Sowbug

Sowbug

Oniscus asellus

crustaceans

How to Identify

Sowbugs are small, oval-shaped crustaceans, typically gray to brownish-gray in color. They have a segmented body with seven pairs of legs and two prominent antennae. Sowbugs can roll into a ball when threatened, though not all species can.

Signs of Infestation

Sowbugs are usually found in damp areas, so look for them around foundations, under mulch, or in piles of decaying leaves. You might also find them indoors near doors, windows, or in damp basements. Their presence indicates a moisture problem near your Myrtle Beach home.

Health Risks

Sowbugs do not pose any direct health risks to humans or pets. They do not bite or transmit diseases. However, their presence in large numbers may indicate underlying moisture issues that could lead to mold or structural damage in Myrtle Beach homes.

Our Treatment Method

MBPC provides treatments to reduce sowbug populations by addressing moisture issues and applying targeted treatments around the perimeter of your home. Our licensed technicians can identify and seal entry points and recommend strategies to reduce humidity. Follow SC Department of Pesticide Regulation guidelines at all times.

EPA-approved products · Licensed technicians · Satisfaction guaranteed

Prevention Tips

Reduce moisture around your Myrtle Beach home by fixing leaky pipes and improving drainage. Remove leaf litter and decaying vegetation from around the foundation. Ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces and basements to minimize damp conditions that attract sowbugs.

Habitat

Sowbugs thrive in damp environments, common in coastal South Carolina. They are frequently found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and other decaying organic matter. In Myrtle Beach, they're prevalent in gardens and around foundations where moisture accumulates.

Peak activity: Year-Round

Identification Photos

Frequently Asked Questions About Sowbug

Sowbugs primarily feed on decaying organic matter and rarely damage healthy plants. However, in large numbers, they may nibble on seedlings or low-hanging fruits. Maintaining good garden hygiene helps manage their population.

Sowbugs typically enter homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or under doors. They are attracted to damp areas, so addressing moisture issues is crucial for prevention.

No, sowbugs are crustaceans, related to shrimp and crabs, not insects. They require a moist environment to survive, unlike insects which have a waxy exoskeleton to retain moisture. This is why they're commonly found in damp areas around Myrtle Beach.

MBPC can identify and address the underlying moisture problems that attract sowbugs. We offer targeted treatments and exclusion techniques to prevent them from entering your home, ensuring a drier and less hospitable environment.

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