Pill Bug Facts

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The pill bug is the only crustacean that can spend its entire life on land. Their shells look like armor and they are known for their ability to roll into a ball. Sometimes kids call them rollie-pollies. Most pill bugs live for up to two years. They are most active at night.

Common Name: Pill Bug

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Malacostraca

Order: Isopoda

Family: Armadillidiidae

Species: Armadillilium Vulgare

Size: 3/4″

Shape: Oval

Color: Dark brown to black

Wings: No

Antenna: Yes

Diet: Pill bugs mostly eat rotting vegetation like vegetables.

Habitat: Pill bugs live in wet locations. They are found under damp objects or in organic garbage. If pill bugs enter a building, they will often dry out and die.

Impact: Pill bugs do not spread diseases or contaminate food.

Prevention:

  • Keep your homes and the areas around your home clean and dry.

  • Eliminate food sources such as vegetable or plant debris.