Pillbugs & Sowbugs

What Are Pillbugs?

The pillbug, affectionately nicknamed the “rollie pollie” or “roly poly,” belongs to the order Isopoda and is actually a land-dwelling crustacean rather than a true insect. Originally from Europe, it can now be found all over the world. Its famous nickname comes from its ability to curl into a tight ball, a defensive process called conglobation that it triggers when it senses pressure or vibration. Growing up to about half an inch long and gray in color, pillbugs are typically nocturnal and strongly prefer moist surroundings.

Pillbugs vs. Sowbugs

Pillbugs and sowbugs are close relatives, both crustaceans that have fully adapted to life on land. They share the same life cycle, similar diets, and a shared love of damp places. The key difference is in the body: sowbugs have flatter, oval bodies with two small tail-like appendages at the rear, and because of those appendages they cannot roll into a ball the way pillbugs can. Otherwise, the two are easy to confuse and tend to turn up in the same conditions.

What Attracts Them and Their Ecological Role

Above all, pillbugs and sowbugs are drawn to moisture. Outdoors they shelter under objects on damp ground and within leaf litter, mulch, and other vegetative debris. Indoors they survive in damp basements, cellars, and crawl spaces, especially where a water leak provides a steady moisture source. As scavengers, they feed mostly on decaying plant matter, playing a valuable role as decomposers that return nutrients to the soil and can actually benefit gardens by speeding up composting. They also serve as a food source for centipedes, frogs, toads, ants, and birds.

Are They a Problem?

A handful of pillbugs is harmless and no cause for concern, but large populations can become a nuisance both outdoors and indoors. In areas prone to heavy rain or flooding, they may begin feeding on emerging seedlings and damage vegetable gardens and crops. Indoors, a pillbug infestation is really a warning sign of a moisture problem that could lead to water damage and mold, so their presence is a cue to investigate further. Because they cannot survive long without dampness, eliminating the moisture issue usually causes the population to shrink on its own.

How KR Controls Pillbugs & Sowbugs

Getting rid of pillbugs and sowbugs starts with addressing moisture: check for water damage, repair leaks, and reduce excess humidity. If a problem persists after that, the participating providers in our network can perform a thorough inspection and build a control plan tailored to your home. Think you have an infestation? Call (855) 560-1396 to be connected with a provider who can help with strategies suited to your needs.