South Carolina Witnesses a Rise in Armadillo Population: Wildlife Experts Weigh In
South Carolina, a state renowned for its abundant biodiversity, has recently seen a surge in its armadillo population, causing worry for local homeowners. Wildlife experts, adept at dealing with such changes in the ecosystem, have delved into the issue, advising property owners to make their homes less inviting for these newcomers.
Surprising Visitors in Backyards and Under the Deck
Residents like Charles and Dianne McGee from Keowee Key have always lived in harmony with the various wildlife on their property. However, the invasion of these armored creatures in their backyard and under their deck has compelled them to take action.
“They can burrow and damage the structure,” detailed Charles McGee. “Since they are not originally from this region, we decided to have them removed.” The McGees employed Roddy Cooper from All About Wildlife Control, who skillfully set traps and removed five armadillos within a week.
Spread and Proliferation of Armadillos
According to Tancey Cullum Belken, a forest and wildlife agent with Clemson University’s Cooperative Extension, armadillos initially hailed from South America. Over the past century, they have migrated to the Southeast via well-traveled routes like Texas, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle, finally establishing a home in South Carolina.
An Unwanted Threat to Property and Health
The introduction of armadillos into this new environment didn’t only spell trouble for property owners like the McGees. These creatures have a reputation for burrowing beneath structures like decks, patios, and driveways, leading to potential settling issues. Moreover, these armadillos could also be carriers of leprosy and other diseases, posing a potential health risk.
Mitigating the Armadillo Issue
Belken advised property owners on how to make their environments less appealing to these unwanted guests. “Get rid of brush piles where they can hide, fence off openings beneath a deck, and treat the yard for grubs,” she said. These defensive measures, coupled with deterrents like motion lights and pets, can effectively discourage armadillos from intruding upon properties.
Roddy Cooper’s dealings with armadillos don’t end at pest control. State guidelines mandate humane euthanization for trapped armadillos, a task also handled by Cooper. However, he was quick to reassure that the species was far from threatened. “Armadillos have the tenacity to flourish and aren’t in danger of vanishing anytime soon,” he explained.
While the rise in the armadillo population could be alarming for South Carolina residents, information and guidance from local wildlife experts can go a long way in managing the situation effectively.
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
