These soil-inhabiting bugs have flat, oval bodies that are brown or gray in color with seven pairs of legs. They grow to be about a half inch in length and are distant relatives of crabs.
Unless the population is large, sowbugs and pillbugs are harmless to you and your garden. These hard-shelled pests live in soil and feed on decaying plant parts or manure, so you may see them after amending your garden soil.
Primarily sowbugs live in protected areas while feeding on decaying plant parts, such as seedling roots and underground stems. Occasionally, you might find them eating lettuce, tomatoes and other soft fruit and leaves lying close to the ground.
Generally, pillbugs and sowbugs are more of a nuisance than a destructive force in your vegetable garden. Just leave them for the birds and other predators to take care of.
These bugs are called roly-polys for a reason. Touch them and they roll up into a ball. For that reason, you can simply sweep them out of the house, or vacuum them up and throw away the bag.
These soil-inhabiting bugs have flat, oval bodies that are brown or gray in color with seven pairs of legs. They grow to be about a half inch in length and are distant relatives of crabs.
