Pillbug / Sowbug
Sowbug Life Stages
Multiple Sowbugs in the Soil
Sowbugs Feeding on Fallen Fruit
Farm Plot Using Plastic Mulch
HOSTS
- Cucurbits
- Leafy Greens
- Legumes
- Root Crops
- Solanaceae Crops
DESCRIPTION
Pillbugs and sowbugs are not insects, but are soil-dwelling crustaceans with 7 pairs of legs and prominent antennae.
Adults have a rounded back with a flat under-surface and are dark gray in color with armor-like body segments. Nymphs resemble adults, but are smaller and paler in color.
BIOLOGY
Egg | Nymph | Adult
Pillbugs and sowbugs overwinter as adults, and emerge to breed in the spring. Females carry the fertilized eggs in a specialized pouch, where the nymphs will remain for up to two months after hatching. It takes about a year for nymphs to mature into adults. Pillbugs and sowbugs generally have 1-2 generations per year in Utah.
Pill bugs and sowbugs are usually minor pests but occasionally become numerous enough to damage roots, seedlings, foliage, and fruits and vegetables that contact the soil. They primarily feed on decaying organic matter and are opportunistic feeders following disease, slug, and other pest damage.
SYMPTOMS
Pill bug and sowbug feeding damage looks similar to slug damage.- Ragged holes chewed between leaf veins.
- Damage concentrated around the soil-level.
- Damaged shoots and fruits.
SCOUTING
- Pillbugs and sowbugs hide under plant debris when temperatures are warm.
- Adults and young are most active at night when humidity is high and temperatures are low.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT
- Minimize soil moisture.
- Remove debris such as trash, plant debris, wood, or other items on the soil.
- Trellis vines to improve air circulation.
- Use plastic mulches as a barrier to soil contact for developing fruits.
INSECTICIDES
Generally cultural management practices are most effective in preventing pillbugs and sowbugs from becoming a problem.