Will Coffee Grounds Keep Armadillos Away?
As gardeners and landscape architects, we are constantly looking for ways to keep our gardens bug and rodent-free. That often means looking for natural ways to deter pests from our outdoor spaces. One of the more popular potions for doing just that is coffee grounds. But the question remains: Will coffee grounds keep armadillos away?
What is an Armadillo?
An armadillo is a mammal in the nocturnal family of Xenarthra. They are small, burrowing animals with a protective outer shell that allows them to dig readily in search of food. It is also classified as a pest due to its destruction of garden plants and lawns by digging.
How Do Coffee Grounds Work?
Since armadillos are so notoriously adept at digging, it stands to reason that any deterrent needs to be placed underground. Coffee grounds contain the compounds caffeine, which is thought to make the soil or plants nearby unappealing to the armadillo. The grounds also contain nitrogen and other minerals which can act as fertilizers for plants. When coffee grounds are added to soil, they can increase the soil’s acidity, creating an environment that the armadillo may not find desirable.
Does it Work?
While there is some anecdotal evidence that coffee grounds can in fact repel armadillos, there is no scientific evidence to back this up. We can make some assumptions, however. Armadillos have a keener sense of smell than humans so it is possible that the strong aroma of coffee grounds could make the surrounding area unappealing to them.
Tips for Using Coffee Grounds
In order to maximize the effects of the grounds, it is important to use them correctly. Here are a few tips for using coffee grounds in your garden to repel armadillos:
- Mix with Soil: Use a shovel or garden fork to mix the coffee grounds into the soil.
- Apply Often: Re-apply the grounds every two to three weeks as the caffeine breaks down.
- Water Well: Water the area thoroughly after application to help the grounds mix with the soil.
Overall, it is difficult to definitively say whether or not coffee grounds can effectively repel armadillos, but it might be worth a try if you are dealing with a pesky armadillo problem in your garden.
