pill bug up close

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What do pill bugs look like?

When you think of crustaceans, the first things that usually comes to mind are crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, but did you know that pill bugs, common household pests, are also crustaceans? In fact, they are the only crustaceans that have adapted to living completely on land. Pill bugs grow to between 1/4 - 5/8 inches in length. Pill bugs have 7 pairs of legs and 2 pairs of antennae. Their oval-shaped, gray-colored bodies are made up of seven hard “plates” which allow them to roll up into a tight ball when they feel threatened. This defense mechanism of rolling up is what has given them their other common name, rollie pollies.

 pill bug

 

Are pill bugs dangerous?

Pill bugs are not dangerous, they aren’t known to pose any health threats to people, nor do they cause damage to property. Even though pill bugs are not dangerous, steps should be taken to prevent them and other common household pests from taking up residence in your home. Insects belong outside in nature, not inside homes and other buildings.

Why do I have a pill bug problem?

Pill bugs prefer to live outside, usually in damp dark environments like under compost, mulch, leaf piles, stones, landscaping ties, and in the cracks beside driveways, foundations, and sidewalks. Pill bugs hide out during the day, emerging at night to feed on their main food source of decaying organic materials. Pill bugs cannot store water in their bodies, so if the weather outside becomes too hot and dry, they enter homes, seeking refuge in areas that have high humidity levels: basements, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Pill bugs usually enter homes through cracks in foundations or through spaces under exterior doors, especially basement doors.

How do I get rid of pill bugs?

For effective pill bug control, contact Montgomery Exterminating! Our Tulsa, OK pest control technicians have the knowledge and experience needed to find all of the pill bugs living inside your home and to implement a treatment plan to completely eliminate them and prevent a future infestation. Reach out today to learn more about our residential pest control services.

 

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