Pill bugs are often mistaken for beetles, but in fact, they are the only land-living crustaceans. They are relatively small, growing to be no larger than about ¾ of an inch in length and they have a segmented outer shell that allows them to roll up into a ball when threatened. They can resemble a rounded pill, which is where they get their name, and they are often referred to as "roly-polies" because of this behavior. While pill bugs aren’t dangerous to humans, they can become a nuisance in your home or garden. As with any pest, it’s a good idea to call for professional pest control if you have a pill bug problem.
When are pill bugs active?
Pill bugs can be active year-round in mild climates. However, they have a hard time tolerating temperatures over 100 degrees or below about 25 degrees and can die if exposed to these extreme temperatures. Pill bugs are nocturnal, so you will find them most active at night, but if disturbed during the day, they will move. Pill bugs can live for about two to five years in the right climate.
Where do pill bugs live?
Pill bugs need moisture to survive. They thrive in decaying plant and vegetable matter. You will often find them under damp leaf piles, in wet garden soil, under decaying logs, and in landscaping mulch. They are outdoor pests but can occasionally make it into homes.
Can pill bugs be a nuisance in your home?
While it’s not common, pill bugs can find their way into homes, but it is easy to remove them by just sweeping them out or picking them up and putting them back outside. They can get in accidentally through cracks or under doors that aren’t sealed properly. If a home has a damp or dirt basement, you can often find pill bugs hiding out there.
Why call for professional help with pill bugs?
If you find yourself with an abundance of pill bugs in your home, you may want to consider calling us at Aiken Pest Control to evaluate your situation. Often when you have one pest in your home, it’s an indication that there may be others. After all, if one pest is getting in, then others can too. With a year-round home pest control plan from Aiken, we can rid your home of annoying nuisance pests like pill bugs as well as other more harmful pests.