Roly-polies aren’t insects at all. They’re land-dwelling crustaceans, more closely related to shrimp than to bugs. They need moisture to survive, so seeing lots of them means there’s too much water near the house.
Which one do you have?
- Pillbugs. Gray, armored, and roll into a tight ball when touched.
- Sowbugs. Look almost the same, but have two small tail-like points and can’t roll up.
Where they come from
- Mulch and damp soil against the foundation
- Under potted plants and planters
- Near drip emitters and leaky irrigation
- Under doormats, boards, and stones
They aren’t harmful, but large numbers point to a moisture problem near your foundation.
What our treatment does
We treat around your foundation and the damp spots where they gather, and point out the moisture sources that are drawing them in.
What treatment can’t do
We’ll be straight with you: wet soil and mulch will keep producing more. Reducing moisture near the house is what keeps them away.
What actually helps
- Water less near the house. Adjust drip emitters and sprinklers away from the foundation.
- Raise the pots. Set planters on pot feet so the ground underneath can dry.
- Pull back the mulch. Keep a dry strip between mulch and the walls.
- Clear the hiding spots. Lift doormats, boards, and stones off the ground, and keep firewood up off the soil.
- Seal the doors. Door sweeps keep wanderers from coming inside.
Still seeing them in the garden?
Roly-polies mostly eat decaying plants, but in large numbers they’ll nibble seedlings and soft fruit like strawberries. Watering in the morning lets the soil surface dry by evening, when they come out to feed.
Common questions
Do roly-polies bite or carry disease?
No. Pillbugs and sowbugs don’t bite, sting, or spread disease, and they don’t damage homes.
Why are roly-polies coming inside?
They wander in from damp soil and mulch near the foundation, usually under doors. Indoors, it’s too dry for them, so most die within a few days.
Do roly-polies hurt plants?
Mostly they eat decaying plant matter, which helps break down mulch and leaves. In large numbers, though, they’ll nibble seedlings and soft fruit like strawberries that sit on damp soil.
Tips and tricks
Do the board test. Lay a damp board or flat stone on the ground overnight near where you see them. Check underneath in the morning. A crowd under the board tells you that spot is staying too wet.
Protect new plants
- Start seedlings in pots and plant them out once they’re sturdier.
- Keep ripening fruit off the soil with straw or a small plant stand.
- Clear dead leaves and plant debris from garden beds.
Get help with roly-polies
Finding pillbugs or sowbugs inside? We’ll treat where they gather and help you fix the moisture that’s drawing them in.
Other pests we handle: Scorpions, Cockroaches, Ants, Spiders, Rodents, Crickets, Stinging Insects, Bed Bugs, Flies & Gnats, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Fleas, Beetles, Centipedes & Millipedes, Silverfish. See the full pest library.