Roly polies, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, are often found scurrying across damp surfaces outdoors, but sometimes they venture into homes. These creatures are not insects, but terrestrial crustaceans, more closely related to crabs and lobsters than to common garden pests. Their presence indoors is typically accidental, as they seek conditions mirroring their natural habitat. This article explains why these arthropods might enter your living space and outlines practical methods to encourage them to stay outside.
Reasons for Indoor Presence
Pill bugs are dependent on moisture to survive because they breathe through gills, similar to their aquatic relatives. Their thin exoskeletons offer little protection against water loss, making them susceptible to desiccation in dry environments. These crustaceans actively seek out damp, dark, and sheltered locations to maintain the high humidity their bodies require.
Fluctuations in outdoor environmental conditions drive pill bugs indoors. During prolonged dry spells, their usual outdoor hiding spots under rocks, leaf litter, or decaying wood may become too dry, forcing them to search for more humid refuge. Similarly, excessive rainfall can flood their habitats, causing them to move to higher, drier ground, including home interiors. Indoor spaces, particularly basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms, provide the stable humidity and protection from extreme temperatures that pill bugs need. They are nocturnal, emphasizing their preference for dark, undisturbed areas.
Entry Points into Homes
Pill bugs are not adept climbers, but they can exploit structural vulnerabilities to gain access to indoor environments. Even small openings serve as entry points for these crustaceans. They enter at ground level, moving through cracks in building foundations.
Gaps around the perimeters of doors and windows are pathways for pill bugs. Damaged or poorly fitted screens on windows and vents offer access. Openings around utility pipes, electrical conduits, and other penetrations provide unsealed routes. These points of entry lead to damp areas like basements or crawl spaces, which are attractive to pill bugs.
Strategies to Deter Them
Preventing pill bugs from entering your home involves managing moisture and sealing potential entry points. Reducing humidity inside the home is a primary step; using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces can decrease their appeal. Ensuring adequate ventilation in bathrooms and laundry rooms helps dissipate moisture.
Sealing cracks and gaps in the home’s exterior is an effective measure. Apply caulk or weatherstripping around window and door frames, and repair any damaged screens. Foundation cracks should be filled with sealants to create a continuous barrier. Addressing any leaky pipes, faucets, or air conditioning units, both indoors and outdoors, eliminates water sources that attract pill bugs.
Managing the outdoor environment around your home helps. Ensure that gutters and downspouts divert water away from the foundation, preventing water accumulation. Remove organic debris such as leaf litter, grass clippings, and woodpiles from around the house’s perimeter, as these provide shelter and moisture. Elevating firewood and other stored items off the ground and away from the foundation discourages their presence.