Sowbugs, commonly known as pill bugs or roly-polies, are often encountered, leading many to question their potential danger. These small creatures are harmless and pose no significant threat to people, pets, or homes. Despite their appearance, understanding their biology and behavior reveals they are largely benign.
What Are Sowbugs?
Sowbugs are small, segmented crustaceans, related to shrimp and lobsters, often mistaken for insects. They have an oval, dark gray body with seven pairs of legs and two antennae. Unlike pill bugs, sowbugs cannot roll into a tight ball due to two small tail-like appendages at their rear.
These land-dwelling crustaceans thrive in moist, dark environments because their gill-like organs require humidity. They are often found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, mulch, and other decaying organic matter in gardens and yards. Sowbugs are nocturnal, seeking humid conditions during the day and becoming more active at night.
Risk to Humans and Animals
Sowbugs do not bite or sting, posing no direct physical threat to humans or pets. They are not venomous and do not carry diseases transmissible to people or animals. Any concern about their presence stems from their appearance or occasional entry into homes.
If pets ingest sowbugs, they are considered harmless. Their hard exoskeleton might cause mild digestive upset if consumed in large quantities, but serious health issues are rare. Sowbugs do not cause allergic reactions in humans.
Impact on Homes and Gardens
Sowbugs are primary decomposers, breaking down decaying organic materials like dead plants, leaves, and wood. In gardens, they feed on decaying or stressed plant matter. While they may occasionally feed on tender seedlings or fruits, they rarely cause significant damage to healthy plants.
Sowbugs do not chew on wood, fabrics, or other household materials, and they do not cause structural damage to homes. Indoors, they are usually accidental invaders seeking moisture and often die from dehydration if conditions are too dry. Their presence indoors can indicate a moisture problem.
Managing Sowbug Presence
Managing sowbug presence, especially indoors, involves reducing humidity since they require high moisture to survive. Fixing leaky pipes, improving ventilation in damp areas like basements, and using dehumidifiers creates an unfavorable environment. Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations, windows, and doors prevents entry.
Outdoors, removing leaf litter, mulch, and other organic debris near the house reduces their habitat and food sources. Stacking firewood and stored items off the ground and away from the foundation also helps. If sowbugs are found indoors, sweeping or vacuuming effectively removes them.