The humble pill bug is no cause for concern

We all see them in the yard all the time. They go by various names: pill bug, roly poly, potato bug. But are these 14-legged creatures really a problem? Are they pests, friends or just neutral visitors?

Terrestrial crustaceans

The pill bug’s scientific name is Armadillidium vulgare (Latreille). It’s a crustacean, one of only a few that are entirely terrestrial. Pill bugs are nocturnal creatures commonly found under damp logs and in soil debris. They derive their name from their interesting ability to roll up into a pill-like defensive ball when threatened.

A taste for decaying fare

For the most part, pill bugs pose no threat to the plants in your yard, unless decaying plant matter is scarce. When rotting vegetation is unavailable, they may begin feeding on parts of live plants, but it’s not their preference.

On the positive side of the ledger, any animal that helps dispose of decaying matter can’t be all bad. A population of pill bugs chomping dead plants can hasten the breakdown of material in your compost pile.

Considering all the evidence, the verdict is clear: Pill bugs cause little to no problem. There’s no compelling reason to wage war against them. You can safely leave them alone as neutral-to-beneficial animals. Your sentiments may change, however, if large numbers find their way inside your house. Even then, they cause no damage and they don’t bite.

Their sowbug cousins

Incidentally, you may have noticed some pill bug-like animals that don’t roll up into balls. Those are actually sowbugs, another kind of terrestrial crustacean very similar in appearance to pill bugs. Besides their inability to roll up, sowbugs have the distinguishing feature of dual appendages protruding from the rear of their bodies. Like pill bugs, they’re not much of a problem at all.

Call Slug-A-Bug with your pest problems

Unfortunately, not everything that crawls along the ground is so mischief-free. That’s why Slug-A-Bug is here for you. If you have a problem with termites, ants, cockroaches, rodents or any other pest, contact us today. We can provide you with a no-cost, no-obligation assessment. Call (321) 259-7844.