daha531 writes:
Is there a way to discourage armadillo from the yard?

Not really, but here is an excerpt from an old column, that might help.

The most notable armadillo damage occurs as a result of their rooting in lawns, vegetable gardens, and flower beds Armadillos live in dens and some damage also can be caused by their burrowing under foundations, driveways, and other structures. Their burrows can range from 6 inches wide to larger than 12 inches wide. Their dens can be shallow or deep. They just plain like to dig.

More than 90 percent of the armadillo's diet is made up of insects and their larvae that live in the soil. They also feed on earthworms, scorpions, spiders, and other invertebrates. Armadillos are most active at night, when they make small cone-shaped holes in the ground while rooting for food. Armadillos don't excavate lawns just to irritate us; they are merely looking for ants, grubs, and other soil-dwelling insects.

There are no successful repellents, toxicants, or fumigants registered for armadillos. The use of insecticides to reduce food sources also has not been proven by research to stop armadillo digging. A fence slanted outward at a 40-degree angle; with a portion buried may be a somewhat effective barrier under certain conditions. Although live-trapping armadillos is very difficult, some people have experienced limited success by using a 10x12x32in live or box trap. The bait used by successful trappers is earthworms in a ball of dirt and placed in the toe of an old nylon stocking. Trapping is most effective when leaf litter or soil is placed over the trap entrance. Armadillos caught in these traps cannot be released anywhere and should be humanely destroyed.

No state or federal laws regulating harvest or otherwise protect the armadillo. For more information on this or other wildlife issues visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at http://www.wildflorida.org/critters/armadillo.asp

Anyone have suggestions?

Carol