Pill Bug Facts

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.