How to identify and get rid of sowbugs

What looks like a cross between a millipede and an armadillo but is closer related to lobsters than insects? Sowbugs!

Sowbugs are soil-dwelling crustaceans that feed on dead or decaying plants in your yard. Even though they mean no harm to us, they can often become a nuisance pest in our homes, garages, basements, or sheds. If there is moisture and decaying organic matter to chew on, you can bet that sowbugs will be there.

Sowbugs are the pillbug cousins that can't curl into a ball. While pillbugs get the cute name of roly-polies, sowbugs are content with their inflexible ways. They rely on their armored exoskeleton to protect them and scurry under rocks, logs, cinderblocks, flower pots, or anywhere cool and moist.

With their flat, segmented body and grey armored exoskeleton, Sowbugs are pretty easy to identify. They also have seven pairs of legs, two pairs of antennae, and two tail-like appendages from their backside.

One big way to tell the difference between a pillbug and a sowbug is that sowbugs can't roll into a ball for defense.

How big are sowbugs?

Sowbugs grow to be about half an inch to two-thirds of an inch long.

What other pest looks like a sowbug?

Pillbugs are the most similar pests; they look almost identical but have a more rounded body shape, and they can roll up into a ball when disturbed, which sowbugs cannot do.

Sowbugs are found throughout the US. They prefer cool and moist areas near the soil, so you'll find them in gardens or underneath objects. You can sometimes spot them in garages, basements, or under kitchen sinks.

Sowbugs can sometimes become a problem in our homes or gardens, but they don't do a whole lot of damage to our plants or structures. If you find a lot of sowbugs in your garage, basement, or under a sink, it probably means you have a moisture problem first.

Since sowbugs are decomposers, they only occur after decaying plants or organic matter. They have to be in high moisture to survive, so they won't live very long if they accidentally make it inside your home.

Here are a few ways you can prevent or reduce sowbugs from coming inside:

• Reduce moisture by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers.
• Clean up by removing leaf litter and debris around your home.
• Seal entry points to prevent them from coming indoors.
• Improve ventilation in damp areas of your home.

You can always vacuum or sweep up sowbugs if you find them in your home.

Check out Pestie's DIY pest control plan that gives you pro-grade solutions delivered to your door without spending a fortune.