SOWBUGS AND PILLBUGS IN THE HOUSE AND GARDEN
COMMON NAME: Sowbugs, Pillbugs, or Wood Louse.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Class: Crustacea, Order: Isopoda
DESCRIPTION: These cousins of the shrimp and lobster look a bit like short, flattened, and armored caterpillars. The adults grow to about 3/4 of an inch long and about 1/3 as wide. They have seven sets of short legs and are covered with body-width overlapping scales. They have antennae and are usually brown or gray in color. The pillbug has the habit of rolling up into a ball when disturbed, hence its' name. The immatures resemble the adults and the eggs are deposited in the soil. They are nocturnal.
HOST PLANTS: Usually sowbugs and pillbugs are found in decaying material such as compost piles, rotting wood, and other debris. A problem may occur if they feed to heavily on plant roots or tender new growth in your garden.
TIME OF YEAR: Pretty much any time in warm climates such as ours.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: These crustaceans can be found when you turn over your compost pile or under boards, old pots and other debris laying on moist ground. Sometimes they will find their way into human dwellings by way of cracks and crevices in the foundation or around doors. They will usually hide next to a wall in a moist place such as bathroom or kitchen.
CULTURAL CONTROLS: Cleaning up the area of debris will take care of a lot of problems. They will hide anywhere where it is moist, dark, and hidden from predators. (Look under stones, boards, bar, etc.) Screen your compost before putting it into the garden and remove any critters you find there.
COMPANION PLANTING AND REPELLENTS: A sprinkling of lime may repel them.
TRAPS: Place a board of clay pot on a moist area of the garden. Wait a day or two then pick it up during the day and scoop up any crustaceans that are hiding there. It might help to "bait" the trap with a slice of potato, apple, or some lettuce or spinach leaves.
MECHANICAL CONTROLS: Handpicking works fine. Sweeping is okay if they are in your home.
NATURAL CONTROLS: Toads love 'em and are more efficient at finding them than birds or reptiles.
BIOLOGICAL INSECTICIDES: None
CHEMICAL CONTROLS: Please consult the Agricultural Extension Agent or a Master Gardener Volunteer for current recommendations. Phone 520-458-8278 ext. 2141 in Sierra Vista or 520-384-3594 in Willcox. Whatever you use, FOLLOW THE LABEL DIRECTIONS EXACTLY and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, other humans, non-target animals and the environment.