What Are Sow Bugs?
Sow bugs are small grey bugs that curl into a ball when you pick them up. They are not insects; they are crustaceans, like crabs and lobsters. Most oddly, since most crustaceans need water to survive, sow bugs need to be in a damp place on land, generally in crawl spaces, basements, and gardens. They eat decayed plant matter and leaf litter or other organic debris, which they find most where it is damp with organic clean areas.
Once you start to observe numerous bugs in your house, you’ll start to question whether they are dangerous and how to eliminate them. This guide will tackle why sow bugs infest Canadian homes, how to lower moisture to deter them, and when to contact a professional pest control company for help.
Why Do Sow Bugs Enter Canadian Homes?
Pill bugs love moisture and darkness. This makes Canada’s heavy rain, melting snow, and humid summers the perfect setting for them. Should your basement, garage, or crawlspace become damp, you may notice these grey oval ‘bugs’ crawling around.
They usually are out feeding on the rotted organic matter in gardens. When it gets too dry or cold outside, they get indoors in search of shelter. Having leaf litter piles near the foundation of your home allows them to sneak in through cracks.
Signs of a Sow Bug Problem
- Seeing large numbers of grey bugs rolling into balls when disturbed
- Finding them in bathrooms, basements, or crawl spaces
- Spotting them after heavy rain or during wet summers
If you notice these signs, it’s time to take action before the problem gets worse.
Are Sow Bugs Dangerous?
Many homeowners ask, “Are sow bugs dangerous?” The good news is that they do not bite, sting, or spread diseases. However, a large number of sow bugs indoors can be a nuisance. They do not damage wood like termites, but they can indicate a bigger moisture problem in your home.
If you see some bugs coming through your foundation, it could mean some cracks or leaks need fixing. Ignoring the issue may lead to mold or other pests that feed on decaying material.
How to Get Rid of Sow Bugs Permanently
1. Reduce Moisture in Your Home
Since sowbugs thrive in damp places, the best way to keep them away is to reduce moisture. Here’s how:
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets
- Use a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces
- Make sure downspouts direct water away from your home
- Improve ventilation in bathrooms and laundry rooms
2. Remove Their Food Source
Sow bugs feed on decaying plant matter, so keeping your property clean helps.
- Clear leaf litter, grass clippings, and mulch near your home’s foundation
- Store firewood away from the house
- Keep gutters free of organic debris
3. Seal Entry Points
Check for gaps around doors, windows, and pipes. Seal cracks in the foundation to stop sow bugs from entering.
4. Use Safe Pest Control Methods
If DIY methods fail, rest assured that professional pest control can help. Experts use treatments that effectively eliminate sow bugs while ensuring the safety of your pets and children.
When to Call Professional Pest Control
If you’ve tried everything but still see a large number of sow bugs, it’s time to call a pro. Signs you need expert help:
- Hundreds of pill bugs are in the basement after heavy rain
- Sow bugs in winter in Canada (meaning they’ve settled inside)
- Wet summer pill bug invasion that keeps coming back
At IPM Pest Solutions, we offer emergency sow bug removal across Canada. Our treatments are fast, effective, and pet-friendly. Our emergency service ensures that we respond to your pest problem promptly, minimizing any potential damage or inconvenience.
How to Keep Your Home Pest-Free Year-Round
Prevention is the best way to avoid sow bug problems. Follow these tips:
- Inspect your home each season for moisture issues
- Store organic matter (like mulch and compost) away from the house
Schedule regular pest control to keep your home bug-free
Final Thoughts
Remember, they are harmless but can be quite irritating. With the advice in this guide, you can lower the moisture content around your home, eliminate organic debris, try to keep them out by sealing entryways or call a professional pest control service for a permanent solution. And so should you now be adequately equipped with the know-how to cut through a sow bug’s infestation powerfully.
Need help with a sow bug infestation?
Contact IPM Pest Solutions today for fast, reliable service across Canada!
This guide answers common search queries like:
- “How to permanently get rid of sow bugs.”
- “Are sow bugs dangerous?”
- “Professional sow bug removal cost”
- “Why sow bugs after rain?”
- “Sow bugs in new construction home.”
By following these steps, you can keep your home pest-free and protect it from future invasions.
Call IPM Pest Solutions now for expert sow bug control! 🚀
