Sowbug: Elimination, Description of Sowbugs, Sow Bugs

Pillbugs and sowbugs though similar are different bugs that fall into the pest category of occasional invaders. Sowbugs and pillbugs are crustaceans and are closely related to crayfish and shrimp, more so than to insects.

Often confused with pillbugs, one of the distinct differences of sowbugs is that they do not roll up into a ball as is the habit of a pillbug or "rolly polly" as they are often called.

Sowbugs prefer damp areas, which is why they are often found invading homes through openings close to patio doors, laundry rooms and basements. These bugs feed on decaying vegetation most often found in mulched areas around homes. The damp conditions and decaying organic debris are contributing factors for several occasional invaders such as millipedes. Elimination procedures for sowbugs parallel those for millipedes and pillbugs.

Sowbug Elimination

If contributing conditions such as excess moisture can be controlled, it would be a great aid in Sowbug elimination. In many cases found close to flower beds, gardens, flower pots, landscaping, swimming pools, ponds or any heavily mulched area, a good insecticide spray or insect bait is to be used.
The best sprays for infestations of sowbugs are Demon WP, Cyper WP or Talstar. Demon WP (a Cypermethrin insecticide concentrate) is a wettable powder that gives longer residual on solid objects such as your home's exterior walls. Talstar is an excellent liquid concentrate that is easier to apply if you need to broadcast large areas of flower beds and landscaped areas or even lawns.
In some heavy or stubborn infestations, a combination of insecticide dust and a granular product might be needed with your insecticide spray.
Granular insect baits can be broadcast in mulched areas and the soil around the home. Not all insect baits are labeled for crickets. Use Intice Perimeter Bait or Maxforce Complete Insect Bait for crickets and other listed pests.
Delta Dust can be applied to cracks, crevices and entry points inside the home or basement, using a crusader duster.