Whether you know it as a roly-poly, armadillo bug, potato bug, or Armadillidium vulgare, the pillbug is a non-insect arthropod that gets its name from the habit of rolling into a ball when threatened or disturbed. Pillbugs and sowbugs have the distinction of being the only crustaceans that can survive on land. Although these two terrestrial crustaceans are often confused, sowbugs cannot roll into a ball when threatened like pillbugs can. Â
These creatures boast a hard, armored exoskeleton like other crustaceans, but it’s not as tough and rigid as that of crabs and lobsters. Pillbugs are nocturnal scavengers that feed on dead and decaying matter. Like other crustaceans, these isopods acquire oxygen through gills located on the underside of their body.Â
Pillbugs don’t bite, sting, transmit diseases or damage anything but are considered nuisance pests when they infest your home in large numbers. These non-insect arthropods are native to Europe and were introduced to the US through the lumber trade.Â
The pillbugs’ most outstanding feature is rolling into a ball when threatened. Even sowbugs, the closest creatures to pillbugs, can’t roll into a ball. Additionally, they have an oval-shaped body and can adapt to various environments. Other identifiable features include:
Size: Pillbugs measure between ¼ and 5/8ths of an inch long.
Color: They range from dark brown to black or gray
Bodily Features: Pillbugs have flat, oval-shaped bodies covered by layers of protective exoskeletons. They have 7 pairs of legs and 2 pairs of antennae. They get their oxygen through gills on the underside of their bodies. Unlike most crustaceans that have eyes on stalks, pillbugs do not.Â
Habitat: Pillbugs thrive in damp locations, like under rocks, leaves, mulch, compost, woodpiles, flowerpots, and anything else that is resting on damp ground. They require moisture to survive and do not last long inside homes unless there are very moist conditions inside.
Diet: These critters mostly feed on decaying plant matter but will occasionally feed on wood fibers and living plants.
As mentioned earlier, pillbugs don’t bite, sting, spread diseases, or destroy anything. Although they can feed on living plants, they’re not classified as destructive pests. They help in decomposition which can help improve the quality of the soil. However, these creatures can become a nuisance when they crawl into your home in large numbers.Â
Armadillidium vulgare may be harmless, but you may not like it when they camp in dark and moist areas inside your house, such as the basement or under the sink. If you want to prevent these creatures from finding solace in your home, follow these tips:
If your efforts prove futile, you can turn to professional pest control to lend you a helping hand. With years of experience, sophisticated tools, and qualified expertise, the pros at Domain Pest Control will design a unique program to deal with your pillbug situation!
Cockroaches: Facts vs Myths Cockroaches are notorious creatures renowned for their tendency to rapidly infest homes, cause health problems, and spark havoc and fear. Because of their terrible reputation, most people are understandably disgusted by these pesky creatures. Despite the negative press, cockroaches are actually quite useful creatures with an important environmental role, which many
Differences in Termites and Ants Although termites and ants are two distinct species, they also share some similarities that make it challenging for most people to differentiate between them. Both pests are notoriously destructive creatures you wouldn’t want in your home. Often mistaken for each other are carpenter ants and termites, mostly due to both
Mice A mouse is one of the most widespread rodents in many parts of the world. Mice are nocturnal creatures, meaning they play and forage at night and spend the day sleeping. These pesky creatures are active all year round and thus can wreak havoc in your home or business throughout the year. Â Mice
Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you shortly, or skip the wait and give us a call
Fire ant
Red ant
Acrobat ant
Sugar/house ant
Brown recluse
Black widow
Orb weaver
Wolf spider
Oriental roach
Smokey brown roach
American roach
Brown banded roach
Signing up for our email newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, updates, and pest control tips
