What are Pill Bugs? The Texas Roly-Poly

It’s that time of year again when those tiny bugs curl up into little balls and roll from one place to another! Maybe you call them roly-polys, pill bugs, doodle bugs, or even refer to them as armadillo bugs. Whatever you call them, Armadillium vulgare are considered a nuisance pest.

What Are Pill Bugs?

Most people think that pill bugs are insects, but they are actually crustaceans! They’re more related to crawfish, crabs and lobsters than ants or beetles. They are the only crustacean species that lives outside the water. They use gills to breathe, so they need a whole lot of moisture to survive.

Famously, pill bugs are known for their ability to roll into a tiny ball. They only do this when they feel disturbed or threatened. Their backs are made of a hard, outer shell that looks and acts a lot like armor, while their underside is very soft. Rolling up into a ball is a great defense mechanism, and allows them to guard their sensitive underside from harm.

More Facts About Pill Bugs

Pill bugs can live for up to two years, and are more active at night. They can be found in wet, damp locations, since they need moisture to survive. This means that they hang around your yard, eating leaves, debris, and rotting vegetation. They also feed on and destroy the roots of plants, stunting their growth and damaging their sprouts.

Other than the negative effects they can have on your vegetation and lawn, pill bugs are not harmful to humans or pets. When their population grows, they spread out and will start to move indoors in search of food, water and shelter. For the best results while using Barefoot Mosquito and Pest Controls amazing pest service, there are some preventive measures you can take.

• Eliminate food sources like plant debris, leaves, and grass clippings.
• Install door sweeps on outside doors.
• Vacuum around the house frequently, in corners and under furniture.
• Keep firewood stored off the ground and away from the foundation.
• Reduce excess moisture around the property.
• Maintain functional gutters and downspouts.
• Maintain proper ventilation in basements, crawlspaces, and attics.
• Seal off cracks, gaps, and openings in the foundation.

Here at Barefoot Mosquito and Pest Control, our thorough pest treatments keep these pesky pill bugs from getting inside your home! Have you noticed signs of pill bugs, or already have them in your home? Contact Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control today to get a quote on our Pest Control Services!