How To Get Rid Of Sow Bugs

How To Get Rid Of Sow Bugs

Sow bugs, which are also known as pill bugs or wood lice, are a type of crustacean commonly found in damp areas such as gardens, yards, and homes. They are mostly harmless, but their presence can be unsightly and alarming to some people. They feed on organic matter and are often found in the company of decaying vegetation, mulch, and old piles of wood.

If you are looking for ways to get rid of sow bugs from your home or garden, continue reading this blog post.

1. Repair Gaps and Cracks in Your Home Foundation or Walls

Sow bugs can enter your home through small gaps and cracks in the foundation or walls. Regular inspection of your home’s exterior can help spot infestation points and prevent further invasion of these pests. Seal any openings or gaps you find with caulking to keep sow bugs from entering your premises.

2. Dry Out Damp Areas

Sow bugs thrive in moist environments with organic matter. To keep them at bay, it is crucial to keep your home as dry as possible. Repair any leaks in your plumbing, clear out debris from your yard, and avoid overwatering plants. Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are working correctly to prevent pooling of water on your home’s foundation. Fixing damp areas around your house is one of the most natural ways to get rid of sow bugs.

3. Reduce Mulch and Other Organic Debris

Sow bugs feed on organic matter, so yards or garden areas that are laden with organic material are likely to host a higher population of these pests. Once you have dried out any damp areas, rake out any dead leaves, grass clippings, and other organic debris that has accumulated on your property. Garden mulch should be limited as much as possible to prevent Sow bugs’ attraction. If mulch is necessary, monitor it for dryness frequently.

4. Install a Layer of Gravel or Crushed Rock

Sow bugs cannot survive on gravel or crushed rock. A layer of gravel or crushed rock can deter them from moving across your yard to set up camp in your garden or home. When Sow bugs come across an obstacle such as a layer of gravel, they will look for alternatives that favor their survival, like damp soil or organic matter.

5. Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It is an effective way to kill sow bugs as well as other pests such as ants and fleas. Scatter diatomaceous earth around your yard, garden, and home foundation to create a barrier that will desiccate Sow bugs that come into contact with it.

6. Use Traps

Traps are a simple and effective way of reducing the number of sow bugs in your home. Place sticky traps near dark corners or damp areas where sow bugs are likely to congregate. Alternatively, use a damp newspaper or pieces of cardboard to attract them. These traps can then be easily discarded once they have caught their prey.

7. Use Natural Insecticides

There are several natural insecticides that will effectively eliminate sow bugs without harming other beneficial insects. Boric acid, food-grade diatomaceous earth, and neem oil are generally safe and non-toxic to humans or pets. Spraying these insecticides on the foundation and around windows and doors creates an unappealing barrier for sow bugs.

8. Hire Professional Pest Control Services

In some cases, an infestation of sow bugs may require professional pest control services to eliminate entirely. Get a referral from a trusted source or do thorough research before hiring a pest control company. Ensure the company uses safe and eco-friendly insecticides and provides exceptional customer service.

Conclusion

Sow bugs may not be harmful to human beings, but they can be unsightly and annoying. To get rid of them effectively, preventive measures such as drying out damp areas, reducing mulch, sealing cracks and gaps, and setting up barriers can go a long way. Traps, natural insecticides, and professional pest control services are other options that can quickly eliminate your Sow bug problems.

Need help getting rid of some sow bugs? Be sure to contact our pest control professionals here at Pied Piper Pest Control to learn more about what we can do for you!

Categorised in: Pest Control

This post was written by Ken Perry