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Pill Bugs Control

Infestation by pill bugs can occur in the garden as well in the house. There are effective tips for the control of such an infestation, as given here.
Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
Pill bugs are arthropods, belonging to the family Armadillidiidae of the order Isopoda. They are given the name because they can roll themselves in the shape of a pill. They are also known as rolly-pollies. The most widely occurring species is the common pill bug or Armadillidium vulgare.
Like other species of woodlice, you can easily identify these bugs from their hard brownish exoskeleton and defensive posture, i.e. rolling into the shape of a ball. They mostly live in moist and damp areas, but you can also find some species in dry conditions. They are nocturnal and tend to hide during the day time.
Even though pill bugs are detritivores, feeding on decayed vegetation, old woods, animal feces and logs; they also infest young seedlings and cultivated plants in the garden. At times, large numbers of these bugs enter homes, particularly during dry weather conditions.

How to Get Rid of Pill Bugs in Garden

Most gardening hobbyists do not categorize pill bugs as pests. Rather, they are of the opinion that these bugs are beneficial for converting decayed vegetation into humus. However, if you notice pill bugs feeding on tender seedlings, you can refer to the following tips for controlling them:
✤ Remove Old Woods - Old wood logs are natural habitats for pill bugs. So, if you have them in your garden, there is a high chance of pill bugs infestation. So, remove old woods or place them far away from the cultivated plants.
✤ Clean Plant Debris - Another method to get rid of them from the garden is to simply remove the plant debris as far as possible. You can clean debris present near the young plants, which are the common infestation sites.
✤ Diatomaceous Earth - One of the facts about diatomaceous earth is that it is a mild natural pesticide, which is very effective for controlling pill bugs in the garden. You can spray this dust near the young seedlings to prevent pill bugs.
✤ Insecticides - You can use chemical insecticides as the last resort for killing them in the garden. While spraying such products, make sure you follow the directions as prescribed in the label.

How to Get Rid of Pill Bugs in the House

If Pill bugs enter the house in very large numbers, it can be quite frustrating. Though they are not pests, the thought of bugs in the house is very annoying. As they require moisture to breathe, they are mostly present under wash basins, floor drains and basements. Effective tips to get rid of bugs in the houseplants and inside house are discussed here.
✤ Remove Food Source - Clean vegetation and garbage on a regular basis. Once you deprive the food source, they will die due to lack of food.
✤ Fill Cracks and Crevices - Check the exterior of the house, particularly near the foundation for any cracks and crevices. If present, you can caulk the cracks on the window and door frames.
✤ Use Dehumidifier - You can use a home dehumidifier. Place it in the basements and other damp and moist areas. Ensure that you run the dehumidifier for 2-3 consecutive days.
✤ Chemical Control - If natural methods are not working, you can purchase appropriate pesticides to kill them. Spray the pesticides in correct concentration in and around the house.
As far as garden plants are concerned, pill bugs rarely harm the established or matured plants. Hence, you need to control them, only when the plants are in the seedling stage. Nevertheless, if you still notice infestations of these bugs, take help from professional pest control services.