Gardening Articles: Edibles :: Vegetables by National Gardening
Association Editors In the South, you don't have to drive far to
see an armadillo belly up on the side of the road. In fact, you
might find them as far north as Missouri, as their range is
expanding. These prehistoric-looking creatures are about the
size of opossums, and the most common species has 9 movable
rings that look like armor on its back. Armadillos are
nocturnal. They burrow to create homes and in search of food
such as insects, and occasionally, vegetable roots. Their
burrows are often found near wood piles, stumps, and rock piles.
Since armadillos eat many insects, they can be beneficial to
home gardeners. But armadillos may become a nuisance if they dig
up lawns, bulb plantings, or vegetable and flower gardens while
looking for food. Trapping is the best way to remove a problem
armadillo. Because armadillos are nearly blind, place a live
trap near its burrow and place boards as ″wings″ to guide the
animal into the trap. Photograph co