How to Identify Pill Bugs

Pill bugs are generally harmless pests that live in leaf matter and sometimes venture into your house if it gets too hot outside. You may be frightened at the appearance of an unidentified pest, but these particular bugs are unlikely to cause any trouble. Here's how to identify the insect.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Examine the bug. Pill bugs are about 1/4-inch long, and look like little gray pills with tiny legs.

2. Poke the pest gently with a stick or other object. A pill bug rolls into a ball when disturbed.

3. Look at a photo of a pill bug to confirm that your "infestation" is only a pill-bug migration.

4. Catch the bug and take it outside to release it. You can catch it by placing a glass over it and sliding an index card under the glass.

Tips & Warnings

• Pill bugs are harmless so there’s no need to worry about being bitten or stung. Your children might even like feeling the little legs on their hands or making the pill bug curl up into a ball.
• Do not pick up a strange bug unless you are absolutely sure it is harmless.