Sowbugs and pillbugs are the only crustaceans that have completely adapted to spending their whole life on land. They have oval bodies, convex above and flat or hollow beneath. The common pillbug and the dooryard sowbug are worldwide in distribution. They like moist locations and are found under objects on damp ground, as well as under vegetable debris of all kinds. They are mostly active at night.

Questions & Answers

How do you tell sowbugs and pillbugs apart?

Sowbugs can be separated from the pillbugs by the fact that they cannot roll up into a tight ball like a pillbug. As well, the sowbug has two tail-like appendages that the pillbug does not have.

Do sowbugs and pillbugs live indoors?

Sowbugs and pillbugs will at times invade damp basement areas as well as the first floors of houses. When this occurs they are most likely always present in large numbers in the soil and under plants immediately outside the house. Generally sowbugs and pillbugs do not live long inside as they dry out quickly.

What do sowbugs and pillbugs eat?

Sowbugs and pillbugs normally feed on decaying vegetable matter.

Are they active in the winter?

They become inactive during the winter months although this may not be the case in artificially heated buildings such as greenhouses.

What are their breeding habits?

The female carries her young in a pouch called a marsupium on the underside of the body. She gives birth to very many white living young. There are usually one or two generations per year depending on environmental conditions.

What can I do to prevent a sowbug/pillbug infestation?

Leaves, grass clippings, mulch, boards, stones and similar material close to the building should be removed since these may harbour sowbugs and pillbugs. Avoid excess moisture in basements or crawlspaces, and rep air any cracks or openings into your home.

Preparation Guidelines for a Sowbug/Pillbug Treatment

Step 1 - In order to achieve control, perform a crack and crevice application inside to damp areas where pillbugs and sowbugs may be hiding. Outside, treat around the perimeter and to dark moist areas such as under porches, in window wells, around rock gardens etc.

Step 2 - Vacate the premises during service and do not re-enter until at least 4 hours after treatment or until the product is completely dry. Open windows for 20 minutes after re-entry if possible.

Before service, infants, pregnant women and people suffering from heart, kidney, respiratory ailments or allergies should consult a medical doctor.

If you have any questions, we would be happy to help - please call your local Abell Pest Control office at 1-888-949-4949.