Shepherdsville, KY — It’s not just a Texas problem anymore. We have confirmed sightings of Nine-Banded Armadillos in Bullitt County, continuing their steady northward expansion into Kentucky.

While still rare in Louisville metro proper, residents in southern counties like Bullitt, Hardin, and Nelson should be aware of their presence. Climate change and milder winters have allowed these animals to expand their range significantly over the last decade.

Identifying the Armadillo

The Nine-Banded Armadillo is unmistakable.

• Appearance: About the size of a large cat, covered in bony armor plates (scutes).
• Behavior: Mostly nocturnal, but often seen foraging at dawn or dusk. They have poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell.
• Movement: They tend to shuffle along noisily and can jump straight up in the air when startled.

The Damage They Cause

Armadillos are prolific diggers. They dig for the same things skunks do: grubs, worms, and insects.

• Lawn Damage: They dig shallow holes (1-3 inches deep) and tear up sod looking for food.
• Burrows: They dig deep burrows (up to 15 feet long) under foundations, driveways, and AC units to sleep in. These burrows can cause structural settling.

Disease Risk: Leprosy

Armadillos are the only mammal other than humans known to carry Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria that causes Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease). While the risk of transmission to humans is low, it is possible through contact with the animal or eating undercooked meat.

Safety Rule: Do not touch an armadillo, living or dead. If you find a dead one on your property, use a shovel to move it or call a professional.

Control and Removal

Armadillos are difficult to trap because they do not respond well to food baits. They hunt by smell for live insects underground.

• Drift Fences: The most effective trapping method involves using “drift fences” or boards to funnel the animal into a cage trap as it walks along a barrier.
• Exclusion: Fencing must be buried at least 12-18 inches deep to stop them from digging under.

If you spot an armadillo in the Louisville area, please report it to us so we can track their movement. If one is damaging your yard, we can set up specialized funnel traps to remove it.