings, often referred to as “armadillo scat” or “armadillo poop,” can be found in various locations, but the specific places can vary based on their movements and foraging behavior. Here are some common places where armadillos may deposit their droppings:
- Burrow entrances: Armadillos often have burrows or dens where they rest and raise their young. They may defecate near the entrances to these burrows.
- Feeding areas: Armadillos are insectivores, and they primarily feed on insects, grubs, and other invertebrates. You might find their droppings near areas where they have been foraging for food, such as gardens, lawns, or areas with high insect populations.
- Trails and pathways: Armadillos have regular routes they travel as they search for food and explore their territory. Their scat may be found along these trails and pathways.
- Random locations: Armadillos are known for their wandering behavior. They may leave droppings in various random spots in your yard, making it difficult to predict exactly where you might find their scat.
Armadillo droppings are cylindrical in shape and are typically dark brown or black. They can range in size from a few inches to several inches in length, depending on the size and age of the armadillo. It’s essential to handle armadillo scat with care, wearing gloves and taking precautions, as it can carry diseases and parasites.
If armadillos are causing issues near your property, you may want to follow the preventive measures outlined in the previous response to deter their presence and reduce the likelihood of finding their droppings in your yard.
Are There Any Health Risks With Armadillo Poop
Yes, there are potential health risks associated with armadillo poop (scat) due to the fact that armadillos can carry the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which causes Hansen’s disease (leprosy) in humans. While the risk is relatively low, it’s essential to take precautions when handling armadillo scat to minimize the potential for disease transmission. Here are some key considerations:
- Wear protective gear: When cleaning up armadillo scat, it’s advisable to wear gloves and a mask to prevent direct contact and inhalation of any airborne particles. Disposable gloves and a dust mask are appropriate protective gear.
- Avoid touching your face: Do not touch your face, mouth, or eyes while handling armadillo scat, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.
- Proper disposal: Carefully collect the scat using a shovel or similar tool and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Dispose of the bag in a trash container. Do not use a leaf blower to clean up the scat, as this can aerosolize potentially harmful particles.
- Disinfection: After handling armadillo scat, clean the tools and gloves you used with a disinfectant to reduce the risk of contamination.
- Monitor for symptoms: If you have been exposed to armadillo scat or had direct contact with an armadillo and develop any unusual skin changes, rashes, or symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. Early treatment is important if Hansen’s disease is suspected.
It’s worth noting that the risk of contracting Hansen’s disease from armadillos is relatively low, and not all armadillos carry the bacterium. Still, taking precautions when dealing with armadillo scat is a responsible approach to reduce any potential health risks.
How To Prevent Armadillo Poop Near Your Property
Preventing armadillo poop near your property involves deterring these animals from entering your yard or garden. Armadillos are attracted to areas with abundant food sources like insects and grubs. Here are some steps you can take to prevent armadillo activity and, consequently, their droppings near your property:
- Remove food sources: Control insect populations: Armadillos primarily feed on insects, grubs, and larvae. Implement pest control measures to reduce the abundance of these food sources in your yard. Consider using insecticides or natural methods to control insect populations.
Secure garbage cans: Make sure your garbage cans are tightly sealed to prevent armadillos from rummaging through your trash in search of food. - Fencing: Install a barrier: Armadillos are known for digging, so consider installing a barrier around your property. Bury a fence at least 12-18 inches deep to prevent them from burrowing underneath. A sturdy fence that is at least 3-4 feet high can also deter armadillos from entering your yard.
Remove hiding spots: - Clear clutter: Remove piles of debris, wood, and other materials that might create hiding spots or shelter for armadillos.
Trim vegetation: Keep your lawn well-maintained and trim vegetation near your property. Armadillos may use overgrown areas as hiding spots. - Motion-activated lights and sound: Use motion-activated lights or sound devices: These can startle armadillos and deter them from approaching your property. Motion-activated lights and devices that emit loud noises when they detect movement can be effective in scaring off these creatures.
- Repellents: Armadillo repellents: There are commercial armadillo repellents available that can be applied to the perimeter of your property. These products typically emit scents or tastes that armadillos find unpleasant.
- Live trapping and relocation: In some areas, it may be legal to live trap armadillos and relocate them to a more suitable habitat. Check local regulations and consult with wildlife professionals before attempting this approach.
Remember that armadillos are generally harmless animals but can be a nuisance when they disturb your yard or garden.
Final Words
The Armadillos can be both a blessing as well as curse to use. They feed on the beetles, wasps, leeches, and centipedes that infest your house and keeps you on your toes fearing their arrival into your house.
Hence, they are responsible to keep these bugs out of your homes and away from the surroundings of your environment.
However, the droppings carry bacteria with them that can lead to serious illness especially for the workers handling the cleaning of Armadillo droppings. They also tend to destroy your backyard causing more damage than preventing it by digging huge holes.
