Why Am I Getting Pill Bugs in My House?

Have you ever noticed small, grayish creatures rolling into a ball when disturbed, suddenly appearing inside your home? If so, you may be dealing with pill bugs. But why are these seemingly harmless outdoor creatures making their way indoors? Customers will call and ask, why am I getting pill bugs in my house? Let’s talk about the reasons this might be happening. 

When pill bugs are plaguing your Florida house, learning the source of their presence can help you prevent future invasions and keep your living space pest-free.

What Are Pill Bugs and Why Are They Indoors?

What exactly are these tiny, ball-rolling creatures, and why are they showing up in your house? Understanding the nature of pill bugs is the first step in addressing the issue.

Pill bugs–often referred to as roly-polies–are isopods, a group of crustaceans that live entirely on land. They thrive in moist environments and typically feed on decaying plant material. Pill bugs are generally beneficial in gardens, helping to break down organic matter. However, when they migrate indoors, they become a nuisance.

Pill bugs usually enter homes accidentally. They don’t intend to invade your living space. Instead, they are often seeking shelter from unfavorable conditions or are simply wandering in from their outdoor habitats. Their presence in your home can be attributed to various factors, including the search for moisture and shelter.

What Attracts Pill Bugs to My Home?

Why do pill bugs find your home so appealing? The reasons can be traced to specific environmental conditions that these creatures favor.

Pill bugs are attracted to environments that mimic their natural habitats—dark, damp, and rich in organic material. If your home offers these conditions, even in small areas, pill bugs might decide to explore further. Here are some common factors that could be luring pill bugs into your home:

1. Moisture Levels: Pill bugs require a high moisture environment to survive. If your home has areas with excessive humidity, such as basements, bathrooms, or areas with leaky pipes, these might be the initial spots where pill bugs congregate. Moisture not only sustains them but also provides the perfect environment for them to thrive.
2. Shelter and Food: Like many pests, pill bugs seek shelter and food. They feed on decomposing organic matter, which means areas with clutter, plant debris, or even decaying wood within your home could be attracting them. Additionally, piles of leaves or mulch near your home’s foundation can serve as entry points for these critters.
3. Easy Access Points: Pill bugs are small and can enter your home through the tiniest of gaps. Cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and even unsealed vents can become gateways for pill bugs to enter. Once inside, they tend to stay in areas that provide the conditions they need to survive.

How Do Pill Bugs Get Inside?

Pill bugs are not strong climbers, but they can easily exploit structural vulnerabilities in your home. They typically enter through ground-level openings and are most likely to be found near the point of entry. Here’s how they get inside:

1. Cracks and Gaps: Even the smallest cracks in your home’s foundation, walls, or around windows can serve as entry points for pill bugs. They may also use gaps under doors that are not properly sealed.
2. Vents and Utility Openings: Unscreened vents, particularly those at ground level, can be an easy access point. Similarly, any utility openings where pipes or cables enter the house might allow pill bugs to get inside if not sealed properly.
3. Attached Garages and Basements: Garages and basements are often connected to the outdoors through doors that might not be perfectly sealed. Pill bugs can easily wander into these areas and then make their way into the rest of the house.

To reduce the likelihood of pill bugs entering your home, inspect and seal any potential entry points. Weatherstripping doors, caulking windows, and sealing cracks in the foundation can make a significant difference.

Are Pill Bugs Harmful to My Home?

Should you be concerned about pill bugs causing damage to your home, or are they just an annoyance?

While pill bugs may be unwelcome guests, they are generally not harmful to your home. Unlike termites or rodents, pill bugs do not cause structural damage. They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases, making them more of a nuisance than a danger. However, their presence can still be unsettling, especially if you find them in large numbers.

The main issue with pill bugs is their tendency to congregate in damp areas. If left unchecked, this can indicate underlying moisture problems in your home, which could lead to other, more serious issues such as mold growth or attracting other pests that thrive in damp environments.

What Can I Do to Prevent Pill Bugs from Entering My Home?

How can you effectively keep pill bugs out of your home? Prevention is key.

Preventing pill bugs from entering your home involves a combination of environmental management and physical barriers. Here are some actionable steps you can take:

1. Reduce Moisture: Since pill bugs are attracted to moisture, controlling humidity levels in your home is crucial. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, fix any leaks, and ensure that your home’s ventilation is adequate. Outdoors, make sure that gutters are functioning properly and that water is directed away from your foundation.
2. Eliminate Clutter: Remove piles of leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from around your home’s foundation. Indoors, keep areas clean and free of clutter, especially in basements and garages where pill bugs are more likely to be found.
3. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any cracks or gaps that could allow pill bugs to enter. Seal these with caulk, weatherstripping, or other appropriate materials. Pay particular attention to ground-level openings, as these are the most common entry points for pill bugs.
4. Use Natural Repellents: While chemical treatments are available, natural repellents can be just as effective. Diatomaceous earth, for example, can be sprinkled around entry points to deter pill bugs. Additionally, essential oils like lavender or peppermint may also help repel them.
5. Inspect for Pill Bugs Routinely: Regularly inspect your home, both inside and out, for signs of pill bugs. Early detection allows you to address the issue before it becomes a more significant problem. Keeping your home well-maintained, clean, and dry is the best long-term strategy for preventing pill bugs and other pests.

Problems with Pill Bugs? Call Drive-Bye Exterminators

Why am I getting pill bugs in my house? We can help you determine their entry points and put a stop to infestations. Pill bugs may be harmless, but no one wants them crawling around in their home.

Drive-Bye Exterminators can help you get rid of pill bugs that are plaguing the inside of your home. Please call us as Tampa Bay Times’ Peoples Choice Winner and the top exterminator in the Tampa Bay area.