Pill Bugs
What is a Pill Bug?
The pill bug is the only crustacean that has become completely adapted to spending its life on land. Pill bugs are sometimes referred to as rollie pollies. This name is due to the fact that the pill bug can roll up into a tight ball when disturbed. Pill bugs live around the world. Armadillidium vulgare is the most common species in the U.S.
Signs of an Infestation
Pill bugs typically enter buildings through door thresholds, especially homes with sliding-glass doors on the ground level. Seeing a pill bug in the home usually means that there is a large population outdoors. Pill bugs do not survive more than a few days indoors without moist conditions and a food supply.
Habits and Behavior
Pill bugs remain inactive under objects during the day in order to minimize water loss. They often stay under trash, boards, rocks, flowerpots, piles of grass clippings, flowerbed mulches and other decaying vegetation. They stay in these areas of high moisture because their body structures leave them vulnerable to water loss. Rollie pollies are most active at night. They occasionally enter buildings and homes via door thresholds. Pill bugs do not bite or spread disease. However, the pill bug is considered a nuisance pest indoors. They may cause damage to young plants outdoors.
Treatment
The key to getting rid of pill bugs is to eliminate the moist sites that make their survival possible. Remove piles of grass clippings and leaves around the properly. Store firewood off the ground and away from the home. Properly ventilate basements, attics and crawlspaces.
Apply a light application of the Scatter mix to those areas where you have cleaned up debris and have removed the conducive conditions leading to the pill bug concern. If you are finding them in your interior potted plants, you can also spay a light application on top of the soil. Following the steps above along with these simple application techniques and you should have your Pill bug problem resolved quickly!