Rolly pollies, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, are common creatures. These small, segmented organisms are terrestrial crustaceans, more closely related to crabs and lobsters than to typical garden bugs. They are easily recognized by their ability to curl into a tight ball when disturbed, a defense mechanism protecting their softer undersides and retaining moisture. Rolly pollies typically measure between one-quarter and five-eighths of an inch long and have seven pairs of legs.
Factors Influencing Rolly Polly Activity
Rolly polly activity is dictated by environmental conditions. They are primarily nocturnal. This behavior helps them avoid the heat and dryness of the day, as their gill-like structures require a moist environment to function properly. During daylight hours, they remain inactive, hidden under objects to minimize water loss.
Moisture and humidity are essential for their survival. Rolly pollies breathe through gills, which must remain damp for gas exchange. They thrive in moist environments and are commonly found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, mulch, and other decaying organic matter. Their emergence is often observed after rain or in areas with consistent humidity, as very dry conditions can lead to desiccation and death within days.
Temperature influences their activity. Rolly pollies prefer moderate temperatures, as their bodies cannot regulate internal temperature effectively. Extreme cold can cause them to freeze, while excessive heat can be fatal, driving them to seek deeper shelter or dormancy. They often huddle together, a behavior that helps them conserve moisture and regulate temperature.
Seasonal patterns influence their presence, with activity more prominent in warmer, humid months. “Coming out” for a rolly polly means emerging from daytime hiding spots once conditions become favorable, typically as temperatures cool and humidity rises in the evening.
Their Ecological Role
Rolly pollies serve as important detritivores, aiding decomposition and nutrient cycling. Their diet primarily consists of decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves, rotting wood, fungi, and other plant-based materials. By consuming this material, they break it down into smaller pieces, allowing further decomposition by bacteria and fungi.
This process of breaking down organic debris is beneficial for soil health. As rolly pollies feed and excrete waste, they return essential nutrients to the soil, improving its quality and supporting plant growth. They also contribute to aeration and the movement of microorganisms within the soil through their burrowing activities.
Beyond organic matter, some species of rolly pollies are known to consume heavy metal deposits from the soil. They can crystallize metals like copper, zinc, lead, and arsenic within their guts, which allows them to survive in contaminated environments that might be toxic to other organisms. This unique ability helps to remove these pollutants from the soil, contributing to environmental clean-up.
Managing Rolly Polly Presence
Rolly pollies are harmless to humans and pets. They do not bite, sting, or spread diseases. While they primarily feed on decaying plant material, large populations can occasionally damage young, tender plants, seedlings, or soft fruits in contact with damp soil, particularly during wet conditions. Such instances are minor, and they are not considered a significant garden pest.
To prevent rolly pollies from entering homes or becoming overly abundant, several strategies can be implemented. Reducing moisture around building foundations is effective, as they require damp conditions to survive indoors. This involves fixing leaks, improving drainage, and ensuring gutters direct water away from the house.
Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations, around windows, doors, and utility entrances can block their entry into homes. Removing excessive organic debris, such as leaf piles, mulch, and rotting wood, from areas adjacent to structures can reduce their habitat. Maintaining a clear perimeter around the home helps eliminate the dampness and food sources that attract them. Given their beneficial role as decomposers, promoting coexistence with these creatures outdoors is the most suitable approach.