Pill Bugs
Latin Name: Armadillidiidae
What Are Pill Bugs?
Pill bugs, also known as "roly-polies" or Armadillidiidae, are actually crustaceans rather than insects. They thrive in damp, dark environments and are typically found outdoors under logs, rocks, mulch, and leaf litter. They play a role in breaking down organic material, contributing to soil health, but they can sometimes become a nuisance if they find their way indoors.
How Pill Bugs Get into Homes
In Toms River, NJ, pill bugs can find their way inside when the outdoor environment becomes too wet or too dry. They're attracted to moist environments, so if they sense moisture around your home's foundation or basement, they may migrate indoors. Pill bugs often enter through:
- Gaps in doors and windows: If there are any gaps or cracks around doors, windows, or screens, they may slip through.
- Cracks in foundation walls: Small cracks or crevices near the foundation can provide easy access.
- Vent openings and utility lines: Any unsealed openings around utilities like plumbing, air vents, or electrical wiring can be a pathway.
Prevention and Control
- Reduce Moisture: Pill bugs need moisture to survive, so controlling humidity levels and fixing leaks around the house, especially in basements and crawl spaces, can deter them.
- Seal Entry Points: Use caulking or weather stripping to seal gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.
- Clear Yard Debris: Since pill bugs like organic matter, keep mulch, leaves, and firewood away from your foundation.
- Ventilate Basements and Crawl Spaces: This will keep these areas dry, reducing their attractiveness to pill bugs.
- Use Dehumidifiers: In humid places like Toms River, a dehumidifier can be very effective, especially in basements.
While pill bugs are harmless and don't bite, sting, or carry diseases, their presence indoors can be annoying.
For more information or to request a free inspection, contact Ozane Termite And Pest Control.