Sowbug
Easy DIY
Identification
Similar to pillbugs but unable to roll into a full ball, these gray crustaceans thrive in damp mulch, under stones, and near foundations with excess moisture.
Can I DIY this?
Easy DIYYou can handle this one yourself.
With the right product and a little patience, most homeowners take care of this pest on their own. Follow the treatment guide, read the product label, and you're set.
Recommended products
Syngenta Demand CS Insecticide, 8ozExterior perimeter barrierControl Solutions Bifen L/P Insecticide Granules, 25 lbsYard & perimeter granulesSome links may be affiliate links. Buggsy may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Always follow the product label.
- Check damp mulch, under stones, and foundation edges — sowbugs need the same consistently moist conditions as pillbugs.
- Reduce moisture and clear mulch or debris away from the foundation.
- Seal foundation gaps and door thresholds to cut down on indoor wandering.
- Apply a residual perimeter treatment if the population near the foundation is heavy.
- Improving drainage around the foundation has a bigger long-term impact than any spray.
Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes with socks, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles. Add a respirator if the label calls for it or ventilation is poor.