Hobbies And Interests
Pillbug Information
Adult pillbugs reach a length of approximately three-eighths of an inch long. Their elongated bodies are slate-gray and have an armor-like covering with several segments. Like aquatic crustaceans, pillbugs breathe through gill-like structures and they must live in moist places to breathe. Common outdoor habitats include compost piles, under rocks, logs, leaves or other items on the ground.
The female pillbug carries her eggs in a brood pouch under her body. Once the young hatch, they are fully self-sufficient. Pillbugs molt, like many other arthropods. Molting involves shedding their exoskeleton to reveal a new one. Pillbugs may live up to three years and produce up to three broods of young every year.
Typical Food
The pillbug's typical food source comes from dead plant material and other decaying natural matter. Grass clippings, decomposing mulch and decaying leaf litter are favorite sources of food. Because of this, they are important in helping break down these items, which in turn release nutrients into the soil.
Other Foods
Aside from decaying organic matter, pillbugs may also eat tender parts of garden transplants and other young or bedding plants. Tender parts of the plant include foliage, stems and roots. Cucumbers on the ground may also be an ideal food source; the small pillbugs will scrape the outside of the cucumber, which can result in blemished or otherwise deformed fruits. They can occasionally cause a considerable amount of damage to young and tender plants.
Pest Status
The pillbug is not medically significant and rarely causes problems. They will occasionally invade homes. A number of pillbugs in the home generally means a large population outside. Using a broom and dustpan to sweep up inside invaders is usually sufficient. Ridding your home of any hiding places can also help. These arthropods sometimes live in the bottoms of potted plants. Check your plants before bringing them indoors.