Description
Sowbugs and pillbugs are crustaceans, and are related to lobsters and shrimp. They are dark gray, with hard, flattened, segmented bodies, about ½ inch long, and have legs. Pillbugs roll up into a ball when disturbed. Sowbugs and pillbugs are nocturnal insects. They feed at night on decaying vegetable matter, and are destructive to plants only when their populations build up to very large numbers. When this happens, they feed on the fine roots of seedlings in the garden or greenhouse. They also feed on fruit and leaves that are in contact with the ground. During the day, sowbugs and pillbugs hide in damp, dark places, such as under boards, rocks, or flower pots, or in plant debris. Sometimes they invade homes through cracks or windows, and hide in dark places like basements. They do no damage inside, but they can be a nuisance.
Control
If you notice large numbers of sowbugs or pillbugs under your flower pots or in the garden, scatter a dust or bait containing carbaryl lightly in a 2- to 4-foot band around plants, flower pots, boards, plant debris, and other areas where sowbugs and pillbugs congregate. Do not use around food crops. Where possible, eliminate moist, dark breeding sites such as rocks, boards, and leaf litter. Spray around the foundation of the house with an insecticide containing diazinon.
