Recently, I had to use some creative thinking in order to catch a few armadillos. In Oklahoma, these guys can wreak havoc on our yards and flower beds. Plus, there is nothing quite like twisting an ankle by stepping in one of the many holes dug by these armadillos. I approached the issue like I do most business problems.
Please note, I’m in the business of helping businesses solve problems, grow and prosper. I just think my battle with the armadillos is a good analogy to solving a 
business problem. However, if you are looking for a method to catch these guys, you are in luck!
Some Research
First, I did some research on the various types of preventatives and traps available. I decided on a wire cage live-trap. I also read that once they are headed towards the cage, it will help to have some guide barriers in front of the cage. It seems armadillos keep their nose down when foraging. I used a couple of logs of wood for my guide barriers.
How to Get an Armadillo into the Cage
Research said to go out into the woods and find their burrows and place the cage and guides there. I didn’t like that idea because of poison ivy, snakes and ticks. Then, I read about various baits, like a package of worms, I could hang in the cage. However, I read this method seemed to have spotty success because armadillos like to dig for their food. Plus, I would be taking a chance on capturing another type of animal like a raccoon.
What to do, what to do?
I observed that when armadillos dig, the hole placement is pretty random. However, if they come across something like a decaying tree root, they will dig in a straight line following the root. Aha! I suppose the decaying root attracts the much-desired bugs and worms. The final piece of the puzzle. I buried a 2-foot long and decaying log of wood in front of the cage and among the random holes. I buried it about an inch deep. This would attract bugs and worms right in front of the trap and inside the guide barriers. It worked! The armadillo dug right along the path of the buried log.
The Hard Part Was Done
Catching the first one might take a few days. After that, the scent of the first armadillo in the trap will attract more armadillos that are in the area. My record is catching an armadillo 5 nights in a row.
This story is kind of humorous, but has some good analogies to solving business problems. Sometimes our current knowledge is just not enough to solve a problem. Sometimes a bit of research, observation and creative thinking is required.