General Characteristics:
- These insects are very common throughout Canada
- They are actually crustaceans, which are technically closer related to shrimp or crayfish versus insects
- They are the only crustaceans to adapt to life exclusively on land
- The Pillbug will coil its body if provoked meanwhile the Sowbug does not have this ability and also has two distinctive appendages at the tip of the abdomen
- Grey in colour and can reach sizes of ½ - ¾ inches
- Reaches ages of 2 years
- These insects feed on decaying vegetable matter and lives in damp and moist exterior areas such as gardens, wooded areas, compost materials
- 7 pairs of legs
- dormant during the winter (excluding greenhouses)
Reproduction:
- Female implants eggs in a breathable capsule (marsupium or vivarium) embedded on her underside
- Sowbug gestation is about 22 days, while Pillbugs gestate for 44 days
- 1-2 generations per year
- Quantity of young depend on size and physical condition of the female
Signs of Infestation:
- Large volumes of insects clustered together
- Water damage or seeping into structure creating damp areas may entice insects indoors
- Vegetables or fruit that rest on moist ground are susceptible to damage (i.e. strawberries, squashes, pumpkins, etc…)
- Decaying organic matter acts as a food attractant for these crustaceans
Control Techniques:
- Finding entry points and sealing the structure is a key factor to eliminating entry of this species. PLEASE REMEMBER NOT TO SEAL ANY STRUCTURAL BREATHING HOLES AS THESE ARE NECESSARY FOR THE MOVEMENT OF MOISTURE THROUGH VOID AREAS IN A STRUCTURE.
- Clean any decaying organic matter to restrict food source
- Keep all areas dry to eliminate habitat
- In gardens, water plants in the morning so that the soil has time to dry during the day reduces harbourage
- Supports and meshing can keep many fruits and vegetables off the ground in order to avoid most contact with these species
- If structural problems persist with these insects, the services of a professional may be necessary
Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.
References:
Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar Communications, 1988. Pp. 36, 251.
“Family Oniscidae – Sowbugs” (On-line). Iowa State University Entomology. Accessed May 15, 2009 at
http://bugguide.net/node/view/15604.
“Family Armadillidiidae – Pillbugs” (On-line). Iowa State University Entomology. Accessed May 15,
2009 at http://bugguide.net/node/view/15961.
Olkowski, William, et.al.. Common-Sense Pest Control. Newton,CT. The Taunton Press Inc., 1991.
Pp. 596-598.
Disclaimer:
The Focus Pest Control ‘Pest Library’ is an educational resource written largely to educate the general public about common pests in Ontario. The Focus ‘Pest Library’ does not include all species in Ontario, nor does it include the most recent scientific data about species we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While Focus Pest Control staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.
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