Sow Bugs
What Are Sow Bugs?
Sow bugs are arthropods and are closely related to shrimp and crayfish. They need to live in a moist environment in order to survive. They are approximately ¼ to ½ an inch in length and are a dark grey color. They have a segmented body with seven pairs of legs, two pairs of antennae, and two tail-like appendages that protrude from the rear of their bodies. When threatened or disturbed they can roll themselves up into a ball, which is why they are sometimes referred to as roly-polys.

Things You Should Know:
- Sow bugs are scavengers and feed on decaying matter.
- Sow bugs are not dangerous to humans and they do not sting or bite.
- Sow bugs need areas of high moisture to survive.
- Seeing sow bugs inside indicates that there may be an infestation around the outside of your home.
Why Are They In My House?
Sow bugs are scavengers and feed on decaying organic material. They are commonly found around the outside of New York homes in areas of high moisture such as mulch, compost, and under stones and flower pots. Sow bugs enter homes on the ground level and may enter first floors, basements, and crawl spaces; they cannot survive indoors for more than a few days. If you see sow bugs in your home that usually means that there is a large infestation around the outside of your home.
Are Sow Bugs Dangerous?
Sow bugs do not bite or sting, and do not pose a threat to health. They are considered a nuisance pest and may cause damage to plants on your property.
What Does It Take To Get Rid Of Sow Bugs?
Getting rid of sow bugs and other pests is a task best left to the trained pest control professionals at Parkway Pest Services. Our pest control services for homes and businesses on Long Island, Brooklyn, and throughout our pest control service area will be able to solve your sow bug problem.
How Can I Prevent A Future Infestation?
Minimizing the moisture levels in your home and removing hiding places found near the foundation can help to prevent sow bugs from entering your house. Partnering with Parkway Pest Services is the best way to prevent sow bugs and other household pests from infesting areas in and around your home. Contact us today to learn more about our pest control services!
A Guide To Common Pests
Learn more about that insect, rodent, or wildlife and how the pest control professionals at Parkway Pest Services can help you resolve your infestation. Click on the pest to learn more.
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Ants -
Bed Bugs -
Birds -
Box Elder Bugs -
Camel Crickets -
Carpenter Ants -
Carpenter Bees -
Centipedes -
Cicada Killers -
Cockroaches -
Earwigs -
Fabric Pests -
Fleas -
Flies -
Flying Squirrels -
Ground Beetles -
Lady Bugs -
Little Brown Bats -
Mice -
Millipedes -
Mosquitoes -
Pantry Pests -
Raccoons -
Rats -
Silverfish -
Sow Bugs -
Spiders -
Stinging Insects -
Stink Bugs -
Termites
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“I called Parkway after ants wanted to rent a room in my house. Booking an appt was fast and easy. The office was patient and helpful when setting up the appt and answering my questions. The tech was professional, knowledgeable, and explained the whole process to me. Everything went smoothly. They are coming back for 2 more appts to make sure the ants are no longer an issue.”- Jullian D.
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“I read many great reviews about Parkway Pest Service. All of them were great and made me comfortable to seek help with them and they didn’t disappoint. My tech was quick and punctual in his appointment; he came within the expected window and gave me updates about what to expect in the next few days. He was very professional and polite. The office was very pleasant. When I was trying to get an appointment, she helped me with treatment options and went through the calendar that worked for both of us.”- Ahmad J.
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“Parkway Pest Services responded very quickly to our request to have a tech come and inspect our rodent issue. They provided excellent service, outlining steps they would take as well as the steps we should take. Our pest situation has been resolved! I highly recommend them!”- Robert M.