Pill Bugs | Des Moines, IA

Q: What does a pill bug look like?

Also known as 'roly-polies,' pill bugs are distinct in that they are oval, dark brown or black, and are approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size.

Q: How often do pill bugs reproduce?

The female reproduction cycle takes about three to nine weeks, producing upwards of two dozen offspring in each cycle. A pill bug's lifespan is about two years.

Q: How do you prevent a pill bug infestation?

These pests just might make their way into your home if they find a space with optimal moisture. To prevent this, ensure firewood and planters are stacked off of the ground and gutters are draining away from a home's foundation.

What Does A Pill Bug Look Like?

Also known as 'roly-polies,' pill bug appearance is distinct in that they are oval, dark brown or black in color, and are approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size.

Where Do Pill Bugs Typically Live?

Pill bugs prefer to live in areas that are extremely moist. Due to their body's inability to hold water, pill bugs prefer to hide throughout the day to avoid the sun. Therefore, they are most active at night. Pill bugs prefer to live in flowerbed mulch, which is why it is not uncommon to find them around or under flowerpots and trashcans. As for a pill bug's diet, these pests tend to eat vegetables or other rotting vegetation.

How Frequently Do Pill Bugs Reproduce?

The female pill bug reproduction cycle takes approximately three to nine weeks, producing upwards of two dozen offspring in each cycle. The young pill bugs spend about three to nine days within the female's pouch. Once leaving the pouch, pill bugs go through four or five intervals to reach maturity. A pill bug's life span is about two years.

How Do You Prevent A Pill Bug Infestation?

Pill bugs do not bite humans and are usually no more than a nuisance pest. More often than not, indoor environments are not moist enough for them. However, it is not abnormal for them to make their way into homes if they find a space with optimal moisture. To prevent these pests from making their way in, ensure that firewood and planters are stacked off of the ground and gutters are draining away from a home's foundation.