Sow Bugs Infestation

Sow Bug Infestations

Sow bugs and pillbugs look alike and often live together. Both are crustaceans, relatives of shrimp and crayfish, that have adapted to life on land but still depend on damp surroundings. When they come indoors it is usually by accident, while wandering from wet soil. They are a nuisance and nothing more. They do not damage food, fabrics, furniture or the wooden parts of a house.

Signs Sow Bugs Are Getting Inside

Sow bugs do not breed indoors, so an infestation really means a steady stream of them wandering in from outside. Typical signs include:

• A few live sow bugs on the floor in the morning, often near exterior doors, sliding door tracks or the garage entry
• Dried, curled-up dead ones along baseboards, since they lose moisture quickly indoors
• Small clusters in damp spots such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, under sinks and around water heaters
• Large numbers under doormats, flower pots, landscape timbers and boards right outside

What draws them close to Florida homes: moisture and shelter against the foundation. Thick mulch beds touching the slab, irrigation that soaks the wall every day, gutters and downspouts emptying beside the house, leaky outdoor spigots and an AC condensate line dripping in the same spot all create the damp conditions they need. Gaps under doors and worn garage door seals give them an easy way in.

When they show up: activity is highest during the rainy season, roughly June through September, and right after heavy storms, when they often wander out of soaked ground. During long dry spells, they may also crowd toward the damp soil beside a home or into a humid garage.

Garden damage: in large numbers they can chew tender seedlings and ripe strawberries or tomatoes resting on wet soil, but established plants are rarely harmed.

For steps to bring their numbers down, see how to get rid of sow bugs.