If you’re finding small, gray, armored bugs rolling into balls in your damp garden or basement, you’re likely dealing with pill bugs. Learning how to get rid of pill bugs is simpler than you might think, and it starts with understanding they’re not actually insects. These crustaceans need constant moisture to survive, which is the key to controlling them.
While they’re mostly harmless and even beneficial as decomposers, a large population can munch on seedlings and soft fruits. Don’t worry, though. With a few straightforward changes and natural methods, you can reclaim your space.
How to Get Rid of Pill Bugs
This guide walks you through simple, effective strategies. We’ll focus on removing their habitat, creating barriers, and using safe traps. You won’t need harsh chemicals to see a big difference.
Understanding Your Tiny Opponent
First, know that pill bugs (also called roly-polies or woodlice) are not bugs. They’re land-living crustaceans, related to shrimp and crabs. This fact explains a lot about their behavior and needs.
They breathe through gills. This means they must stay in damp environments at all times. If they dry out, they die. They hide during the day and come out at night to feed on decaying organic matter.
They are primarily detritivores. This means they prefer dead and rotting plant material. However, in large numbers or when other food is scarce, they may turn to tender young plants, stems, and fruits lying on damp soil.
Step 1: Remove Their Ideal Habitat
The most effective method is to make your garden and home perimeter less inviting. By eliminating their hiding spots and moisture sources, you encourage them to move elsewhere.
- Clear debris. Remove dead leaves, grass clippings, boards, stones, and old mulch from against your home’s foundation and garden beds.
- Elevate pots and compost. Keep container plants off the ground using pot feet. Locate compost bins away from house walls and garden beds if pill bugs are a major issue.
- Fix moisture problems. Repair leaky faucets, ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation, and improve soil drainage. Avoid overwatering your garden, especially in the evening.
- Create a dry perimeter. Keep a 6- to 12-inch zone next to your foundation clear of mulch and plants. You can use a thin layer of gravel or just bare, dry soil here.
Step 2: Set Up Physical Barriers and Traps
These methods directly protect your plants and reduce numbers without any sprays. They are very effective and safe for pets and wildlife.
Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilized algae. It feels soft to us, but it’s sharp on a microscopic level. It scratches the pill bug’s waxy outer layer, causing them to dry out and die.
Apply a thin, visible line of DE around plant stems, the base of raised beds, or door thresholds. You must reapply after rain or heavy dew, as it loses effectiveness when wet.
Create Simple Potato or Citrus Traps
Pill bugs love damp, dark places. You can use this against them by making pitfall traps.
- Take an old plastic container (like a yogurt cup) and bury it in the soil near problem areas so the rim is level with the ground.
- Put a piece of raw potato, banana peel, or citrus rind inside the cup. A little bit of beer can also work well.
- Check the trap every morning. You’ll find pill bugs gathered inside. Dump them into soapy water or relocate them far from your garden.
Try the Newspaper Roll Trap
This is another classic, zero-cost method. Simply roll up a damp newspaper, secure it with a rubber band, and place it in the garden in the evening. By morning, pill bugs will have crawled inside seeking shelter. Just pick it up and dispose of the bugs.
Step 3: Employ Natural Repellents and Controls
If habitat change and traps aren’t quite enough, these natural substances can provide extra protection for your most vulnerable plants.
- Iron phosphate baits. These are sold as slug and snail baits (like Sluggo) and are safe for use around pets and wildlife when used as directed. Pill bugs eat the granules and stop feeding. It’s a very effective organic option.
- Copper tape. While more common for slugs, a band of copper tape around planters or raised beds can deter pill bugs. It gives off a slight electrical charge that they find unpleasant.
- Natural sprays. A spray made from crushed garlic and water, or a mix of water and a few drops of citrus or neem oil, can deter them from specific plants. Reapply frequently.
What Not to Do: Avoid Common Mistakes
Some well-meaning actions can actually make the problem worse or harm your garden’s ecosystem.
Don’t over-mulch. A thick, damp layer of mulch right against plant stems is a perfect pill bug hotel. Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of plants.
Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides. These kill the beneficial insects that help keep your garden balanced, like ground beetles that eat pill bug eggs. They can also harm soil health.
Don’t water in the evening. Watering at night leaves the soil surface damp for hours, giving pill bugs the perfect feeding environment. Water in the early morning instead.
When to Call a Professional
In most cases, you can manage pill bugs yourself. However, consider professional help if:
- You have a severe, persistent infestation inside your home, which could indicate a major moisture issue (like a crawl space leak).
- You’ve tried multiple methods without success and the damage to plants is significant.
- You need help identifying the pest to ensure it’s actually pill bugs and not something else.
A pro can identify entry points and underlying moisture problems you might have missed. They can also apply targeted, longer-lasting barriers if absolutely necessary.
FAQ: Quick Answers About Pill Bugs
Are pill bugs dangerous?
No. They do not bite, sting, or spread disease. They are not harmful to humans or pets. Their main issue is potential plant damage.
Why are there so many in my house?
Pill bugs indoors usually mean there is high moisture somewhere. Check for leaks under sinks, in basements, or in crawl spaces. They often come inside during very dry or very wet weather outside, seeking consistent dampness.
What’s the difference between pill bugs and sow bugs?
They are very similar. The easiest way to tell is that pill bugs can roll into a tight ball, while sow bugs have two tail-like appendages that prevent them from rolling completely. Their control methods are identical.
Do they actually damage gardens?
They prefer decaying matter. But in large numbers, they can feed on seedlings, strawberries, melons, and other fruits touching the soil. They can also nibble on plant roots if the soil is very damp.
What eats pill bugs?
Many creatures consider them a snack. This includes toads, frogs, some birds, centipedes, and certain species of ground beetles. Encouraging these predators can help with natural control.
How do I keep them away permanently?
Focus on long-term habitat modification. Maintain good drainage, keep mulch dry and away from foundations, and eliminate unnecessary ground-level hiding spots. Consistency is more effective than any one-time treatment.
Managing pill bugs is really about managing moisture and clutter. By drying out their world and removing their hiding places, you encourage them to move on or stay at a harmless population level. Start with the simplest steps like cleaning up debris and adjusting your watering schedule—you’ll likely see a noticeable improvement quickly. Remember, a few pill bugs are actually a sign of healthy soil life, so complete eradication isn’t the goal. Balance is.