Sign-in to Account
Call Us
(844) 585-5517
aptive-registered-logo-white

Why Do Pill Bugs Roll Up?

Written by Aptive Environmental January 13, 2020

Do you remember discovering rollie pollie bugs while playing in the yard as a kid? These dark bugs definitely live up to their nickname – they roll up into a ball for protection whenever they feel threatened. They are like tiny armadillos. As fun as they may be for kids, they can become a nuisance if they decide to adopt your home. Keep reading to learn more about pill bugs and how to get rid of them if you’re finding one too many exploring your house.

What Are Pill Bugs

Pill bugs have six pairs of legs and two pairs of antennae. Most noticeably, they boast hard plates along their back and have the tendency to roll up into a ball when threatened. Their hard exoskeleton protects them from predators.

Interestingly, pill bugs are actually crustaceans that breathe through gills. They’re more similar to shrimp than insects! Unlike other crustaceans, a rollie pollie bug can spend the entirety of its life on land. However, they require damp or wet environments to survive. They can often be found under flower pots, rocks, mulch, damp grass, and around decaying vegetation. Depending on the region, pill bugs may also be called sowbugs or woodlice.

Are Pill Bugs Dangerous?

In general, pill bugs are usually one of the good guys. These beneficial garden insects typically produce compost and overturn soil. They rid soil of heavy metal ions by taking copper, zinc, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. They crystalize these metals in their midgut – most other species can’t survive in contaminated soil like pill bugs can.

However, they occasionally feed on young plants if they can’t find other food (this damage is typically minimal since they prefer to feed on organic decaying matter, even their own feces). Pill bugs can also be a nuisance if they move into your home (more on this below).

They don’t sting or bite humans, and they don’t spread diseases. They’re completely safe for the kids to play with!

Other Bugs That Roll Up

There are about fifteen types of pill bugs, but the most common is formally known as Armadillidium vulgare. Aside from pill bugs, there are a few other insect species that roll up into a ball to protect themselves. These include pill millipedes, Namib spiders, corn ear worms, and cutworms.

Getting Rid of Pill Bugs

If you’re repeatedly finding pill bugs in your home, there is likely a large population of them living and breeding near the building foundation. They typically use door seal cracks to enter homes. However, they typically dry out and die inside unless they find a damp basement to survive in. They need water to live. If they show up in your home often, this could signal an issue with dampness somewhere inside. This could also mean there are entry points that need to be sealed.

Pill bugs aren’t a pantry pest – if they manage to survive inside, they will be hiding in potentially moist areas such as basements, crawl spaces, or indoor plants.

Prevention

The key to controlling pill bugs is to take preventative measures. Make sure to seal any cracks in doors or the home’s foundation, control humidity in basements and crawl spaces. and keep landscape around your home dry. Once you get rid of their source of moisture, they will disappear.

Exterminating Pill Bugs

Often times, you will need a professional to help exterminate pill bugs when there is an infestation that doesn’t go away. Almost always, there are entry points or sources of moisture in the building that you simply can’t find. Aptive Environmental makes sure to find the source of the problem and eliminate it! Worried they might come back? We are so confident in our services that we will come back, at no additional cost, if the bug does.

Curated articles for you, from our pest experts.

Pest Activyt Neighborhood Map

Data, Patterns, and Pest Control

As a leading pest control provider, Aptive service professionals encounter all kinds of pest activity across the country. Our ability to monitor this pest activity has provided valuable insights into understanding the prevalence of specific pest types at different...

Aug 1, 2023
Ant On Wet Leaf.

Pest Control: The Lifecycle of Pests

Pests are a nuisance to homeowners, and can cause a lot of damage to property, as well as health risks to humans and pets. To effectively control pests, it is important to understand their lifecycle and behavior. In this article, we will explore the lifecycle of...

Feb 17, 2023
Lovebug 2 1

Lovebugs: Facts, Identification, and How to Treat Them

Lovebugs: these small insects may seem harmless, but they can quickly become a nuisance in the southeastern United States. With their unique mating behavior and rapid reproduction, lovebugs can swarm in large numbers during certain times of the year. But what...

Feb 12, 2024
Drain Fly Control 1

Control Drain Flies: Proactive Tips & Identification

Drain flies, also known as sewer flies or sink flies, are small flying insects commonly found in homes and buildings. While they may resemble fruit flies or gnats, drain flies have a distinct preference for moist environments such as drains. These pesky creatures...

Feb 12, 2024
Orb Weaver Spider Control 1

Orb Weaver Spider Control: Facts, Control & Tips

Orb weaver spiders can be a real nuisance in gardens and outdoor spaces. Understanding the behavior and characteristics of these spiders is important for effective control. We'll explore proactive spider control techniques, as well as treatment methods to help you...

Feb 12, 2024
How Ants Are Getting Into Your House And How To Stop Them 1

How Ants Are Getting Into Your House And How to Stop Them

  Ants are one of the most common household interlopers, usually in kitchens and bathrooms, but it’s difficult to get rid of them if you don’t know where they’re coming from. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to make your home less attractive to these...

Feb 7, 2024
A Guide To Rat Control And Identification 1

The Rodent Riddle: A Guide to Rat Control and Identification

In the corners of homes and urban landscapes, rats lurk as stealthy intruders, capable of causing damage and spreading disease. Recognizing the signs of a rat infestation and understanding effective control measures are crucial for maintaining a more pest protected...

Feb 5, 2024
Fire Ant Control 1

A Detailed Guide to Fire Ant Control

In the realm of pests, fire ants stand out as a formidable adversary, with their painful bites and aggressive behavior. For homeowners, understanding the nuances of fire ants is crucial for effective pest control. In this detailed guide, we'll delve into the...

Jan 31, 2024
Flying Ants 1 1

How to Treat and Control Flying Ants

Flying ants, those winged insects that often cause a frenzy when they take to the skies, are not just your average ants. While they may resemble termites at first glance, flying ants are actually reproductive ants that play a vital role in the life cycle of ant...

Jan 30, 2024
How To Treat Mice 1 1

How to Treat Mice in the Home

Mice, those elusive yet troublesome creatures, have a knack for infiltrating our living spaces and turning a minor annoyance into a full-blown infestation. Understanding their characteristics and behavior is pivotal in effectively controlling these invaders....

Jan 29, 2024
Wasp Activity 1

Wasp Control: Understanding and Managing Wasp Activity

The wasp – a winged menace that always seems to be around, threatening you and your family, and seeking to stake its claim under your eaves, in your rock walls, or in your garden or back yard. While wasps come with their own set of concerns, understanding their...

Jan 23, 2024
Spider Control 1

Protecting Against Spiders: The Where and When of Spider Activity

Whether they spark a sense of fascination or send chills down your spine, spiders are a common pest that can find their way into your home. These silent lurkers can invade your space without you even knowing, taking up residence in quiet corners or hidden spots....

Jan 16, 2024

Take back your home with pest control today.