Small Lawn Divots in Texas: Skunk or Armadillo?

Nightly Divots Point to Specific Foragers

Scores of 1–2 inch divots with minimal soil disturbance, appearing nightly in San Antonio under a cedar deck near oak trees and bird feeders, strongly suggest either a striped skunk or a nine-banded armadillo.

Why These Two?

• Both forage for grubs, earthworms, and insects in lawns at night.
• Both create shallow, conical pits—skunks with a neat “plug” of sod, armadillos with a more ragged hole.
• Both seek shelter under decks, porches, or dense vegetation.

Critical Precaution

Before trapping, assume you’ll catch a skunk. Skunk spray is a major hazard. Learn safe handling and release techniques at icwdm.org.

Control Resources

Detailed, species-specific control methods (exclusion, trapping, habitat modification) are at icwdm.org under “Skunks” and “Armadillos.” Always follow Texas Parks & Wildlife regulations.

Non-Lethal First

• Remove bird feeders at night (already done).
• Secure deck access with hardware cloth.
• Apply beneficial nematodes (Hb strain) to reduce grub populations—the food source.

If trapping becomes necessary, use cage traps (10×12×32 in.) baited with sardines or peanut butter, and have a plan for humane dispatch or legal relocation.