What type of pest is a sowbug or pillbug, and what do they primarily feed on?

Sowbugs and pillbugs are types of terrestrial crustaceans that belong to the order Isopoda. They are commonly referred to as "roly-polies" due to their ability to roll into a ball. These creatures primarily feed on decaying vegetable and plant matter, making them important decomposers in the ecosystem. They help in breaking down organic material, which enriches the soil and promotes healthy plant growth.

The specificity of their diet on decaying plant matter is crucial because they thrive in humid environments, often found under leaf litter, logs, or stones, which provides them the necessary moisture and the organic material they require for nourishment. Understanding their feeding habits is essential in pest management, particularly in residential and commercial settings, where they might be mistaken for other pests but actually play beneficial roles in the environment.