Pill Bug Control

Pill bugs, sometimes referred to as roly-polies, are commonly found in Arizona, during the monsoon season. These strange looking critters are considered to be harmless to humans, but they can pose a challenge for homes and gardens.

Identification, Behavior, Habitat and Food

Pill bugs can be easily identified by their oval or pill-shaped, body comprised of distinct, horizontal segments from front to back, along their top side. They also have multiple pairs of legs underneath.

Most often gray or brown in color, pill bugs have an ingenious defense mechanism… they are able to curl up into a ball when they feel threatened.

Like millipedes, pill bugs can be found in damp, dark places underneath debris such as leaves, rocks or fallen trees. Their diet consists of decomposing plant matter.

Professional Pest Control

To get the job done right, consider hiring a professional pest control company. As a licensed pest control company, the Beekeeper has access to more powerful chemicals and can provide ongoing treatment to prevent further infestations.

Chemical Control

If prevention measures are not sufficient, chemical control may be necessary. Use bait or dust formulations labeled for pill bug control and follow the instructions carefully. Thus, our technicians can apply the product in areas where pill bugs are most likely to congregate, such as under rocks, logs, or in mulch.

Baits

Pill bug baits contain attractants that lure the pests to the product. They typically contain an insecticide that kills the pill bugs when ingested. Our technicians can place the bait in shallow containers or trays and replace them regularly as needed.

Dusts

Pill bug dusts are applied to areas where the pests are known to harbor. The dust particles stick to the insects’ bodies and absorb into their exoskeletons, killing them over time. Dusts are applied in crevices, cracks, and other hiding spots.

Natural Control

There are several natural methods our technicians can use to control pill bugs in Arizona

Diatomaceous earth

This powdery substance is made from fossilized algae and can be sprinkled around areas where pill bugs are active. It acts as a desiccant, drying out the pests’ bodies and killing them.

Borax

Borax is a type of salt, that is powdery white in appearance. Combined with sugar or honey, it can be used as a bait that attracts pill bugs. However, borax can be toxic to pets or children if ingested in significant quantities.

Rosemary oil

Pill bugs are repelled by the smell of rosemary oil. Thus, our technicians can use rosemary oil throughout your home by putting drops of it on cotton balls  and left in areas where these pests can be found.

Prevention

Once the infestation is eradicated, here are a few things that can be done to prevent pill bugs from entering your home or garden:

• Identify cracks and gaps in your foundation, windows, and doors, then seal them.
• Dispose of any leaves piled up on your property or any other debris from around your home.
• Keep your yard well-drained and avoid over watering plants.
• Use gravel or mulch instead of bark in gardens and flower beds.
• Reduce moisture levels in crawl spaces and basements.

Pill bug extermination in Arizona requires a combination of prevention, chemical control, and natural remedies. By contacting the pill bug pest control experts at the Beekeeper, we can effectively eliminate these pests from your home or garden.