Like other residents, you might notice a gray, pill-shaped critter crawling through your lawn, garden, or house. Numerous names refer to this creature, from “roly-poly” to “doodlebug.”

Pillbugs and sowbugs are both common outdoor and intermittent indoor pests. You’d probably prefer both to remain outside in your garage, yard, or basement. What, then, are the actual distinctions between sowbugs and pillbugs—and what should you do if you suspect an infestation? We’ll go into detail about how sowbugs and pillbugs differ from one another, as well as some of the ways they are similar.

Sowbugs And Pillbugs: What Are They?

These two creatures aren’t even “bugs.” They are isopods or arthropods that are not insects. Since they are frequently beneath downed logs or other wooden objects, sowbugs and pillbugs are collectively called “woodlice.”

Gray and oval-shaped, sowbugs and pillbugs are about a centimeter long. Each is covered in armored plates that resemble those of an armadillo, giving them an almost armadillo-like appearance.

Similar Habitats And Diet

Pillbugs and sowbugs favor cool, dark places like under leaves, logs, or rocks. Like their distant relatives, the millipedes and centipedes need. They might occasionally stray into your backyard, cellar, or garage.

If they are without water for a long time, pillbugs and sowbugs are vulnerable to drying out. In addition to hiding under building foundations or on sidewalks, they frequently burrow in “dry” but moist areas like soil, compost, and plant pots. These arthropods, land crustaceans, have gills and require wet environments to survive; however, if fully submerged in water for an extended time, they will die.

They also feed on both decaying plant matter and soft living plants. Both of them are nocturnal and only eat at night.

Pillbugs And Sowbugs Differ In Appearance

If you’re confused between pillbugs and sowbugs, you’re not alone. Although it is nearly impossible to tell them apart at first glance because of how similar they look and live, there are a few clear indicators.

• Pillbugs. the average length is between 1/3 and 2/3 inches
• Sowbugs. The average length is between 1/4 and 1/2 inches.

Both have an average lifespan of two to five years as adults. Sowbugs have sharp “tails” on the opposite end of their bodies, and they both have antennae.

What Is Their Crucial Difference?

The term “roly-polies” refers to pillbugs, but sowbugs cannot use it. If you poke an unknown woodlouse and it runs away rather than curling up, you’ve probably found a sowbug. Pillbugs are capable of balling up (something they usually do when threatened). Sowbugs have appendages to avoid rolling into a ball. They are flatter and stretch farther than other insects. Pillbugs only have noticeable antennae, while sowbugs have their aforementioned “tails” on one end and those on the other.

Are Sowbugs And Pillbugs Harmful?

Neither pillbugs nor sow bugs can bite or sting, making them entirely harmless. They cannot spread disease, chew on wood, or harm your possessions. However, they may become a problem if they infest the wet wooden structures in your garage or basement.

Whether you’re dealing with sowbugs, pillbugs, or another kind of pest, Vinx Pest Control has you covered! Our experts are the best in the business and are ready to assist you with all of your pest control needs.