New vermin in town, need suggestions

[Dr. Kralenstein]

So I've noticed the armadillo have made it to my town, less than a couple miles from the house. Big ones too, these things must be well established already. Getting a game plan together on how to dispatch them when they finally reach the house.

I'm wondering what is a good minimum fpe for these things? I have a 38 fpe laser accurate 25 cal I'd most likely be using. Would thus be enough? Any way to bait them, or just shoot on the fly?

I do have a 25 that'll push an MK2 or Baracuda to same POI, cruising along at 52 fpe, if that's more of a DRT solution.

As for cleanup, I know they carry leprosy. Do you just wear some good gloves and toss them in a bag and into the trash?

 

[iAMzehTOASTY1]

Shot Placement > FPE
Study the anatomy for soft spots/KZs
I wouldn't bait them(keep them away instead)
Disposal: gloves, yes minimal contact/use disposal gloves to avoid washing regular gloves. Bag and trash or bag and bury...seen people bag and burn pile them

 

[WorriedMan]

Doc,
Check the archives, discussed recently. Hit one broadside with #6 shot, 12 gauge, still managed to drag itself into woods. I leave for "sky burial," like Outlaw Josey Wales says, "The buzzards and worms got to eat, too." WM

 

[bigmike]

This is the chart I use when trying to decide which airgun to use.

 

[Florida_Man]

Everything besides mice, rats, and small birds I treat like zombies and shoot the brain. And even the exceptions I try for a brain shot. If it doesn't present, I wait. Maybe it lives for another day.

 

[Joedirt199]

Vehicles seem to work well. Just drive around in your area till one ventures out in the road. That is where I see all the dead ones.

 

[TN_Yankee]

To the OP, can I ask where you live (broadly)? I'm just curious. I know they're in west Tennessee, but haven't made it to the east side yet.

 

[Dr. Kralenstein]

This is the chart I use when trying to decide which airgun to use.



View attachment 363123

Thanks Mike, I saved that one. Good reference.

 

[Dr. Kralenstein]

Vehicles seem to work well. Just drive around in your area till one ventures out in the road. That is where I see all the dead ones.

Oh don't I know it! Down by you, they're everywhere. 55 south is worse than 44, but I can't believe they just materialized all of a sudden here in St Charles and St Peters. Like roaches, once you see them, it's too late. They spread as bad as grass carp, but at least you can eat the carp.

 

[Joedirt199]

All our homeless people are scareing them out of the woods and heading your way. Guess they ate a few and the rest got the message.

 

[Dr. Kralenstein]

To the OP, can I ask where you live (broadly)? I'm just curious. I know they're in west Tennessee, but haven't made it to the east side yet.

West of St. Louis, in St Charles County. I've seen them on the inner belt in the city too, but only once or twice. I've seen probably 6 dead today in my area. They're redoing the interstate off ramps on hwy 70, and hwy 94, so I'm sure they stirred them up.

 

[Dr. Kralenstein]

All our homeless people are scareing them out of the woods and heading your way. Guess they ate a few and the rest got the message.

There may be truth to that. Too bad they don't eat them and ya know, 2 birds 1 stone or something.

 

[Dr. Kralenstein]

So my plan is a head shot on one when the opportunity presents itself. Most likely won't be at my house, but my dad's. He lives right off one of the exits of the highway, where these shell rats like to March out to their death at 2 am.
He has a big yard, and already had issues with ground hogs digging in his retaining walls under his deck. Dillo will destroy the rest of it in short order, and the leprosy crap is just creepy.

Does remind me of a good joke though.

What did the leper say to the prostitute?
Keep the tip!

 

[Chukar60]

We have no armadillo where i live and I know nothing about them. Are they destructive?

 

[Spartan]

I'm starting to think that in 10 years, with the way things are going, most of the country will be overrun with coyotes, pigs, and armadillos. Sure wish the State wildlife offices would do more to protect the native fauna...but most don't seem to care too much at all.

 

[Dr. Kralenstein]

We have no armadillo where i live and I know nothing about them. Are they destructive?

Yeah, they tear up gardens and fields. They dig burrows and whatnot. Can get as bad as hogs. They also carry the disease Leprosy. Invasive species too.

 

[Dr. Kralenstein]

I'm starting to think that in 10 years, with the way things are going, most of the country will be overrun with coyotes, pigs, and armadillos. Sure wish the State wildlife offices would do more to protect the native fauna...but most don't seem to care too much at all.

I agree completely. Thats why I'm compelled to shoot sparrows and starlings. I've notice a ton more song birds around my area ever since I started shooting the baddies.

 

[Doc C.]

They are here in North Central Arkansas as well. Shoot on sight. Some dead right away, some not so dead.
They will decimate a lawn just to get at the grubs and worms. Returning night after night in ever increasing numbers.
Leave the fallen for the vultures to snack on.
Good luck Doc with your new invasion.

Doc

 

[Miami Airgunner]

Every year someone manages to catch a round that has bounced off an armadillo. I'd suggest caution.

 

[WorriedMan]

Yeah, they tear up gardens and fields. They dig burrows and whatnot. Can get as bad as hogs. They also carry the disease Leprosy. Invasive species too.

In Florida they take up residence in Gopher Tortoise holes, breed like crazy and dig 6–8-inch holes in moist areas of lawn looking for grubs. Rainy season just brought a newcomer digging next to house, any morning I expect to see backyard with a dozen, or more, holes. PETA says let them be, they're just "aerating" your lawn. Like crows, the message to keep away gets out after a few are shot, usually stays quiet until the next batch starts out to find new territory. WM