Order: Isopoda

Family: Armadillidiidae

Pill bugs are also referred to as sow bugs, but they are two different arthropods. Because of their similar appearance, habits, and control measures, we have combined these two pests into one category. Pill Bugs are also called "rolly-pollies" because of their ability to roll into a ball when disturbed. They are found throughout the world.

Description: Adults are about 1/4 inch long and their segmented bodies are dark grey in color. They have seven pairs of legs and two pairs of antenna.

Biology: Pill bugs have a brood pouch on the underneath side of their body. This is where they deposit their eggs. The average number of eggs per brood is about 28, but can be as high as 79. Pill bugs have one to three broods per year. Once they reach the adult stage, pill bugs can live up to two years and possibly longer depending on food and environmental conditions.

Habits: Pill bugs hide underneath objects during the day and are much more active at night. They will enter structures at the ground level, but will not breed or survive for a long period of time. Pill bugs feed on decaying organic matter such as plant material. They can be found in mulch, under rocks, boards or grass piles.