Burrows are most commonly located in rock piles or around stumps, brush piles etc. Armadillos dig a number of burrows within an area to use for escape. They may also feed on earthworms, scorpions, spiders and other invertebrates as well as on fruits and vegetable matter such as berries and tender roots. Although armadillos occasionally destroy the nest of ground-nesting birds in their search for food, there is some disagreement as to whether they actually eat the eggs. Although armadillos are beneficial because they eat insects and other invertebrates, they sometimes become a nuisance by digging in lawns, golf courses, vegetable gardens and flower beds.
Some damage has bee caused by borrowing under foundations, driveways and other structures.
Disease is another factor that must be considered when evaluating armadillo damage. Armadillos can be infected by an organism that is thought to be the human leprosy bacterium. When armadillos cause damage they need to be controlled.