Description:

Adults grow to about 3/8 inch long, have a number of rounded body segments and seven pairs of legs. Sowbugs possess a pair of tail-like structures on the back end of the body. Pillbugs do not have these structures and are capable of rolling into a tight ball when disturbed.

Life Cycle:

Females lay eggs that they carry in a pouch underneath the body. Eggs hatch into young pillbugs that resemble adults but are smaller. They remain in the pouch up to 2 months after hatching. Development to adults occurs in about a year and they breed mainly in the spring. They may live up to 3 years. Up to three broods may be produced annually.

Pest Status:

Mainly a nuisance, particularly when they venture indoors; capable of feeding on tender plant tissue and occasionally causing considerable damage to garden transplants and seedlings.

Control:

If contributing conditions such as excess moisture can be controlled, it would be a great aid in Pillbug elimination. If found close to flower beds, gardens, flower pots, landscaping, swimming pools, ponds or any heavily mulched area, a good insecticide spray can be used.