How To Get Rid Of Pill Bugs
Pill bugs, also called “rolly-pollies” or woodlice, are common terrestrial crustaceans that thrive in damp, dark environments. While they are generally harmless, they can become a nuisance if they invade homes, greenhouses, or commercial spaces. If a home or business owner wants to address a pill bug problem themselves, the key is to reduce favorable conditions and physically remove or trap them. Here’s how to get rid of pill bugs:
Eliminate Moisture Sources
Pill bugs thrive in damp environments. Reducing moisture can make your property less inviting:
Fix leaky pipes, faucets, or sprinklers.
Ensure proper drainage around the foundation of the building.
Avoid overwatering plants near doors, windows, or foundations.
Use dehumidifiers in basements, crawl spaces, or other damp areas.
Remove Shelter
Pill bugs hide under organic debris, so removing their hiding spots is critical:
Clear leaf litter, grass clippings, and mulch away from foundations.
Store firewood, lumber, and gardening materials off the ground.
Trim overgrown vegetation close to walls or buildings.
Seal Entry Points
Prevent pill bugs from entering indoors:
Caulk cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations.
Install weatherstripping under doors and around windows.
Repair damaged screens or vents.
Use Physical Removal or Traps
For small infestations:
Sweep, vacuum, or manually collect pill bugs in the affected areas.
Set up damp cardboard, newspaper, or wood traps outside; pill bugs will congregate there overnight, and you can dispose of them in the morning.
Apply Non-Toxic or Low-Toxic Options
If necessary, targeted treatments can help:
Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle a thin layer along the perimeter of buildings or gardens. It damages the exoskeleton of pill bugs, causing dehydration.
Boric acid or insecticidal dust: Apply lightly around the foundation, avoiding direct contact with plants or pets.
Maintain Outdoor Hygiene
Prevent future infestations:
Keep mulch, leaves, and grass clippings away from foundations.
Ensure gardens have adequate air circulation.
Reduce shaded, damp areas near the building.
Heavy infestations, especially indoors, may indicate persistent moisture or structural issues. Addressing these underlying causes is more effective than repeated pesticide use. The most effective DIY strategy is a combination of moisture reduction, habitat removal, sealing entry points, and targeted low-toxicity treatments.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Pill Bugs
Hiring our professional pest control is the most effective approach to get rid of pill bugs because it addresses both the infestation and the underlying conditions that allow pill bugs to thrive. While DIY methods can reduce their numbers, our professionals offer expertise, specialized tools, and long-term solutions that homeowners or business owners often cannot achieve on their own. Here’s why our professional pest control is the best way to get rid of pill bugs:
Expert Identification
Pill bugs are often confused with other small arthropods like sowbugs or certain beetles. Our professionals can accurately identify the pest species, ensuring the treatment is targeted and effective.
Accurate identification helps determine whether the infestation is a symptom of a larger problem, such as excess moisture or structural damage.
Targeted, Safe Treatments
Our pest control specialists have access to safe, professional-grade treatments that are more effective than over-the-counter products.
We know the precise locations to apply treatments (e.g., around foundations, under mulch, in crawl spaces) for maximum impact.
Our professionals minimize exposure of pets, employees, or residents to chemicals through proper handling and application techniques.
Addressing the Source of the Problem
Pill bugs thrive in damp, organic-rich environments. Our professionals do more than kill pests—they assess moisture issues, drainage problems, and structural conditions that allow pill bugs to thrive.
We can recommend or implement long-term prevention measures such as improved ventilation, grading, or moisture barriers that significantly reduce the likelihood of re-infestation.
Comprehensive Monitoring
Our professionals don’t just treat the current population; we provide ongoing pest protection services to ensure that pill bugs do not return.
Early detection of recurring issues prevents larger infestations that are harder to control.
Time and Convenience
DIY methods often require repeated effort, including sweeping, vacuuming, moisture control, and chemical application.
Our professionals can implement a complete solution in a single visit, with ongoing protection services saving you time and stress.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach
We use Integrated Pest Management strategies, combining environmental modification, exclusion, and selective treatment.
This holistic approach ensures long-term control while minimizing chemical use, making it safer for homes, businesses, and the surrounding environment.
Hiring our professional pest control services is the best way to eliminate pill bugs because it provides precise identification, targeted and safe treatments, long-term prevention strategies, and ongoing monitoring. Our professionals solve the root causes of infestations, not just the visible problem, ensuring a more permanent and effective solution than DIY methods alone.