Roly Polies (Pillbugs): Crustaceans in Your Garden
Pillbugs are usually harmless, but they can destroy seedlings. Learn why these land crustaceans invade homes and how to manage them without poison.
Kids love them. You poke them, they roll into a perfect ball. Roly Polies (or Pillbugs) are cute.
Fun fact: They aren't insects. They are crustaceans. They are land-shrimp. That's why they have gills and need constant moisture to breathe.
When "Cute" becomes a problem
Usually, they just eat dead leaves. They are composters. But if the population explodes (usually after heavy rains), they run out of dead food and start eating live food.
I've seen them strip the skin off young cucumber seedlings or eat strawberries right on the vine.
Why they are entering your house
If you find them crawling across your living room floor, it's an accident. They don't want to be there. It's too dry. They usually wander in under a loose door sweep and then dehydrate and die within 24 hours.
You don't need poison
If you have a million of them, don't spray the house. Rake the mulch.
Pull the mulch and wet leaves back 6 inches from your foundation. Without that damp bridge, they can't cross the dry concrete to get to your door. If they are eating your strawberries, elevate the fruit off the ground with straw or plastic supports.