Armadillos and Seasonal Cycles: Why Fall Brings More Yard Damage Oct 16, 2025

Armadillos are unique creatures with behaviors that set them apart from other wildlife, especially during the transition from summer to fall. While many animals prepare for winter by seeking shelter or storing food, armadillos follow a cycle shaped by their unusual reproductive process and feeding habits. For homeowners, this means fall is a time when property damage from digging and burrowing often increases.

Unlike most mammals, armadillos do not begin developing their young immediately after mating. Their mating season occurs in July and August, but through a process called delayed implantation, the fertilized egg remains dormant until winter. This unique cycle ensures that their young are born at a more favorable time, when conditions improve for survival. For homeowners, this means that even though the mating season has ended, armadillos remain active through fall — foraging, digging, and seeking ideal habitats as they prepare for the next stage in their cycle.

Late summer and early fall are prime foraging seasons for armadillos. The soil retains warmth and moisture during this period, creating the perfect conditions for grubs and insects, which make up the bulk of their diet. To access these food sources, armadillos leave behind clusters of cone-shaped holes in lawns and gardens. Because they forage mainly at night, many homeowners wake up to freshly disturbed soil, uprooted plants, or damaged turf. This digging activity tends to increase in fall as food sources become more concentrated underground.

Another challenge for homeowners is the armadillo’s persistence. These animals are known to push under fences, patios, and even concrete slabs in search of cool, shaded soil. Once they establish a burrow, it may be reused and expanded over time, potentially weakening the ground near foundations or structures.

Understanding armadillo behavior in fall gives homeowners an opportunity to address problems early. Because digging and burrowing peak during this season, spotting the signs — fresh holes, loose soil, or weak spots near fences — allows for swift action. Working with wildlife professionals ensures armadillos are removed safely and entry points around the property are secured. Preventing activity now also reduces the risk of larger burrows forming during the winter months.

Armadillos may seem harmless, but their fall behavior can cause costly and frustrating damage to yards and structures. Their unique reproductive cycle, combined with increased digging in warm fall soil, makes this season one of the most active times for homeowners to notice their presence.