How to Build a Armadillo Trap

Although armadillos are small animals, they can be very destructive to plants and produce. I’ve run into various types of problems with these creatures on my property. While trapping them can be a challenge, here’s how to build an armadillo trap in the event that you are faced with the same problem.

Building an armadillo trap is an excellent way to catch and relocate these pesky animals. These creatures have been a problem in various parts of the Southern U.S., but they have now been spreading throughout the Midwest as well. If you already have armadillos infesting your property, it’s time to take some action.

🛠️ Recommended Armadillo Traps

**Havahart Large 1‑Door Live Animal Cage Trap** — A versatile trap (approx. 32–42″ long, 12″ high) suitable for armadillos. Single-door cage style—easy to bait and deploy near burrow entrances.

**Havahart X‑Large 1‑Door Cage Trap** — Extra room for larger armadillos or multiple catches. Heavy-duty, galvanized steel, and includes quick-release set-up.

🐾 Why These Traps Work
Proper size matters: Experts recommend traps 32–42″ long and ~12″ high, ideally with doors on both ends for better capture chances

Trusted brands: Havahart has a strong reputation and meets wildlife agency standards. Also popular are Misopily and Bird‑X models

🧰 DIY Wooden Trap Option
Prefer building your own? Here’s a proven plan:

Construct a wooden cage (~32″ × 12″ × 12″) using treated plywood.

Add V-shaped funnel wings (via 2×6 or 2×8 boards) to guide armadillos into the trap

Include a simple trip-pin trigger mechanism: a stick that releases both doors when disturbed

Rub in scent from a live armadillo or previous catch—this proven scent tactic increases captures significantly

✅ Best Practices for Setting the Trap
Funnel placement: Position the trap near burrow entrances or along their dirt trails with funnel boards directing them in

Minimal/no bait needed: Armadillos follow scents more than traditional bait, though overripe fruit or insects (worms, mealworms) may help

Check daily: Monitor traps at least once a day to minimize stress and comply with regulations

Scent refresh: Occasionally add fresh soil or use wax on door edges to maintain sensitivity

Follow rules: Always verify local wildlife laws when relocating armadillos—many areas require release back within specific boundaries or use licensed wildlife handlers

⚠️ Key Considerations
Armadillos have poor eyesight—block all bypass routes with funneling boards so they naturally walk into the trap

Wear heavy gloves—armadillos carry sharp claws and can carry diseases like leprosy .

Released armadillos may return; habitat modifications (fill burrows, remove food sources, install barriers) help reduce repeat visits

To build a wooden cage trap for armadillo:

Armadillo traps are a great way to control the population of these destructive pests. They are also a great way to remove them from your property without having to resort to lethal methods.

There are a number of different types of armadillo traps available, but they all work in pretty much the same way. You simply place bait in the trap and wait for an armadillo to come along and take a bite!

The most common type of trap is made out of wood, but there are also more modern traps available that use PVC piping as their base. These are usually more effective at catching an armadillo than their wooden counterparts because they tend to be easier for them to get into.

There are two main ways you can set an armadillo trap: by setting it on its side or by placing it flat on the ground. If you choose to set it on its side, then make sure you put some kind of weight inside so it doesn’t tip over when an animal tries to enter or exit through one of the openings in your trap (see Figure 1). This is especially important if you decide to use PVC piping as your base for your trap because these types of materials can easily bend under pressure!

One of the best ways to catch an armadillo is to trap it. It is important to note that there are many different types of traps available. Some are better than others and some work better for certain types of animals. When trapping an armadillo, it is important to use the right type of trap for your specific situation.

The most common type of trap used for catching armadillos is a box trap. These traps are made from wood, metal or plastic and can be purchased at most farm supply stores or online. They come in various sizes but typically measure about 2 feet by 3 feet by 1 foot high, although larger ones are available if you plan on trapping multiple armadillos at once. The best place to set up this type of trap is near where you have seen signs that an armadillo has been digging or feeding recently. You can also set up multiple boxes in different locations if you think there may be more than one animal living in your yard or garden area.

Make sure you have plenty of bait ready when setting up a box trap since it will help lure the animal inside once they start investigating what’s inside the box itself

Armadillos are a type of mammal found in North America. They are known for their hard shells, which are made from keratin and grow continuously throughout their lives. Armadillo traps can be used to capture these animals for research or other purposes.

The best trap for armadillo is a wooden trap made from 1 x 6 boards that are about 16 inches long and 6 inches wide. The trap should be placed in an area where there is plenty of cover for the animal to hide under when it is released from the trap.

Place the bait on both sides of the board near one end so that it hangs down over one side of the board and sticks out over the other side. This will make it possible for the animal to reach over and grab the bait with its mouth on one side while its feet are on the other side.

Set up your traps by digging holes about 18 inches deep along known travel paths used by armadillos in your yard or garden area. Dig two holes next to each other so that they form an “X” shape with one hole directly under another hole at a 45 degree angle relative to each other (see diagram).

How to Set an Armadillo Trap

If you want to catch an armadillo, you’ll need to set up a trap. There are two main types of traps: live traps and lethal traps. Live traps are used for relocation, while lethal traps are used for killing. Both types of traps have their pros and cons, so it’s best to choose the one that works best for your situation.

Live Traps

Live traps work by placing bait inside a cage or container. Once the animal enters the cage, it closes behind it and keeps it from escaping until you arrive to pick it up. These traps are effective because they allow you to relocate your pest without killing it. It’s also important that you check your live trap every day because animals can get injured in them if left unchecked for too long. If you need help setting up a live trap, contact us at Trapper Dan’s Pest Control today! We offer free consultations over the phone or in-person so we can determine what kind of service is right for your property.

The best way to trap armadillos is to use a Havahart-brand cage trap. These are spring-loaded, which means that when the animal steps on the trigger plate, the door closes behind him or her. The traps come in several sizes and can be reused many times before they need to be replaced.

A second option is to set up a homemade wood box with a funnel entrance. This kind of trap is called an “armadillo rollover.” You can buy one ready-made or make one yourself. You’ll need some lumber, a saw, and some nails or screws.

The third option is to set up a live trap such as those made by Havahart or Contech. These come with bait inside that attracts armadillos but doesn’t harm them — you just put it out in your yard and wait for them to get caught.

🎯 Summary
Best ready-made option: Havahart Large 1‑Door cage trap—humanely built, easy access, trusted brand.

Heavy-duty: Havahart XL offers more space and sturdiness.

Custom wooden traps: Cost-effective, scented, and proven—follow size dimensions and trigger mechanisms from DIY guides.