What Are Sowbugs? 

Sowbugs are closely related to pillbugs and are a type of land-living crustacean. They have a hard oval-shaped body that is segmented and can grow to between a half and three-quarters of an inch in length. Sowbugs have two small tail-like appendages at their rear.

Sowbugs are scavengers and feed on a variety of decaying vegetation. They are common in areas where there is a lot of excess moisture, including in garden areas and the soil located around the foundation of homes and other buildings. 

Sowbug Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are sowbugs dangerous?

Like the pillbug, the most common threat caused by large populations of sowbugs is that they can damage young plants. Sowbugs pose no real threat to people. They don’t bite or spread disease. They also don’t cause damage to the structure of buildings. Though not dangerous, sowbugs should not be allowed in homes; they are a nuisance and don’t belong living indoors. 

Why do I have a sowbug problem?

Sowbugs are problematic to properties that have areas of moisture where they can live comfortably. Things like clogged gutters, leaky pipes, low-lying areas, moist soil, and overwatered gardens provide the moist habitats that sowbugs crave.

Where will I find sowbugs?

Sowbugs are nocturnal and spend their days hiding in dark, damp areas like gardens and under piles of leaves, compost, stones, and trash or recycling bins. 

Emerging at night to scavenge for food, they often find their way indoors through gaps in the foundation and under basement doors. 

Sowbugs also move inside when the weather becomes too hot and dry. With high moisture needs, sowbugs will migrate to areas with plenty of moisture. 

If you are finding large numbers of sowbugs in your home, it is more than likely that there are many more sowbugs living outside near your home. 

How do I get rid of sowbugs?

Locally owned and family operated, All-Safe Pest & Termite is the best choice to get rid of sowbugs from your home or business. We offer fast response times and peace of mind knowing that your pest problems will be solved and won’t return. Our experienced professionals provide top-quality pest control services using the latest and most effective products to eliminate sowbugs from Dallas properties. Discover why your neighbors choose All-Safe Pest & Termite for their pest control needs. Give us a call today!

How can I prevent sowbugs in the future?

Prevent problems with sowbugs by partnering with All-Safe Pest & Termite and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Create a barrier between any mulch or soil and your home’s foundation. Use crushed rock to make sure that damp soil and mulch aren’t making direct contact with the exterior of your house.
• Keep gutters clear, so they are working to direct rainwater away from the foundation of your home.
• Cut back dense shrubbery from the exterior of your home, so the sun can keep the soil around the perimeter dry.
• Place compost bins, trash cans, and recycling bins off the ground and store them away from the outside of your home.
• Seal spaces in the foundation of your home.
• Repair gaps that have developed under exterior doors.
• If your home has a basement, use dehumidifiers to keep your basement dry and make it less attractive to sowbugs.