Wildlife neighbors · SWFL Pest Identifier

Nine-banded Armadillo

Worth a pro look Digs lawns overnight for grubs and earthworms — don’t handle one bare-handed.

How to identify it

Shallow cone-shaped holes dug overnight
Armored, cat-sized, terrible eyesight
Digs where soil is soft and grubs are plentiful

Size

Large (1 inch +)

Where you'll see it

Lawn / garden

Looks like

Lawn damage

Did you know

When startled it jumps straight up — a reflex that surprises people more than it protects the armadillo.

What it means for you

We don’t trap wildlife — a licensed trapper can remove it under FWC rules. It eats grubs and earthworms, so treating grubs helps but won’t reliably send it away; don’t handle it bare-handed.

Not sure this is your bug?

Text a photo and a licensed local tech will identify it for free — or run it through the interactive identifier.

Text a photo: (941) 297-5749 Open the Identifier

Similar wildlife neighbors in SWFL

Cuban Treefrog

Keep an eye on it

Big warty treefrog (up to 5") around porch lights at night

Brown Anole

Helpful — leave it

Brown lizard doing push-ups on your walkway

House Gecko

Helpful — leave it

Pale, almost translucent lizard on walls at night

Gopher Tortoise

Helpful — leave it

Half-moon burrow entrance, sandy apron in front

Dealing With This One?

We don’t trap wildlife — a licensed nuisance-wildlife trapper can remove it under FWC rules.