By Site Ecology Team (SET) and Wildlife and Industry Together (WAIT)
March 09, 2016
We get bombarded daily by ads on television lauding the merits of this pill verses that one. These man-made pills hardly compare to those that Mother Nature has had for centuries. It may bug some of you to see this printed, but there is an ounce of truth behind what is written. It may take a little investigating and searching but you can locate these in your yard or on our campus. You’ll need to focus your attention on damp, moist, protected areas close to the ground. First start looking under mulch, rocks, logs, boards, any good hiding place. Most likely there will be lots of them in all sizes.
You’ve probably guessed by now that I’m talking about: Armadillilium vulgare, better known to your kids as the pillbug, rollie-pollie, rolly-polly or woodlouse. A totally organic pill! Wow! Back to Nature! What fun these little creatures could have with your kids. Just think, a small armadillian-like animal right in your hand. Pillbugs are often found with sowbugs (Porcellio scaber). The best way to tell them apart, besides asking, is if they can’t roll up into a tight ball then they’re sowbugs.
Caution: These animals are classified as small objects and may not be suitable for children under the age of 1 or over 70. Parent supervision is advised to avoid children putting them into mouths, noses, or ears. Seek immediately medical attraction for an insertion lasting more than four hours. Normally, the pill bug will extricate him or herself well before then.
Let's learn a few facts about these isopods:
Are you convinced that Pillbugs are the ideal low maintenance pet for apartment dwellers, shut-ins, and others needing companionship? Few pets take care of themselves to this extent, only requiring a spritzing and vegetable scrapes periodically. They are easily trained to roll up and unroll, providing hours of clean fun.