| Scientific name | Armadillidium vulgare |
|---|---|
| Group | Centipedes, Millipedes & Crawlers |
| Size | 8–14 mm (up to about 0.55 in) |
| Colors | Gray and Black |
| Legs | 14 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Garden or plants and Basement or garage |
| Most active | Spring, Summer and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Harmless |
How to identify it
The pill bug is a small member of the centipedes, millipedes & crawlers group. Wingless ground crawlers, many with far more than six legs. Check for these three features:
- Gray, armored, segmented body with seven pairs of legs
- Rolls into a ball when touched
- Found under stones, pots and mulch
About this bug
A small land crustacean that rolls into a tight ball when disturbed, also called a roly-poly. It eats decaying plant matter in damp soil and mulch.
You'll usually find pill bugs in gardens and on plants and in basements and garages. They are most active in spring, summer and fall.
Is it dangerous?
Pill bugs are harmless and only occasionally nibble seedlings.
Our rating: Harmless, meaning it poses no real threat to people, pets or property.
When you'll see pill bugs
Pill Bugs are most active in spring, summer and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: garden or plants and basement or garage.
About centipedes, millipedes & crawlers
The pill bug is one of the centipedes, millipedes & crawlers. This group gathers wingless crawlers that people often lump together: centipedes, millipedes, silverfish, earwigs, springtails, booklice and pill bugs. Most need high humidity to survive and dry out quickly in dry air.
Because moisture is the common thread, a dehumidifier and fixed leaks often do more than any insecticide.
Should you get rid of it?
No control is needed. Pill Bugs are not pests, and many help by eating other insects or pollinating plants. If one is indoors, move it outside with a cup and a sheet of paper.
Bugs that look similar
Size: Millipedes are larger, reaching 40 mm, while pill bugs top out around 14 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a pill bug look like?
Gray, armored, segmented body with seven pairs of legs. Adults measure 8–14 mm (up to about 0.55 in).
Does the pill bug bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Pill bugs are harmless and only occasionally nibble seedlings.
Where do pill bugs live?
Pill Bugs live in gardens and on plants and in basements and garages.
When are pill bugs most active?
Mostly in spring, summer and fall.