Pill bugs, known for rolling into a protective ball, are common crustaceans found in many environments. They thrive in damp, dark locations, often under rocks, leaf litter, or decaying wood. A common question concerns their attraction to substances like cornstarch.
Pill Bug Diet and Environment
Pill bugs are primarily detritivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of decaying organic matter. They play a significant role in ecosystems by breaking down dead plant material such as rotting leaves and wood, recycling nutrients back into the soil. Their digestive systems are adapted to process these materials.
They require a consistently moist habitat to survive because, as crustaceans, they possess gills for respiration. These gills must remain damp to absorb oxygen. Consequently, they are often found in humid, shaded areas like garden beds or under logs, where moisture is readily available and decaying matter is abundant.
Cornstarch and Pill Bug Behavior
Pill bugs are generally not attracted to cornstarch as a primary food source. While cornstarch is a carbohydrate, it lacks the essential components that typically draw pill bugs: moisture and decomposing organic material. Their foraging behavior is primarily driven by decaying plant matter, which provides both nutrition and necessary humidity.
Cornstarch does not offer the complex organic compounds or the dampness that signals a suitable food source. Some initial curiosity might lead a pill bug to investigate it, but this does not indicate a sustained attraction. Their sensory organs detect volatile organic compounds released by decaying matter, which cornstarch does not emit.
The Effects of Cornstarch Ingestion
If a pill bug were to ingest cornstarch, its digestive system is not well-equipped to process it efficiently. Pill bugs have a digestive tract optimized for breaking down complex organic materials found in decaying plant matter, which includes cellulose and lignin. Cornstarch, primarily composed of amylose and amylopectin, presents a different chemical structure. Therefore, it is largely indigestible for these organisms.
Ingesting indigestible substances like cornstarch can lead to negative physiological consequences. It can cause blockages within their digestive tract, hindering nutrient absorption. If cornstarch replaces their natural diet, it can result in severe nutritional deficiencies, as it does not provide the range of minerals, vitamins, and other compounds they need. Prolonged consumption would likely lead to starvation and ultimately death.
Managing Pill Bug Presence
Managing pill bug populations effectively centers on modifying their environment. Since these crustaceans thrive in damp conditions, reducing moisture is a primary strategy. This involves improving drainage around foundations, repairing leaky outdoor faucets, and ensuring gutters direct water away from structures.
Removing excessive leaf litter and wood piles near homes also eliminates their preferred hiding and feeding spots. Creating physical barriers can also help deter pill bugs from entering unwanted areas. Sealing cracks and crevices in foundations, around windows, and under doors can prevent their entry into homes.
For garden management, ensuring good air circulation around plants and avoiding overwatering can reduce humidity. Non-toxic methods such as placing scooped-out citrus rinds or damp newspaper can serve as simple traps, allowing for their collection and relocation.