Pill Bug Identification & Prevention
What are pill bugs?
Adult pill bugs are slate gray and have an oval shape. They have seven pairs of legs and two pairs of antennae (one pair is very small); covering their body is a segmented hard shell. You can most easily identify these pests by their ability to roll themselves into a ball when threatened. Pill bugs are also called rollie-pollies.
Are pill bugs dangerous??
Pill bugs aren’t dangerous; they don’t bite, they don’t cause illnesses, and they don’t sting.
Pill bugs typically feed on decaying plants, but if there isn’t enough decaying plant matter present, they may go after live plants. In large numbers they can cause problems in gardens, damaging plants as they feed.
Why do I have a pill bug problem?
Pill bugs often live outside under the mulch and soil in garden areas that surround the perimeter of our homes. These pests typically only become a problem inside our Alabama homes after they are driven indoors by heavy rain or if it becomes too hot and dry for them to live outside successfully. Cracks in the foundation, gaps around basement windows, and spaces under basement doors are their most common entry points.
Where will I find pill bugs?
Large populations of pill bugs are more likely to be discovered outside than inside our homes. However, pill bugs have high moisture needs and will migrate to wherever those needs can be met, including inside our homes. Older homes with moisture issues are most prone to problems with these pests.
If pill bugs have migrated indoors, you will most likely find them in damp basements and poorly ventilated crawl spaces.
How do I get rid of pill bugs?
If you want to get rid of pill bugs from your Alabama property, and in the easiest way possible, partner with the local professionals at EnviroCare. Benefits to choosing us for your home pest control needs include our commitment to the environment, our satisfaction guarantee, detailed services, and knowing we will always use the latest techniques and treatments. Our customized professional pest services guarantee a solution to your pest problems. To begin working together to eliminate pill bugs and other pests from your property, give EnviroCare a call today!
How can I prevent pill bugs in the future?
Use the following prevention tips to keep pill bugs from taking over your Alabama property, or reach out to us to learn more about our pest control services for properties in Birmingham:
- Eliminate decaying plant material from your yard like piles of grass clippings, leaf piles, and rotting wood.
- If you keep firewood on your property, make sure to store it up off the ground and away from your house.
- Make sure gutters and downspouts are directing rainwater away from the perimeter of your home.
- Rake back mulch and soil away from the foundation of your house. Use crushed stone to create a barrier between the two.
- Seal cracks in the foundation of your home and place door sweeps on exterior doors.
