Get Pillbugs Out of Your Basement for Good

Finding roly-polies curled up in your basement, laundry room, or under mulch? Pillbugs and sowbugs are moisture-loving pests that signal bigger problems. Our moisture-targeted treatment eliminates them and addresses the conditions bringing them in.

Their presence signals hidden moisture problems in your home
Moisture problems can lead to mold and wood rot damage
Populations grow quickly in Michigan's damp conditions
5-Star Rating
500+ Homes Protected
Honorable Pest Control truck ready for pillbug treatment

What Are Pillbugs?

Believe it or not, those roly-polies in your basement are actually crustaceans — more closely related to shrimp than insects.

Land Crustaceans

Pillbugs and sowbugs are the only crustaceans that live entirely on land. Gray, oval, and about half an inch long, pillbugs roll into a ball when disturbed while sowbugs cannot.

Moisture Dependent

They breathe through gill-like structures and need constant moisture to survive. This is why they gravitate to basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and areas under mulch and landscaping.

Moisture Warning Sign

Finding pillbugs indoors is a red flag for moisture issues. The same damp conditions that attract them can also cause mold growth, wood rot, and foundation problems.

Signs of a Pillbug Problem

These signs mean pillbugs have found the moisture they need in or around your home.

Roly-Polies in Basement

Gray, armored bugs found on basement floors, especially in corners, along walls, and near floor drains.

Under Mulch Clusters

Large numbers of pillbugs found when you move mulch, landscape fabric, flower pots, or decorative stones near your foundation.

Bathroom Sightings

Pillbugs appearing in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens — anywhere with consistent moisture sources.

Dead Ones Indoors

Finding dried-out, dead pillbugs on basement floors or in corners — they wandered in but couldn't find enough moisture to survive.

After Rain Surges

Sudden increases in pillbug numbers inside after heavy rain events as outdoor populations get flooded and seek shelter.

Foundation Congregations

Pillbugs gathering along your foundation wall, under siding, and around basement window wells.

Pillbugs in Michigan Homes

Michigan's climate creates ideal conditions for pillbug problems. Our frequent rain, humid summers, and homes with basements provide everything pillbugs need. Spring snowmelt saturates the soil around foundations, driving pillbugs inside. Many Michigan homes have landscaping with mulch beds right against the foundation — a perfect highway for pillbugs to travel from your yard into your home. Older homes with foundation cracks and gaps are especially vulnerable. Fall rain events cause another surge as outdoor populations seek shelter from flooding. Without professional treatment, the cycle repeats every year.

Ann Arbor Area

Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, and surrounding communities

Jackson Area

Jackson, Brooklyn, Manchester, Grass Lake, and surrounding communities

Lansing Area

Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, and surrounding communities

Our 3-Step Pillbug Elimination Process

We attack the problem from both sides — eliminating existing populations and cutting off the moisture that attracts them.

1
Moisture & Entry Point Assessment

We inspect your basement, foundation, crawl space, and landscaping to identify every moisture source and entry point bringing pillbugs into your home.

2
Interior & Exterior Treatment

We apply targeted treatments to basement perimeters, foundation walls, entry points, and exterior harborage areas where pillbugs congregate and breed.

3
Moisture Reduction & Barrier

We provide specific recommendations for reducing moisture and modifying landscaping near your foundation, plus apply a residual perimeter barrier for long-term prevention.

Honorable Pest Control professional pillbug treatment

Why Choose Honorable Pest Control

Licensed & Insured

Fully licensed Michigan pest control professionals with comprehensive insurance coverage.

Root Cause Approach

We address the moisture issues attracting pillbugs — not just the pests themselves.

Fast Response

Same-day and next-day appointments available to address your pillbug problem quickly.

5-Star Rated

Over 200 five-star reviews from Michigan homeowners who trust us to protect their homes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pillbug Control

What are pillbugs and sowbugs?

They are crustaceans (related to shrimp), not insects. Pillbugs roll into a ball when disturbed; sowbugs cannot. Both are gray, about half an inch long, and need constant moisture to survive.

Are pillbugs harmful to my home or family?

They don't bite, sting, or carry diseases. But their presence indoors indicates moisture problems that could lead to mold, wood rot, or foundation issues. They are a warning sign worth addressing.

Why are pillbugs in my basement?

Pillbugs breathe through gill-like structures and need constant moisture. Basements provide damp, dark conditions. They enter through foundation cracks and gaps, often traveling along mulch beds near your foundation.

Will reducing moisture get rid of pillbugs?

Reducing moisture helps but usually isn't enough for established populations. Pillbugs can survive in micro-pockets of moisture. Professional treatment combines moisture reduction with targeted products for complete elimination.

When are pillbugs most active in Michigan?

Most active spring through fall, with peak indoor invasions during wet spring months (April-June) and fall (September-October). Heavy rain drives them indoors. They can remain active year-round in heated basements.

Same-day service available

Ready for a Pillbug-Free Basement?

Stop finding roly-polies crawling across your basement floor. Let us solve the problem and the moisture issue behind it.

Call (734) 436-3017
5.0 Rating
Licensed & Insured
500+Homes Protected