Sow Bug Identification & Prevention
What are sow bugs?
Sow bugs are land-dwelling crustaceans related to lobsters, crabs, and crayfish. The top of their body is segmented and rounded, and their underside is flat. Many people think these pests resemble tiny armadillos.
Sow bugs in Birmingham range from dark to light gray, have seven pairs of legs, two pairs of antennae, and two tail-like appendages extending from the end of their bodies. When threatened or disturbed, sow bugs arch their bodies into a C-shape.
Are sow bugs dangerous?
The sow bug is a nuisance pest. They cause no harm to people or the structures of our home. The biggest concern with these pests is that they can cause damage to plants in gardens in large numbers. They feed on decaying organic matter most of the time, but if food sources become scarce, they will begin to eat live plants found in our gardens.
Why do I have a sow bug problem?
Sow bugs prefer to live outside, so unless they invade our gardens and yards in large numbers, they typically aren’t a concern for people. However, if your home offers them a better environment than is currently outside, they will take advantage and move indoors. Things like very hot, dry weather or heavy rains are most likely to drive these pests indoors.
Where will I find sow bugs?
Sow bugs live in the decaying organic matter that is in all our yards. The soil and material found under landscaping ties, rocks, trash cans, compost bins, and mulch provide them with the damp, dark environment they need to survive.
These pests are most active at night, emerging from their hideouts to feed on the decaying matter around them.
How do I get rid of sow bugs?
Choose EnviroCare and our environmentally responsible pest control solutions to control sow bugs on your Alexander City/Lake Martin property. Our detailed and customized services guarantee a solution to your pest problems. Our team will identify your property’s current pest problems, provide the treatment necessary to eliminate them and tailor a long-term professional pest plan to control pests in and around your home in the future. To begin working together to stop your Alabama property’s sow bug problems, give EnviroCare a call today!
How can I prevent sow bugs in the future?
Use the following prevention tips to keep sow bugs from taking over your Alabama property.
- Use dehumidifiers in damp areas of your home to reduce moisture levels.
- Use caulk or another sealant to repair defects in your home’s foundation.
- Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
- Create a crushed rock barrier between any grass, soil, or mulch and your foundation.
- Ensure gutters are working properly to direct water away from the outside of your home.
- Remove from your property things like piles of grass clippings and leaf piles that provide a damp area for sow bugs to hide.
In addition to the above prevention tips, partner with us at EnviroCare. Implementing regular home pest control services is the best way to prevent problems with sow bugs.
