Sowbugs Information and Treatment Guidelines

Sow bugs are normally found on moist areas, under vegetable debris and under objects in damp areas. Pill bugs and Sow bugs can be present world wide and are the only crustaceans those can spend their whole life on land. Sow Bugs and pill bugs have oval body when viewed from above and back consists of a huge number of overlapping, articulating plates.

Questions & Answers

How do you tell sow bugs and pill bugs apart?

Sow bugs cannot roll up into a tight ball like and has two tail-like appendages. But a pill bug can roll up into a tight ball and does not have tail-like appendages.

Do sow bugs and pill bugs live indoors?

Sow bugs and pill bugs do not live for long as they quickly dry out. If they are found at damp basements and first floor than it is sure that they are present in large numbers in the soil and under plants outside the house.

What do sow bugs and pill bugs eat?

Sow bugs and pillbugs live on decaying vegetable material.

Are sow bugs / pill bugs active in the winter?

No, sow bugs and pill bugs are inactive during winter but can be present at artificially heated buildings such as greenhouses.

What are the breeding habits of sow bugs / pill bugs?

Depending on the environmental conditions there can be one or two generation of sow bugs and pill bugs in a year. The female sow bug has a pouch called marsupium on the underside of the body that contains its young ones and gives birth to many white living young.

What can I do to prevent a sow bug / pill bug infestation?

Control the moisture level in basements or crawlspaces, rep air any cracks or openings into your home as excess moisture attracts sow burgs. Remove - leaves, grass clippings, mulch, boards, stones and similar material that are near to the building because they can harbour sow bugs and pill bugs.

Preparation Guidelines for a Sowbug / Pillbug Treatment

1. To have full control, carry out crack and crevice application to damp areas where. Outside, treat around the perimeter and to dark moist areas such as under porches, in window wells, around rock gardens etc.

2. Vacate the areas.

3.   Do not enter in the areas during treatment and after for minimum of 4 hours or until the product dry.

4.   After re-entry if possible open windows and doors for about 20 minutes.

5.Pregnant women, infants and people suffering from heart, kidney, and other such major ailments should consult doctor before service and if possible avoid the areas for at least 24 hours.