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Pillbugs and Sowbugs in Overland Park and KC Homes
Roly-polies are fun for kids and annoying on a basement floor. University of Missouri Extension says pillbugs and sowbugs are crustaceans, not insects. Here is what Overland Park and Kansas City homeowners should know.
Quick Answers
Pillbugs roll into a ball. Sowbugs cannot, and they have two tail-like parts.
They need damp spots and dry out fast in dry air.
Seeing them inside usually points to a lot of them outside near the foundation.
Why do pillbugs and sowbugs show up in Overland Park and Kansas City homes?
The extension says finding them inside suggests a big group outdoors close to the house. They are active at night and hide under things by day. If your home has thick mulch, leaf litter, or a damp basement wall, they have a reason to come close.
What should you do first?
Clear debris and thick mulch away from the foundation.
Cut back on watering beds that touch the house.
Caulk gaps around doors, windows, and the foundation.
Dry out basement walls and fix any seepage.
Sweep up the ones inside.
What does not help?
The extension says pesticides are a last resort. If sanitation is not enough, it points to treating foundation edges or small entry points with a product labeled for these pests, and following the label exactly.
Common Questions
Is a pillbug the same as a sowbug?
Close, but not the same. Pillbugs are darker, more domed, and roll into a ball. Sowbugs are flatter and gray, cannot roll up, and have two tail-like parts.
Do pillbugs damage my home?
The extension calls them mostly a nuisance with no health or economic threat to people. Some sowbugs may nibble plant roots, fruit, vegetables, or tender stems.
Do you use contracts for pillbug and sowbug control?
No. We do not use contracts.
How We Help
We take a look, explain what we see in plain words, and walk you through your options. No scare tactics. No contracts. Call or text us at (913) 222-2847. You can text a photo of what you found. See our Johnson County page.
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