What is a sow bug?
A sow bug, also known as a woodlouse, is a small, terrestrial crustacean that is commonly found in damp environments. Sow bugs have a segmented body, with a pair of antennae and several pairs of legs.
They are generally harmless and do not bite or sting. Some people consider them to be a pest because they can reproduce quickly and can sometimes be found in large numbers in damp areas of homes, such as basements or crawl spaces.
However, sow bugs do not cause any significant damage and are generally easy to control.
What does a sow bug look like?
Sow bugs are small, oval-shaped creatures that range in size from about 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch in length. They have a dark, mottled appearance and are generally brown or gray in color.
They have a segmented body, with a pair of antennae and several pairs of legs. Sow bugs also have two small, hardened plates on their back that protect their body and help them move through damp environments. Some people describe sow bugs as looking like small, pill-shaped insects.
What do sow bugs eat?
Sow bugs are decomposers, which means that they feed on organic matter that is already dead or decaying. In the wild, sow bugs can be found feeding on a variety of plant and animal matter, including leaves, wood, and other types of debris.
They are also known to feed on fungi and algae. Sow bugs are often found in areas with high levels of moisture, such as gardens, compost piles, and areas with high levels of organic matter. They are attracted to damp environments because they need moisture to survive.
Are sow bugs called pill bugs?
Yes, sow bugs are also known as pill bugs. Pill bugs are a type of sow bug that is able to roll up into a ball when threatened, much like a pill. This behavior gives them their common name.
Sow bugs and pill bugs are often used interchangeably to refer to the same type of creature. However, it's worth noting that not all sow bugs are pill bugs. There are several species of sow bugs, and some species are not able to roll up into a ball as pill bugs can.
What other types of sow bugs are there?
There are several different species of sow bugs, and they can be found all over the world. Some common types of sow bugs include:
- Oniscus asellus: This is a common species of sow bug that is found throughout Europe and North America. It is also known as the European sow bug or the common sow bug.
- Porcellio scaber: This is another common species of sow bug that is found in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world. It is also known as the rough woodlouse or the rough sow bug.
- Ligia exotica: This is a species of sow bug that is native to the coastal regions of the eastern United States. It is also known as the American shore bug or the sand bug.
- Armadillidium vulgare: This is a species of sow bug that is native to Europe, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. It is also known as the common pill bug or the common roly-poly.
These are just a few examples of the many different species of sow bugs that exist. Sow bugs can vary in size, shape, and color depending on the species.
Sow Bugs: What To Do
In conclusion, sow bugs are small, terrestrial crustaceans that are commonly found in damp environments. They are generally harmless and do not cause any significant damage.
Sow bugs are decomposers, feeding on organic matter that is already dead or decaying. There are several different species of sow bugs, which can vary in size, shape, and color.
While some people consider sow bugs to be pests because they can reproduce quickly and sometimes be found in large numbers in damp areas of homes, they are generally easy to control and do not pose a significant threat.
For more information, contact Secret Agent Pest Control today.