Harmless pill bugs are a nuisance . Here ’s how to keep them out of the planetary house and deal with any infestations .
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With some simple steps , you could keep pill bugs out of the house — and get rid of them if they do appear .
Credit:Geobacillus / Getty Images
What’s in a Name?
tablet bug ( Armadillidium vulgare ) , also known as wood louse or roly - polies , are section crustacean that are often misguided for insects . ( Pill bug are related to lobsters and shrimp , and take a breather through gills , which must be kept moist.)When threatened , they roll into a ball as a defense mechanism , which is where the name “ pill bug ” comes from .
Why Do Pill Bugs Come Inside?
These pests rely on humidness to exist , so they look for damp places , from mulch to basements . To discourage moisture - seeking anovulatory drug bug from come inside , keep plants , mulch , and other hiding places away from entranceway . Water your garden in the morning so airfoil have a chance to dry by evening , when pill bugs are most active .
infestation may point a leak , high-pitched humidity , or poor drain in your home . Pill germ can also pull in pests such ascentipedesand scathe indoor plant . Here is what you need to have it off about oral contraceptive microbe .
What Are Pill Bugs?
birth control pill bugs are oval - shaped crustaceans with a segmented exoskeleton about 1/4 to 5/8 inches long . They have 14 legs and two antennae . They are grey-headed to dark dark-brown but often have a shiny metal appearance .
When menace , these bugs rove into a tight ball . This defensive behaviour , known asconglobation , protect them from predators and preserves moisture . Pill bugs are often confuse with sow bugs , but sow in bugs can not roll into a ball .
Pill bugs thrive in dampish surroundings with high humidity , such as under mulch , compost , flowerpots , molder board , and other fuddled ground . They find their way indoors , seeking moisture and shelter throughcommon entranceway pointslike threshold and grounding interruption , openings , tornado , and cleft . They might also access your plate through ventilation systems , window , and crawl spaces . These bug typically dry out out and snuff it indoors unless they shelter in high - humidness areas .
Signs of a Pill Bug Infestation
Pill microbe cluster in dark , moist corner , such as under furniture and near water source . Even in fair , modern home , they are often find in basements , bathroom , and laundry way .
Dealing with a pill hemipterous insect infestation can be frustrative , but with the right approach path , you could wipe out them from your home . The master strategies for hit tablet bug from your home plate includeminimizing moisture , removing debris , and sealing pest entry stage . Other strategies involve using DIY natural and chemical remedies and contracting professional help .
Natural DIY Remedies to Get Rid of Pill Bugs
The first line of defense against these bugs involves DIY solutions that are secure for humans and pets . They include :
Other DIY Remedies to Get Rid of Pill Bugs
If the natural DIY remedies do n’t get the task done , consider chemical substance - base remedies :
Call a Pro
If DIY methods fail , believe a professional pest control help . Pest control experts can access specialized treatments and equipment to decimate tablet hemipteron and foreclose future infestations .
Ways to Prevent Pill Bugs in Your Home
To prevent pill bugs from accessing your house , seal all the cracks with caulk orweather unclothe . better ventilation , reparation leaks , and use a dehumidifier in humid or wet orbit to hold water infiltration and wet . Clean your home by vacuuming , wholesale , and decluttering potential hiding spots .
Outside your home , white and renovate guttersto prevent piss from pool around the roof or foundation . Remove any decaying textile , such as wet leaves or muddy garbage cans , from around your home .
Frequently Asked Questions
Pill glitch do n’t bite or legal injury anatomical structure . They usually feed on dilapidate organic matter , but sometimes aggress live plants .
They run to flow on low garden plant life and new transplants . pop targets include daisies , zinnias , Funka , and pansy , along with some fruits and vegetables , including strawberry . If you mark a problem and DIY solvent do n’t function , essay a atomiser such as a permethrin insect powder , following the manufacturer ’s operating instructions .
“ Homeowner Guide to Pill Bugs and Sow Bugs . ” University of Idaho Extension .
“ Pillbugs and Sowbugs . ” University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources .
Boric Acid Fact Sheet . National Pesticide Information Center , University of Oregon .
“ Sowbugs and Pillbugs . ” Missouri Botanical Garden .
“ Pillbugs . ” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension .
