Sowbug Facts & Information

Sowbugs and pillbugs are similar-looking pests which are more closely akin to shrimp and crayfish than to insects. They are the only crustaceans that have adapted to living their entire life on land. Although we don’t suggest steaming them and eating them with drawn butter. Both sowbugs and pillbugs range in size from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long and are dark to slate gray. Their oval, segmented bodies are convex above but flat or concave underneath. They possess seven pairs of legs and two pairs of antennae (only one pair of antennae is readily visible). Sowbugs also have two tail-like appendages which project out from the rear end of the body. Pillbugs have no posterior appendages and can roll up into a tight ball when disturbed, for which they are sometimes called “roly-polies.” They are often mistaken for each other and we can see why. They are very similar. But remember, no two pests are exactly alike so you want to make sure to get them looked at by a trained professional to make sure you are getting either the sowbug treatments or pillbug treatments you need. This is often why DIY treatments don’t work. Treating for the wrong pest will only make the infestation worse of the actual pest you have.