Pill Bug

Life Cycle

Color: Gray to dark gray
Size: Usually under ¾ inch
Key Markings: Armored segments; rolls into a ball
Activity: Favors damp protected areas
Common Areas: Mulch, leaves, beneath objects

Description

Armadillidium spp.

Pill bugs are terrestrial crustaceans rather than insects. They need moisture and feed largely on decaying organic material. Females protect developing young in a brood pouch. Young resemble small adults and grow by molting. Rolling into a ball helps distinguish pill bugs from many sowbugs.

What Attracts Them?

Damp leaf litter
Decaying plant material
Moist shelter against buildings

How Do They Get Inside?

Gaps near the ground
Open door thresholds
Damp pots or materials brought indoors

Signs of an Infestation

Small armored animals under pots

Animals curling into a ball

Activity around damp thresholds

Repeated findings near wet organic debris

How Serious or Harmful Are They?

Pill bugs are generally nuisance visitors indoors. Their presence often points to damp nearby shelter rather than an indoor breeding infestation.

Treatment / How to Get Rid of Them

What You Can Do

Reduce excess moisture
Remove piled leaves and damp debris
Improve ventilation in damp areas
Seal low entry gaps and maintain thresholds

How Pest Guys Helps

The A-C-T Process: Assess. Communicate. Treat.

Assess — We inspect your property, identify pests and activity, locate nesting and hiding areas, and find contributing conditions.

Communicate — We explain our findings, discuss the recommended plan, answer your questions, and confirm understanding and agreement.

Treat — We put the agreed plan into action, perform the initial treatment, provide ongoing service, and monitor results to adjust as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for first?

Armored segments; rolls into a ball. Small armored animals under pots. A clear photograph and the location of activity can help with identification.

What conditions should I check?

Start with damp leaf litter. Reduce excess moisture.

Does seeing one mean there is an infestation?

A single sighting does not establish the extent of a problem. Repeated activity, developing young, nests, or other evidence help us determine what is happening.

How does Pest Guys decide what to do?

We use A-C-T: Assess, Communicate, Treat. The pest, its location, and the conditions at your home guide the recommendation. We explain the plan and any preparation needed before service.