General Info
  • Sow bugs are slow moving and are most active at night
  • One type of sow bug is often referred to as a “pill bug” (however, not all sow bugs curl up into a ball when disturbed)
Where They Hide
  • Sow bugs frequent areas with lots of moisture (under trash, rocks, boards, decay, or just beneath the soil surface)
  • Mulches, grass clippings, and leaf litter often provide the decaying organic matter they love to eat and hide in
What They Want From You
  • The sow bug’s normal habitat is outdoors, but they occasionally wander inside looking for moisture or a better place to hide
  • They’ll typically invade damp basements or crawl spaces and may infest potted plants
Why They’re A Problem
  • Sow bugs will not damage the home or transmit disease so they are mostly viewed as a nuisance
  • Some species may feed on cultivated plants and tender seedlings
Tips & Tricks
  • Keep compost piles and decaying vegetation away from the house
  • Caulk and seal windows and exterior doors to keep sow bugs from entering
  • If you notice sow bugs in your basement, try running a dehumidifier to make the area less humid, and therefore less appealing

The following bugs match your descriptions: