A Little About Armadillos

A. Wood is used in the construction of this trap because of its porous quality, which allows the trap to "soak up" the scent while still being sturdy enough to withstand the elements and armadillos year after year.

A. The scented traps have been "pre-seasoned" with the actual scent of an armadillo. This means that the scented trap has the capability of catching armadillos time after time without the use of guides.

The unscented traps have not been "pre-seasoned," meaning that the first armadillo catch would have to be made with the use of guides by funneling him into the trap. This process is "hit-and-miss" and could take some time. After the first catch, the owner could put a mixture of dirt and water on the Armadillo later that evening and let him sit in the trap for 24 hours. This would season the trap and do away with the need for user guides. 

A. BAIT IS NOT RECOMMENDED! Bait most likely will result in the capture of an unwanted species. Armadillos communicate with one another via scent. The scent is what will lure the Armadillo into the trap. 

A. We offer the non-scented trap for our more frugal buyers and for our buyers who already have a pre-scented and wish to scent it on their own and save a little money. To catch an armadillo with an unscented trap, guides must be used to "funnel" the Armadillo into the trap. Click here.

We recommend long flat boards stood up and staked into the ground.  Oftentimes, other yard objects could be used as guides. This process can take some time, so please be patient. Once an armadillo has been captured, we recommend leaving it in the trap for 24 hours and pouring a mixture of topsoil and water in through the top hole that evening. The Armadillo will walk all over the inside of the trap, leaving its particular scent soaked into the wood. This will render the trap scented, at which point we recommend leaving the trap in a cool shaded location, and other armadillos will locate it using their nose. 

A. A cool, shaded place is favored as it will prolong the life of the trap and will catch more armadillos. If your property backs up to a wooded area, it is ideal for putting the trap on the edge of those woods or between your home and the woods as a barrier, in the hope that the Armadillo will pass by the trap and be captured before doing any damage to your property. 

A. THE TRAP NEEDS TO BE CHECKED EVERY DAY IT IS SET! If you capture an armadillo, and it dies and rots in the trap, the trap WILL be ruined. The trap is designed to capture armadillos unharmed, and The Armadillo Trap, LLC. does not advocate either the euthanization or release of the animal; it is the owner's choice as to how to deal with the animal. However, we do not recommend handling the animal dead or alive, as it is a wild animal and is a known carrier of many diseases. If you wish to relocate the animal, be sure to check with your local laws first. Also if you do relocate the armadillo be sure to take it 5 or more miles away and don't release the problem on someone else... unless its your boss. 

A. Rarely does The Armadillo Trap capture a species other than armadillos. However, if you happen to capture an animal other than an armadillo, we recommend opening the door opposite of you and leaving so the animal can exit the trap on its own time. This will reduce the risk of an unwanted confrontation with a raccoon or skunk. 

A. The length of time the trap should be effective varies. Most of our highly successful (50–100 catches) customers have two things in common. They rarely move the trap from its permanent location, and they utilize daytime shade for the permanent trapping location. A scented trap located in a shaded area will be stronger and longer.

The freshness of the scent is recharged every time an armadillo is caught. The distance the scented trap will "call" another armadillo that passes downwind varies depending on how strong the scent is. We have many customers who have owned their traps for several years, and every trap goes through a dormant period. It is not uncommon for traps to go four to six months dormant and catch armadillos when they return. 

A. The Armadillo Trap is constructed of ¾" treated plywood. Each has 30 screws attached by hand. The only way for an armadillo that is caught in the trap to escape is for the door to be opened by the owner. 

A. In most cases, just one. There are situations where more than one is needed. One option, in that case, is to purchase one scented trap and one (or more) unscented trap. The unscented traps can be scented with catch(es) from other traps. Simply transfer a captured armadillo into an unscented trap, leave it in that trap for 24 hours, and it will then be scented. 

A. Any trap, other than our scented wood trap, would necessitate the use of guides, fencing, or some method to funnel the Armadillo into the trap. Our unscented wood trap is no different, except that once the first Armadillo is caught, it will then be scented. 

A. One thing that will render the wooden trap useless is an armadillo to die and decompose in the trap. When you know you are going to be away for more than 2–3 days, close the doors down and put a piece of wood or limb under the door so that it is not totally shut. 

A. The trap is designed for the outdoors. It will take a lot of rain to have a little effect. Do not locate the trap in a watershed area however, water washing through would wash out your scent. If you feel the need to store your trap, placing it in a large garbage bag is recommended to help hold the scent in.