Pillbugs: Identification, Prevention, and Control

Pillbugs, also known as roly-polies or doodlebugs, are common household pests that can be found in many homes and gardens across Florida. While they're generally harmless, their presence can be a nuisance and may indicate underlying moisture issues. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about pillbugs, from identification to prevention and control methods.

Pillbugs (Armadillidium vulgare) are small, oval-shaped crustaceans that belong to the order Isopoda. Despite their name, they're not bugs – they're more closely related to shrimp and crayfish than to insects. Here are some key characteristics to help you identify pillbugs:

• Appearance: Segmented, armored body, dark gray or brown, 1/2 to 5/8 inch in length.
• Behavior: Can roll up into a tight ball when disturbed, hence "roly-polies."
• Antennae: Two pairs, one usually very small and hard to see.
• Legs: Seven pairs for crawling.

Life Cycle

Understanding the life cycle of pillbugs can help in developing effective prevention and control strategies:

• Eggs: Female pillbugs carry 20-200 eggs in a brood pouch.
• Manca: Hatch into tiny, white versions of adults, remain in brood pouch for days.
• Juvenile: Molt several times, darken in color as they grow.
• Adult: Reach maturity in about a year, live up to three years.

Pillbugs thrive in moist environments and are often found in areas with high humidity and decaying organic matter. Common habitats include:

• Under rocks, logs, or mulch in gardens
• In compost piles
• Beneath fallen leaves or other plant debris
• In damp basements or crawl spaces
• Around foundation walls with moisture accumulation

Pillbugs are primarily active at night and feed on decaying plant material. They play an important role in breaking down organic matter in the environment but can occasionally damage young plants or seedlings if their population becomes too large.

While pillbugs are generally harmless, their presence can be a nuisance and may indicate moisture problems in your home or garden. Here are some effective prevention strategies to keep pillbug populations under control:

Moisture Control

• Fix leaky pipes, faucets, or air conditioning units promptly.
• Ensure proper drainage around your home's foundation.
• Use dehumidifiers in damp basements or crawl spaces.
• Improve ventilation in areas prone to moisture accumulation.

Seal Entry Points

• Caulk cracks and crevices in the foundation and around windows and doors.
• Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Repair or replace damaged weather stripping.

Create a Barrier

• Remove mulch, leaves, and debris from around the foundation.
• Create a 12-18 inch gravel strip around the perimeter of your home.
• Trim plants and shrubs away from the house to improve air circulation.

Proper Landscaping

• Avoid overwatering your lawn and garden.
• Use raised beds for gardening to improve drainage.
• Remove fallen leaves, grass clippings, and debris regularly.
• Keep compost piles and firewood stacks away from the house.

Natural Repellents

• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around entry points and in garden beds.
• Use cedar mulch or chips in landscaping.
• Plant aromatic herbs like rosemary, lavender, or thyme near your home's foundation.

While prevention is the best approach, sometimes pillbug populations can get out of hand. In these cases, it's important to know when and how to take action:

When to Call a Professional

While minor pillbug issues can often be managed with DIY methods, there are situations where it's best to call in a licensed exterminator like Arrest-A-Pest:

• Large infestations: Significant numbers inside your home or garden damage.
• Recurring problems: Continuous issues despite prevention efforts.
• Moisture issues: Excess moisture may require professional identification and resolution.
• Multiple pest issues: Comprehensive pest management might be necessary.

At Arrest-A-Pest, our trained technicians provide thorough inspections, identify conducive conditions, and implement targeted treatment plans using eco-friendly methods to ensure the safety of your family, pets, and the environment.

Professional Treatment Options

• Targeted insecticide application: Low-toxicity insecticides in specific areas.
• Moisture remediation: Addressing sources of excess moisture.
• Exclusion techniques: Sealing entry points to prevent future entry.
• Ongoing monitoring: Follow-up visits to ensure effectiveness and catch new issues early.

Understanding pillbug behavior can help you better manage and prevent infestations:

Common Behaviors

• Nocturnal activity: Active at night, hiding in dark, damp places during the day.
• Moisture seeking: Constantly seek out moist environments to prevent desiccation.
• Defensive rolling: Curl into a tight ball when threatened.
• Seasonal movement: May move indoors during dry spells or extreme temperatures.

Potential Risks

• Plant damage: Large numbers can damage young plants, seedlings, and fruits on the ground.
• Moisture indication: Presence often indicates excess moisture, leading to mold growth or structural damage.
• Nuisance factor: While they don't bite or carry diseases, their presence can be distressing.