Pillbugs

Pillbugs in North Carolina

As one of the only crustaceans adapted to live on land, pillbugs are common throughout the United States. Pillbugs and sowbugs are similar-looking pests that are more closely related to shrimp and crayfish than to insects. Often known as roly-polies, pillbugs are able to roll up into a tight ball when disturbed or threatened. They are easily recognized by their back, which is made up of seven hard individual plates. Since pillbugs require moisture, they do not survive indoors for more than a few days unless there are very moist or damp conditions.

Because there are many different types of beetles in North Carolina, they can be difficult to distinguish, however our common beetle species can help with this.

Pillbug Habitat

Pillbugs thrive in moist environments and can be found outdoors under mulch, fallen leaves, and rocks. Pillbugs are nocturnal and require humid conditions during the day. These crustaceans are generally found in moist soil along with sowbugs, millipedes, and earthworms. Pillbugs may leave their natural habitats at night and crawl about over sidewalks, patios, and foundations. They can become a nuisance as they often invade crawl spaces, damp basements, and first floors of structures at ground level.

Pillbug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Pillbugs do not bite or sting and are not known to pose any threats to humans. They do not contaminate food or spread diseases. Pillbugs are mainly a nuisance pest, especially when they venture indoors. They are capable of feeding on tender plant tissue and occasionally cause considerable damage to garden transplants and seedlings. Pillbugs typically enter buildings through door thresholds, especially homes with sliding glass doors on the ground level. Seeing a pillbug in the home usually means that there is a large population outdoors.

If you have a pillbug problem in your North Carolina property, contact your local exterminators.

Pillbug Bites

Pillbugs do not bite or sting – they lack the means to inject venom or cause any harm. They do not contaminate food or spread diseases. When threatened, they roll into a ball as a defensive mechanism, which provides protection from potential predators.

Are Pillbugs Dangerous?

Pillbugs are generally not considered dangerous to humans or animals. However, their attraction to moisture can sometimes lead them to invade homes or gardens in large numbers.

How to Get Rid of Pillbugs?

If you find an abundance of Pillbugs in your garden or home, there are several methods to manage their population:

  • Remove Hiding Places: Clear away debris, logs, rocks, and any other objects in your garden or yard where Pillbugs tend to hide. By doing so, you eliminate their preferred habitats and encourage them to seek shelter elsewhere.
  • Improve Drainage: Ensure that your garden or the area around your home has proper drainage to minimize moisture, which attracts Pillbugs. Fix any leaks or damp areas that may be inviting to them.
  • Natural Predators: Encourage natural predators like birds, toads, and ground beetles in your garden, as they may help keep the Pillbug population in check. These creatures view Pillbugs as a food source and can help control their numbers.
  • Professional Pest Control: In severe infestations, contact your local Bug Out pest control experts to get rid of Pillbugs.

Pillbug Prevention Tips

Taking proactive measures to prevent Pillbug infestations can help maintain protection from these pests:

  • Reduce Moisture: Since Pillbugs are attracted to damp environments, eliminating excess moisture in and around your home can deter them. Fix any leaks, improve ventilation, and ensure proper drainage.
  • Clean Up Garden Debris: Regularly clean up decaying plant material, leaf litter, and organic debris in your garden to minimize potential Pillbug habitats. Removing their food sources can discourage their presence.
  • Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks, gaps, and openings in your home’s foundation, walls, and doors to prevent Pillbugs from entering. This can be particularly important in older homes with more entry points.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are Pillbugs Attracted to?

Pillbugs are attracted to moisture and decaying organic matter. They seek out dark, damp places for shelter and food.

Are Pillbugs the Same as Rolly Pollies?

Yes, “pillbug” is a common name for these creatures, and they are also colloquially referred to as “rolly-pollies” due to their ability to roll into a ball when disturbed. These names are often used interchangeably.

Silverfish

Silverfish in North Carolina

Silverfish and firebrats have enzymes in their gut that digest cellulose, and will inhabit bookcases, closets, and places where books, clothing, starch, or dry foods are available. Both silverfish and firebrats are capable of swift movement and their ability to move sideways or even jump when disturbed. Since the bodies of these insects are flattened, they can find harborage in very small cracks and crevices, even within narrow book bindings, the loose pages of books, and corrugated cardboard.

