Pill bugs are a very common sight around the Pacific Northwest and around the world. However, there are things that many people do not know about them. There are common misconceptions about pill bugs, which we hope to clear up in this article. The pest control experts at Independent Pest Solutions have extensive experience with local critters. It’s important to know which ones are dangerous and which are harmless.

Exterminator in Puyallup, WA

What are pill bugs? 

Pill bugs go by many names. Some of them include potato bugs, sow bugs, wood lice, and roly polies. These names reference the appearance of these bugs and how they can roll up into defensive balls. This provides protection from predators. Some species of pill bug can curl up completely, while others cannot. We have both types in the Pacific Northwest. The reason they are able to curl up is that their exoskeletons are made of seven segments that fit together like armor. 

What do pill bugs look like? 

Pill bugs are usually gray or brownish-gray, and their oval-shaped bodies have a domed appearance. They have 14 legs in seven pairs, as well as two pairs of antennae. They have a size range of about 1/4th of an inch to 3/4ths of an inch. Baby pillbugs look the same as the adults, but are white. As they grow, they develop the darker coloration. 

An interesting fact about pill bugs is that they are crustaceans, related to crabs, barnacles, and shrimp. As such, they actually use gills to breathe and depend on moist conditions. They are the only crustaceans to have fully adapted to life on land. Some close pill bug relatives, such as the giant isopod, live in the ocean. 

Where do pill bugs live? 

Pill bugs like to live close to the ground, in damp environments. They prefer to be around organic decaying matter, such as fallen leaves, mulch, logs, and more. This means they can be found pretty much everywhere outside, including in forests and gardens. Pill bugs hide underneath objects so they can stay moist. They may even decide to live indoors if conditions are damp enough. 

Diet of Pill Bugs

Pill bugs are mostly active at night, staying still during the day to prevent losing water. The rest of the time they spend foraging for food. They are scavengers and eat decaying plant material and dead bugs. This means that they serve as important decomposers, breaking down rotting materials and releasing nutrients into the soil. 

Although they prefer to eat rotting plants, pill bugs may eat roots and shoots of young plants if food is scarce. This means that they may become garden pests. Pill bugs are usually not considered pests unless there is a large population concentrated in a small area. In these situations, they can cause damage to gardens. 

If you want to keep pill bugs out of your home, there are some ways to do so: 

• Don’t bring firewood from outside to indoors. 
• Ensure your basements, attics, and crawlspaces are well-ventilated. 
• Take measures to reduce moisture in these areas as well, such as using dehumidifiers and repairing leaks. Keep in mind that aside from attracting pests, excess moisture can cause rot and mold. 
• If pill bugs are in your home, it’s easy to relocate them outside. If you don’t want to touch them, use a vacuum. 
• Seal up potential entry points into your home, focusing on those near the ground. 
• Don’t leave doors open, and install doorsweeps. 

Reducing the amount of pill bugs in your yard is a little trickier. The main thing is to get rid of moist areas and debris that they could be harboring. This means raking up leaves on the property and removing rotting wood. 

If you are having a problem with any type of pest, reach out to our licensed pest control professionals at Independent Pest Solutions. Whether you are dealing with pill bugs or a serious problem such as rats, we have the experience needed to handle it.

Contact Independent Pest Solutions Now!

Frequently Asked Questions