Sow Bugs Bites and Treatments

Do Sow Bugs Bite?

No. Sow bugs do not bite or sting, and they carry no known disease.

Are Sow Bugs Harmful to People or Pets?

Not at all. Sow bugs have small chewing mouthparts suited to soft, decaying plant material. They cannot pierce human skin, have no venom or stinger, and do not contaminate stored food or damage fabric. Children who pick them up in the garden are in no danger, and washing hands afterward is simply good garden hygiene.

Pets: sow bugs are not known to be toxic to dogs or cats. A pet that eats a few is unlikely to have any problem.

The health issue to pay attention to is moisture. Large numbers of sow bugs indoors usually point to damp conditions, such as leaks, poor drainage or a humid garage. Ongoing dampness can lead to mold and mildew, which can aggravate allergies and asthma in some people. Finding and fixing the water source matters more than the bugs themselves.

Creatures often confused with sow bugs:

• Millipedes do not bite, but some release a defensive fluid that can stain or irritate skin and eyes. Wash it off with soap and water and keep hands away from your eyes.
• Centipedes are flat and fast with one pair of legs per body segment, and larger ones can give a painful bite. Clean the bite and use a cold pack, and see a doctor if swelling spreads or an allergic reaction develops.
• Earwigs may pinch with the forceps on their rear end but are harmless.

To reduce their numbers, see how to get rid of sow bugs, or read about millipedes.