Sow Bug Control Edmonton

Sow & Pill Bugs, What Are ​They 

Pill bugs and sow bugs are both similar in appearance and are not true insects, instead they are aquatic animals. As a primitive from aquatic environments, while on land, their outer body is covered by hard-shell for less evaporation with attachment of  multi-leggs (see photo above). ​Sow bugs and pill bugs body is oval, dark to slate gray color, segmented and with seven pairs of legs and two pairs of antennae while length range from 6.35mm to 12.7mm long and are. Physically sowbugs contain two tail-like appendages, projecting out from the rear end of the body while Pill Bugs have no such posterior appendages. For homeowners to distinguish both; Pill bug CAN ROLL UP AS BALL while Sow bug physically CANNOT ROLL UP AS BALL.   

Problems Due To Sow & Pill Bugs

They are purely annoying animals or not harmful to people as they do not bite homeowners, pets, stored food, house plants or any structure. You can find them in your backyard easily, under shades, moist locations; under plants, pots, wooden stumps, leaves pile, under rugue and deck. High population and long dry sunny days forced them to invade homes as they crawl beneath door sweeps, under siding, deck and in the basement. If you have many potted plants inside they can be seen in the living room, bathrooms, under sink cabinets.

Control Of Sow And Pill Bug​s

Prevention By Habitate Management

Sow and Pill bugs' high population can be managed by reducing optimal conditions e.g. watering minimum lawn and garden areas, especially the place where high quantities of organic matter exist most the year around. Do whatever you can to dry out these areas and remove ground clutter that shelters these pests. Stack firewood or loose wood should be raised up from soil surface for aeration that will minimize population buildup during the summer. Shake off individuals clinging to firewood before bringing it inside during the winter.

Exclusion;

Another best method is to prevent sow and pill bugs by sealing doors, windows or any crevice, especially in the basement. Similarly loose filling siding, and vents could be easy access inside e.g. next to patio doors, basement windows, patio and at the same time siding have moist, dump organic soil and plants.

Chemicals;

 Pesticides cannot substitute for prevention and exclusion which are permanent and environmentally safe measures. In extreme conditions pesticides could be applied as outdoor perimeter treatment on home foundations. Pesticides work as a stopgap measure when intolerable numbers are entering your home from outdoors. Inside the garage or shed pesticides may be essential to suppress their population. For chemical treatment, a  certified exterminator should be hired and Bro Pest control is your best choice, because we apply safe and sound chemicals while keeping in consideration your family and pet health.