Because there are many different types of beetles in North Carolina, they can be difficult to distinguish, however our common beetle species can help with this.

Silverfish Habitat

Silverfish consume both carbohydrates and proteins, and can also be cannibalistic, eating cast skins of dead and injured individuals. These nocturnal insects cannot survive without humidity and will hide during the day in high moisture areas like laundry rooms, under kitchen and bathroom sinks, and in crawl spaces. Silverfish are pests of paper, particularly paper with a glazed finish. They are especially fond of the sizing in paper products, which may consist of starch, dextrin, casein, gum, and glue.

Silverfish Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Silverfish do not have wings and instead of moving from place to place by flying, they move in a very quick fish-like manner. If the object they are hiding beneath is moved, they will dart toward another secluded place.  Silverfish do not bite or sting, but they can cause significant damage to personal items and food sources. Silverfish have weak jaws, causing them to scrape instead of bite. Their scraping activity results in holes in fabric and clothing, and discoloration of books, paper products, and wallpaper. Silverfish can contaminate dry foods such as cereals, flour, pasta, and pet food. If you have excess silverfish in your North Carolina property, contact your local exterminators for help.

Silverfish Bites

Silverfish are not known for biting humans or animals. When confronted or disturbed, their primary defense mechanism is to quickly flee from the source of disturbance.

Are Silverfish Dangerous?

In general, silverfish are not considered dangerous to humans or pets in terms of transmitting diseases or inflicting harm but they can cause significant damage to personal items, food sources and structures due to their feeding habits.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish?

If you discover a Silverfish infestation in your home, there are several methods you can employ to manage and control their population:

  • Reduce Humidity: Silverfish thrive in humid environments, so reducing indoor humidity levels can discourage their presence. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas and ensure proper ventilation to decrease moisture buildup.
  • Seal Entry Points: Prevent Silverfish from entering your home by sealing cracks, gaps, and openings in your home’s foundation, walls, and doors. This helps create a barrier that prevents their access.
  • Remove Food Sources: Store food items in airtight containers and remove or secure items rich in carbohydrates, such as paper, glue, and cardboard boxes. Reducing their access to potential food sources can discourage their presence.
  • Professional Pest Control: In severe infestations, you may consider contacting your local Bug Out pest control experts to get rid of silverfish

Silverfish Prevention Tips

Preventing silverfish infestations is key to protecting your property:

  • Keep Areas Dry: Inspect and maintain areas prone to moisture, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Fix any leaks, improve ventilation, and ensure proper drainage to reduce humidity levels.
  • Declutter and Clean: Reduce clutter in storage areas, as clutter provides hiding places for silverfish. Regularly clean and vacuum your home to eliminate potential hiding spots.
  • Store Items Properly: Store books, documents, clothing, and other susceptible items in plastic containers or sealable bags to protect them from silverfish damage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Should I be Worried if I Have Silverfish?

While Silverfish are not harmful to your health, their presence can be concerning due to the potential damage they can cause to personal belongings and structures. If left unchecked, they can multiply and become a larger problem.

Why Should You Kill Silverfish?

Killing Silverfish may be necessary if their presence becomes a significant problem, leading to damage or infestations of personal items and structures. Control measures are often taken to protect your property long term.

How Harmful are Silverfish?

Silverfish are not physically harmful to humans or pets, but they can be harmful to books, paper products, fabrics, and other items they feed on. Their feeding habits can lead to material damage over time if not addressed.

Sowbugs

Sowbugs in North Carolina

Sowbugs and pillbugs are found throughout the United States and because they are similar in appearance, their names are sometimes used interchangeably. Often known as roly-polies, pillbugs are able to roll up into a tight ball when disturbed or threatened. However, the sowbug has a pair of tail-like appendages that project out from the rear of its body, preventing them from rolling up to protect themselves. They are easily recognized by their back, which is made up of a number of hard individual plates. Since sowbugs require moisture, they do not survive indoors for more than a few days unless there are very moist or damp conditions.

