SOWBUGS/PILLBUGS Sowbugs and pillbugs are not insects, they are crustaceans. Both are slow-moving and are closely related to crayfish, lobsters and shrimps. Sowbugs are oval to slightly elongated with a flattened body and are up to 3/4 inch long. Their color with vary from brownish to slate grey. They have seven pairs of legs and plates of overlapping armour. They have well developed eyes and tail-like appendages. Pillbugs are also oval to slightly elongated and are up to 3/4 inch long. They have well developed eyes with seven pairs of legs. They too have overlapping armour and range in color from brownish to grey. The big difference is that pillbugs can roll up into a ball when disturbed. Pillbugs are often called roly-polys. Both crustaceans mate throughout the year. The females carry the eggs in a brood pouch on the underside of her body. There can be between 10 to 200 in the pouch. Once the young hatch they will stay in the brood pouch for six to eight weeks until they can fend for themselves. These creatures live outside in moist areas, feeding on decaying organic matter. They are a nuisance problem and when they enter homes they will soon die without adequate moisture. When they become a problem they are easily control with an exterior treatment. For long term control either an EVERY OTHER MONTH or QUARTERLY treatment is needed. 888 292-7287 © 2005 Burge Pest Control. For noncommercial purposes only any website may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read LEGAL NOTICES. Webmaster www.designwestgraphics.com