WHAT ARE PILL BUGS? They are the only crustacean that has become completely adapted to spending its life on land. Pill bugs are sometimes referred to as rollie pollies. This name is due to the fact that the pill bug can roll up into a tight ball when disturbed. Pill bugs live around the world. Armadillidium vulgare is the most common species in the U.S.
SIGNS OF AN INFESTATION
Pill bugs typically enter buildings through door thresholds, especially homes with sliding-glass doors on the ground level. Seeing a pill bug in the home usually means that there is a large population outdoors. They do not survive more than a few days indoors without moist conditions and a food supply.
HOW TO GET RID OF PILL BUGS
The key to getting rid of the little guys is to eliminate the moist sites that make their survival possible:
1. Remove piles of grass clippings and leaves around the properly.
2. Store firewood off the ground and away from the home.
3. Properly ventilate basements, attics and crawlspaces.
If you need to get rid of pill bugs that have already entered a home or building, a vacuum cleaner can aid in their removal.
HABITS & BEHAVIOR
Pill bugs remain inactive under objects during the day in order to minimize water loss. They often stay under trash, boards, rocks, flowerpots, piles of grass clippings, flowerbed mulches and other decaying vegetation. They stay in these areas of high moisture because their body structures leave them vulnerable to water loss. Rollie pollies are most active at night. They occasionally enter buildings and homes via door thresholds. Pill bugs do not bite or spread disease. However, the pill bug is considered a nuisance pest indoors. They may cause damage to young plants outdoors.
If pill bugs are a problem for you, please contact us at GreenShield Pest Control HERE. We want to help!