Types of Sow Bugs | Pest Identification Guide
Quick Facts About Sow Bugs
Sow bugs are land-dwelling crustaceans that consume organic matter among soil, mulch, and wood in Tennessee homes and yards. Often confused with pill bugs, these moisture-loving pests can become a nuisance when they enter homes looking for suitable environments.- Size: About half an inch long (adults)
- Color: Gray or occasionally orange
- Shape: Segmented, oval, bean-shaped bodies
- Active Season: Year-round, but more active in warm, moist conditions
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
- Reproduction Rate: Females carry 7-200 eggs in a fluid-filled pouch
What Do Sow Bugs Look Like?
Sow bugs have distinctive segmented, oval-shaped bodies with flat backs and seven pairs of legs—one pair for each thorax segment. Unlike their close relatives, pill bugs, sow bugs cannot roll into a ball when disturbed. They possess two small tail-like appendages at their rear ends and two pairs of antennae, though the second pair is not easily visible.
Key Identifying Features
- Flat, segmented bodies that cannot roll into a ball when threatened
- Two small tail-like appendages protruding from the rear end
- Seven pairs of legs arranged along their segmented thorax
- Gray or occasionally orange coloration
- Two pairs of antennae (one pair more prominent than the other)
Related Species
Pill bugs (roly-polies) are closely related to sow bugs and share similar habitats, preferring moist, cool, and dark areas. Unlike sow bugs, pill bugs can roll themselves into a perfect ball when threatened. Both species are isopods and are often collectively called woodlice, though they are distinct creatures with different defensive mechanisms.
Property Damage Risks
Sow bugs typically cause minimal damage, but their presence can indicate moisture problems.
- Occasional minor damage to young plants and seedlings
- May feed on fruits and vegetables that touch the ground
- Their presence often indicates excess moisture that could lead to other problems
- Large numbers can become a nuisance indoors
Where to Look for Sow Bugs in Your Home
Sow bugs require moisture to survive and are commonly found in damp, dark locations. Look for them under rocks, logs, mulch, leaf litter, flowerpots, and other objects that trap moisture. Indoors, they may be found in basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and other areas with high humidity or water leaks.
When to Call Professional Help
While sow bugs are generally harmless, a large indoor infestation may indicate moisture problems that need addressing. Professional help is recommended when you consistently find numerous sow bugs inside your home despite efforts to reduce moisture and seal entry points. Persistent infestations might suggest underlying issues with your home’s moisture barriers or foundation.
Schedule a Free Inspection
The pest control experts at U.S. Pest Protection are trained to treat your sow bug problem seriously and with care. Our professionals can identify moisture sources attracting these pests and develop an effective treatment plan to eliminate them while addressing the root causes of the infestation.
