Armadillos
Armadillo Baits
Baiting an armadillo trap is optional; some trappers find that it helps attract armadillos, and some find that it only helps attract other unwanted animals. While you don't need bait to catch a generally habitual animal like an armadillo, it's important to try for yourself to see how the armadillos in your yard behave. Below are some armadillo baiting tips to help make the process easy for you.
Best Armadillo Baits
When it comes to food, armadillos are mostly drawn to insects and other invertebrates that live underground. Because armadillos rarely forage above ground, many trapping experts choose not to use bait in their traps - they find bait often attracts other creatures like raccoons or opossums instead. On the other hand, some trappers find success using baits that target an armadillo's unique preferences, like worms, grubs, and rotten foods. Since armadillos are different, trying some bait in your trap will help you determine whether it's effective for those in your area.
Armadillo favorites include:
How to Bait a Armadillo Trap
In order for one of the above armadillo baits to successfully influence a capture, you must position it strategically inside your trap.
When positioning your bait, keep the following guidelines in mind:
- The distance between the bait and each open door should be sufficient to lure the animal all the way into the trap.
- In order to reach the bait, the animal should have to engage the trigger (step on the metal plate).
- Placement will depend on your trap type (1 or 2 doors - see below).
When using a 1-door trap, place the bait behind the trigger plate. Ensure bait is placed away from the walls so animals cannot steal it from the outside.
When using a 2-door trap, you can either place the bait just behind the trigger, bury it in the ground underneath the trigger plate/trap or hang it from the top of your trap.
Expert Baiting Tips
- Weigh down your trap with a brick or other object to prevent animals from knocking it over to steal the bait.
- If you find that you are catching unwanted animals, try omitting the bait, and make sure you are positioning your trap properly to target wandering armadillos.
- The most important factor when trapping an armadillo is the positioning of the trap itself. Learn more about how to position your trap by reading How to Trap an Armadillo »
- Armadillos have very sensitive noses and will most likely avoid a trap that carries a human's scent, so it's important to wear gloves at all time when handling and baiting your live trap.
- Learn more tips about how to bait a live trap here »
Professional Advice on Baiting an Animal Trap
Our friend and Havahart® supporter, Billy the Exterminator, talks baiting traps.
Ultimate Armadillo Protection
Now that you’ve trapped your armadillo, use a repellent to stop them from coming back. Using a combination of Havahart® traps and repellents gives you the maximum protection you need to keep your yard free of animal intruders!
Our Havahart® Spray Away scares away pesky armadillos, and it’s eco-friendly, using only startling bursts of water to repel them.
