Roly poly bugs, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, are common creatures found in gardens and other outdoor environments. Despite their “bug” moniker, they are not insects but rather terrestrial crustaceans, more closely related to shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. These small, oval-shaped arthropods typically measure between a quarter-inch and a half-inch long and are characterized by their segmented bodies and seven pairs of legs. They are best known for their defensive behavior of rolling into a tight, protective ball when disturbed. In the ecosystem, roly polies serve as decomposers, breaking down decaying organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil.
Ideal Habitat Conditions
Roly poly bugs thrive in environments that offer consistent moisture, darkness, and shelter. Their biological structure necessitates a humid setting because they breathe through gill-like structures, which must remain moist for gas exchange. Consequently, they are often found in damp locations such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and decaying vegetation. These sheltered spots provide both the required humidity and protection from direct sunlight and predators. They are also nocturnal, typically active at night to minimize water loss, and often huddle together to conserve moisture and warmth.
Preferred Food Sources
Roly poly bugs are detritivores, meaning their primary diet consists of decaying organic matter. Examples of their preferred food include rotting wood, fallen leaves, compost, and decaying plants. They may also feed on fungi, moss, and sometimes soft, decaying fruits or vegetables that are in contact with the ground. While they primarily consume dead matter, in instances of high populations or scarcity of preferred food, they might occasionally nibble on young plants, seedlings, or roots, though this is less common.
Reasons for Indoor Presence
Roly poly bugs typically enter homes accidentally, as they prefer outdoor environments. They are drawn indoors by similar conditions they seek outside, primarily moisture and shelter. Common entry points include cracks in foundations, gaps under doors, and openings around windows.
Once inside, they gravitate towards damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms, or even moist potted plants. They do not generally survive long indoors due to the drier conditions, and they do not typically breed or cause structural damage inside homes. Their indoor presence often indicates an abundant outdoor population or excessive moisture issues around the home’s foundation.
Reducing Their Presence
Managing roly poly bug presence involves modifying their preferred environmental conditions around your home. Improving drainage around the foundation and in garden beds helps reduce the excess moisture they seek. Removing accumulated leaf litter, decaying wood, and other organic debris near the house eliminates both food sources and hiding spots.
Sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation, around windows, and under doors can prevent accidental entry into your home. Repairing leaky plumbing, both indoors and outdoors, removes water sources that attract them. Ensuring proper ventilation in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces also makes these spaces less hospitable. These environmental modifications can effectively reduce their numbers and deter them from entering your living spaces.