Pill Bug (Roly Poly)
Armadillidium vulgare
Scientific illustration for identification purposes
Overview
Pill bugs, also called roly polies, are not insects but terrestrial crustaceans related to lobsters and crabs. They roll into a ball when disturbed. While they are primarily outdoor pests, they enter homes seeking moisture and indicate damp conditions.
How to Identify
- Oval, segmented body 1/4 to 5/8 inch
- Gray to brown color
- Rolls into a ball when disturbed
- Seven pairs of legs
- Two antennae
Behavior
Pill bugs are nocturnal and require high humidity to survive. They roll into a protective ball when threatened. They are beneficial decomposers in gardens.
Habitat
Found under mulch, stones, logs, and debris in moist areas. Enter homes through ground-level gaps when outdoor conditions become too dry or wet.
Diet
Feed on decaying organic matter including dead plants, fungi, and occasionally tender plant roots and seedlings.
Reproduction
Females carry eggs in a brood pouch under the body. Young resemble miniature adults and take about a year to mature.
Distribution in the Southern U.S.
Very common throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi in moist environments.
Regional Notes
Pill bugs often invade Southern homes during heavy rains or droughts as they seek appropriate moisture levels.
Signs of Infestation
- Pill bugs found indoors, especially in basements
- Pill bugs congregating under debris outdoors
- Pill bugs active at night near foundation
- Pill bugs rolling into balls when touched
- Moisture problems indicated by their presence
Prevention Tips
- Remove mulch and debris from foundation
- Fix moisture problems and leaks
- Ensure proper drainage away from house
- Seal gaps around ground-level openings
- Reduce humidity in basements
- Remove leaf litter and organic debris
When to Contact a Professional
Professional treatment is rarely needed. Contact a professional if you have persistent indoor infestations that indicate underlying moisture problems.
Romex Pest Control provides professional pill bug (roly poly) control services across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Learn about our pill bug (roly poly) control servicesFrequently Asked Questions
Are pill bugs harmful?
Pill bugs are not harmful to humans. They do not bite, sting, or transmit disease. They can occasionally damage tender seedlings but are generally beneficial decomposers.
What is the difference between pill bugs and sowbugs?
Pill bugs can roll into a ball; sowbugs cannot. Sowbugs have two tail-like appendages that prevent them from rolling completely closed. Both are crustaceans, not insects.
Latest Research & News
Recent developments about pill bug (roly poly)
Get the latest news and research about pill bug (roly poly)
Click "Load News" to fetch recent articles from scientific sources