Because there are many different types of beetles in North Carolina, they can be difficult to distinguish, however our common beetle species can help with this.

Sowbug Habitat

Sowbugs thrive in moist environments and can be found outdoors under mulch, fallen leaves, and rocks. Sowbugs are nocturnal and require humid conditions during the day. Sowbugs are scavengers and feed mainly on organic matter. They may leave their natural habitats at night and crawl about over sidewalks, patios, and foundations. Sowbugs can become a nuisance as they often invade crawl spaces, damp basements, and first floors of structures at ground level.

Sowbug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Sowbugs are mainly a nuisance pest, especially when they venture indoors. They are harmless to people but can damage the roots of plants when they eat. Sowbugs typically enter buildings through door thresholds, especially homes with sliding glass doors on the ground level. Seeing a sowbug in the home usually means that there is a large population outdoors.. If you suspect a sowbug issue, contact your local pest control company.

Sowbug Bites

Sowbugs are not capable of biting or stinging humans or animals. They lack the specialized mouthparts required for biting, stinging, or injecting venom. When threatened, their primary defense mechanism is to curl up and play dead, which provides them with limited protection.

Are Sowbugs Dangerous?

Sowbugs are generally not considered dangerous to humans or pets and do not transmit diseases. However, they can become problematic if their numbers increase significantly or if they find their way into your home. They are harmless crustaceans that primarily feed on decaying organic matter, helping in the decomposition process.

How to Get Rid of Sowbugs?

If you find a sowbug infestation in your home or garden, there are several methods to control their population:

  • Remove Hiding Places: Clear away debris, logs, rocks, and other items in your garden or yard where Sowbugs tend to hide. By eliminating their preferred habitats, you can encourage them to relocate.
  • Reduce Moisture: Since Sowbugs thrive in damp environments, reducing moisture levels in and around your home is crucial. Fix leaks, improve drainage, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas.
  • Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks, gaps, and openings in your home’s foundation, walls, and doors to prevent sowbugs from entering.
  • Professional Pest Control: In severe infestations, you may consider contacting our expert pest control professionals to get rid of Sowbugs.

Sowbug Prevention Tips

Taking proactive measures to prevent Sowbug infestations is crucial for protecting your property from pests:

  • Remove Debris: Regularly clean up leaf litter, decaying plant material, and organic debris in your garden or yard to eliminate potential sowbug habitats.
  • Improve Ventilation: Proper ventilation can help reduce humidity levels in your home, making it less attractive to sowbugs.
  • Seal Cracks and Crevices: Seal any gaps or openings in your home’s foundation, walls, or doors to prevent Sowbugs from entering.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Are Sowbugs the Same as Rolly Pollies?

Sowbugs are often colloquially referred to as “rolly-pollies” due to their similar appearance to another group of terrestrial crustaceans known as Pillbugs. While Sowbugs and Pillbugs share some similarities, they are distinct species with a few differences in behavior and morphology. Both have segmented bodies and the ability to roll into a ball when threatened, but Sowbugs typically have flatter bodies and less pronounced segments compared to Pillbugs. In casual conversation, people may use the terms interchangeably, but they are technically different creatures.

What Attracts Sowbugs?

Sowbugs are attracted to specific environmental conditions and food sources:

  • Moisture: Sowbugs thrive in damp and humid environments. Excess moisture in gardens, mulch beds, or basements can attract them. They are most active at night when humidity levels are higher.
  • Decaying Organic Matter: Sowbugs primarily feed on decaying plant material, such as dead leaves, wood, and other organic debris. Gardens with decomposing vegetation are attractive habitats for sowbugs.
  • Dark and Sheltered Areas: Sowbugs prefer hiding during the day to avoid drying out and becoming prey to predators. They seek refuge under rocks, logs, debris, or in cracks and crevices.
  • Warmth: While Sowbugs are more active in cooler temperatures, they may also be attracted to sources of warmth during colder seasons, such as the interior of buildings or homes.