Habits & Behavior

Pillbugs remain inactive under objects during the day in order to minimize water loss. They often stay under trash, boards, rocks, flower pots, piles of grass clippings, flower-bed mulches and other decaying vegetation. They stay in these areas of high moisture because their bodily structures leave them vulnerable to water loss. Rollie pollies are most active at ngiht. They occasionally enter buildings and homes via door thresholds.

Pillbug eggs hatch from a brood pouch on the underside of the female’s body. The eggs develop and hatch in about 45 days. After this period, the young pillbugs emerge from the pouch. On average, there are about 28 pill bugs in each brood. Young pillbugs molt twice within the first 2-3 weeks of their life. After that, they molt irregularly depending on the availability of food and other resources. The lifespan of a pillbug is about 2 years.