Pillbugs or roly-poly and sowbugs though similar are different bugs that fall into the pest category of occasional invaders. Sowbugs and pillbugs are crustaceans and are closely related to crayfish and shrimp, more so than to insects.

Often confused with sowbugs, one of the distinct differences between sowbugs and pillbugs is that a Pillbug has the ability to roll its body up into a ball resembling a small pill; a Sowbug does not roll into a ball.

Pillbugs prefer damp areas, which is why they are often found invading homes through openings close to patio doors, laundry rooms and basements. These bugs feed on decaying vegetation most often found in mulched areas around homes. The damp conditions and decaying organic debris are contributing factors for several occasional invaders such as millipedes. Elimination procedures for Pillbugs parallel those for millipedes and sowbugs.

Pillbug Elimination

If contributing conditions such as excess moisture can be controlled, it would be a great aid in Pillbug elimination. In many cases found close to flower beds, gardens, flower pots, landscaping, swimming pools, ponds or any heavily mulched area, a good insecticide spray is to be used.
The best sprays for infestations of Pillbugs are Demon WP or Talstar. Demon WP (a Cypermethrin insecticide concentrate) is a wettable powder that gives longer residual on solid objects such as your home's exterior walls. Talstar is an excellent liquid concentrate that is easier to apply if you need to broadcast large areas of flower beds and landscaped areas or even lawns.
In some heavy or stubborn infestations, a combination of insecticide dust and a granular product might be needed with your insecticide spray. Granular insecticides (Talstar Granules or DeltaGard Granules) can be broadcast in mulched areas and the soil around the home. Delta Dust can be applied to cracks, crevices and entry points inside the home or basement, using a crusader duster.

Pillbugs Millipedes Occasional Invaders Pest Control Pests

Sowbugs