Where Do Roly Polys Live?

Roly polies must live in damp locations because, like their ocean relatives, they use gill-like structures to exchange gases. They require moist environments to breathe, but cannot survive being submerged in water. They can usually be found in nature under rotting logs or leaves.

Where can I find roly polys?

You will most often find them hiding under logs, leaf piles, stepping stones, landscape timbers, rocks, trash cans, garden debris, flower pots, mulch, compost, or other dark, damp areas. You may also find roly-polies in your storage building, basement, shed, or garage.

Do roly polys live underground?

Because they breathe through gill-like membranes at the rear of their abdomens, roly poly bugs require a constantly moist environment. That's why they stay hidden in burrows beneath the ground or under something solid, like a rock or mulch, during the day.