Sow Bugs in Alabama
Sow bugs look like pill bugs but can’t roll into a ball. They’re a moisture pest that collects in damp spots and wanders indoors — here’s how to manage them.
How to identify sow bugs
Sow bugs are gray, oval, about 1/4"–1/2" long, with a flatter, segmented shell and two small tail-like appendages at the rear. Unlike pill bugs, they cannot roll into a ball. Like pill bugs, they’re land crustaceans, not insects.
Behavior in Alabama
Sow bugs require dampness and live under mulch, leaf litter, stones, logs, and against moist foundations, feeding on decaying organic matter. They migrate into garages, basements, and crawlspaces when conditions outside shift wet to dry.
Why sow bugs are a problem
Signs of sow bugs activity
- Flat, gray bugs that don’t roll into a ball
- Activity in damp mulch, under stones & logs
- Accumulation in basements & crawlspaces
- More common after watering or rain
When they’re active
Active in warm, humid Alabama months; indoor sightings rise after rain and during moisture swings.
How EnviroCare controls sow bugs
EnviroCare treats foundation perimeters, mulch beds, and crawlspace entry points with EPA-registered products per label and identifies the moisture conditions sow bugs depend on. Reducing dampness around the home is the longest-lasting part of the fix.
See our Pest Control service →Common questions
Are sow bugs harmful to my home?
No — they don’t bite, sting, or damage sound structures. They’re a moisture-driven nuisance, and large numbers signal dampness worth addressing.
Why are sow bugs in my crawlspace?
Crawlspaces hold the moisture sow bugs need. Improving crawlspace moisture and treating the perimeter together keep them out.
Dealing with sow bugs? Let’s handle it.
Family-owned in Alabama since 1958. Licensed technicians, EPA-registered products, no long-term pest control contract.