How to Get Rid of Pill Bugs: A Complete Guide to Pill Bug Control
Pill bugs—also known as roly-polies, woodlice, or armadillidiidae—are small, hard-shelled crustaceans commonly found in damp, dark environments. While they’re harmless to humans, they can quickly become a nuisance in homes and gardens, especially during wet or humid weather.
If you're noticing pill bugs invading your basement, crawling in your garden beds, or appearing under sinks and door thresholds, this guide will walk you through how to get rid of pill bugs and keep them from coming back.
How to Get Rid of Pill Bugs in the House
Pill bugs typically sneak indoors through:
- Gaps under doors
- Foundation cracks
- Crawl spaces or vent openings
- Basement windows
Once inside, they seek out moist, dark areas—especially under sinks, in laundry rooms, or near leaking pipes.
Seal Your Home Against Pill Bugs
To help prevent pill bugs from entering your home, start by using weather stripping on doors and windows to block small gaps they can crawl through. Seal any cracks in your foundation with caulk to eliminate hidden entry points, and install fine-mesh screens over vents to keep pests out while maintaining airflow. Additionally, keep firewood stacks and leaf piles away from exterior walls, as these damp, shaded areas create ideal hiding spots for pill bugs and other moisture-loving pests.
Control Indoor Moisture
Pill bugs thrive in humidity. Use:
- Dehumidifiers in basements or crawl spaces
- Proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens
- Regular checks for plumbing leaks
Safe Indoor Treatments
To safely treat pill bugs indoors, start by vacuuming any visible pests to remove them quickly and efficiently. Next, apply diatomaceous earth around baseboards, windows, and other entry points—this natural powder dehydrates and kills pill bugs without using harsh chemicals. For more persistent infestations, you can use indoor-safe insecticides specifically labeled for pill bugs, applying them as spot treatments in problem areas. Always follow label directions and keep products away from pets and children.
Does Vinegar Kill Pill Bugs?
Many homeowners wonder if vinegar is an effective DIY pill bug killer. While vinegar can deter some pests, its effect on pill bugs is minimal.
Pros and Cons of Using Vinegar:
- ✅ Natural and non-toxic
- ❌ Not strong enough to kill pill bugs on contact
- ❌ Doesn’t provide lasting results
Other Natural Remedies:
- Diatomaceous Earth: Cuts through the bug’s exoskeleton and dehydrates them
- Essential Oils: Peppermint and tea tree oil sprays may help repel them
- Traps: Roll up damp newspaper to attract and dispose of them
How to Get Rid of Pill Bugs in the Garden
Your garden is a paradise for pill bugs. They feed on decaying organic matter and hide under mulch, leaves, or stones.
Why Pill Bugs Love Gardens
Pill bugs are naturally attracted to gardens because they thrive in environments with excess mulch, overwatered soil, and compost piles located near the home. These conditions provide the moisture and organic debris they need to survive and reproduce. Additionally, cool, shaded areas filled with leaf litter or garden debris create ideal hiding spots, making gardens a perfect habitat for pill bugs to flourish.
Pill Bug Control in the Garden:
- Avoid thick layers of mulch
- Water in the morning to let soil dry by night
- Elevate garden beds and improve drainage
- Store compost away from the house and turn regularly
Are Pill Bugs Good or Bad for Gardens?
Pill bugs play a beneficial role in breaking down organic matter. However, in large numbers, they may start feeding on young seedlings or fruit lying on moist soil.
What Causes a Pill Bug Infestation?
Pill bugs don’t randomly appear—they’re drawn to:
- Excess moisture
- Organic material like leaves, mulch, or dead plants
- Shaded, cool spots along the home’s foundation
Poor yard drainage, overwatering, or improper gutter flow can create an ideal habitat for these moisture-loving pests.
Where Do Pill Bugs Come From?
Pill bugs live outdoors in moist environments. However, when conditions get too wet—or too dry—they look for shelter indoors.
Their Life Cycle
Pill bugs lay their eggs in moist soil, where they typically hatch in about two weeks. These pests are most active during the spring and fall seasons, preferring cooler and damper conditions. Being nocturnal creatures, pill bugs usually go unnoticed during the day, which often allows their populations to grow significantly before homeowners become aware of an infestation.
Are Pill Bugs Harmful?
Pill bugs are more of a nuisance than a threat, as they do not bite or sting and do not infest food. They are generally harmless and safe to have around both pets and humans.
In large numbers, however, they can damage:
- Seedlings and root vegetables
- Paper or cardboard stored in damp areas
- Wall voids and insulation (if moisture is unchecked)
Pill Bug Prevention Tips
The best pill bug control is preventing moisture buildup around your home.
Landscaping Tips:
- Trim bushes and rake leaves away from the foundation
- Avoid placing mulch directly against exterior walls
- Elevate garden beds and improve soil drainage
Home Maintenance Tips:
- Check for cracks in foundation, siding, and door frames
- Clear gutters and ensure proper downspout flow
- Install vent fans in attics, basements, and bathrooms
Pill Bugs vs. Sow Bugs: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse pill bugs with sow bugs. Here’s how to tell them apart:
When to Call a Professional Exterminator
If you’ve tried DIY pill bug control without success, it might be time to call a pro.
Signs You Need Help:
- Recurring indoor sightings despite sealing entry points
- Pill bugs damaging garden plants
- Evidence of moisture issues that promote infestations
What to Expect from Professional Pill Bug Control:
- Full home inspection
- Moisture management recommendations
- Safe, effective treatment plans customized for your space
Solve Your Pill Bug Problem With Affinity Pest Control
At Affinity Pest Control, we specialize in moisture pest control, including pill bugs. Our team knows how to treat the source of the problem, not just the symptoms.
We proudly serve Nampa, Middleton, Star, and the surrounding area. Contact Affinity Pest Control today for a free quote and keep your home pill bug-free—inside and out!