Sasha CampbellIf you see brownish-gray, elongated armored bugs moving in your garden or moist areas in your yard, they might be sow bugs. Also known as woodlice, these small creatures may resemble miniature armadillos.
While they don’t bite, sting, or spread diseases, sow bugs can still become a nuisance. They feed on decaying organic matter. However, as their numbers increase, they may begin to nibble on tender plants and young roots.
Fortunately, there are plenty of natural ways to control these creatures in your garden and home. Here’s how to get rid of sowbugs naturally:
1. Let the Soil Surface Dry Out
One of the simplest methods to keep away sow bugs is to keep your garden dry.
Sow bugs thrive in moist environments. That’s because they breathe through gills that require humidity to function [1].
Therefore, by allowing the soil surface to dry out between waterings, you make the habitat less inviting for these pests.
2. Clean Up Leaf Litter and Debris
Cleaning up garden debris is another highly effective tactic. Sow bugs love to hide under decaying leaves, mulch, and wood.
Therefore, remove fallen leaves, old mulch, grass clippings, and other organic debris from your garden beds and the outdoors. Doing so will help keep their numbers down.
3. Hand-Pick Sow Bugs from Hiding Spots
Hand-picking can also go a long way in reducing the number of sow bugs. This is especially helpful if you have a small infestation.
Sow bugs are slow-moving and easy to spot under pots, boards, and stones. Therefore, check these hiding spots early in the morning, pick them up, and relocate them far from your garden.
4. Birds, Frogs, and Other Natural Predators
Many garden allies, such as some birds, toads, frogs, and ground beetles, feast on sow bugs. Therefore, you can make your garden more inviting to these natural predators.
Do a little research on how to attract these natural enemies. In addition, avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that harm beneficial species.
5. DIY Moisture Traps
Creating DIY traps can also be very effective. For example, you can lay a cut potato or a piece of melon rind on the soil overnight.
Sow bugs will be attracted to the moist underside of the potato or melon rind. In the morning, lift the trap and dispose of the bugs.
6. Remove Outdoor Hiding Places
It’s also a good idea to eliminate hiding places close to your home. Sow bugs often move indoors when outdoor conditions become too dry or cold.
To prevent this, clear away anything they might shelter under, such as stones or plant pots.
7. Use Vinegar Spray
A vinegar and water solution is an effective home remedy for killing sow bugs.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it directly on sow bugs.
The acidity in vinegar can kill sow bugs on contact. However, be careful not to use this homemade sow bug spray on plants. This vinegar solution is potent and can harm tender foliage.
8. Soapy Water
Soapy water can also kill sow bugs if used correctly.
Mix some soap and water and spray it directly on the critters. Doing so may not kill them, but it will make them sluggish.
A killer method is to drop the sow bugs into a bowl of soapy water. Doing so will suffocate and drown them.
9. Keep Plants Healthy and Resilient
Many insects and related pests are more likely to attack plants that are weak or stressed [2].
Therefore, ensure your plants have the right nutrients, proper watering, and good air circulation. Doing so will make them less appealing to pests.
10. Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is another natural remedy for killing sow bugs.
This natural powder is deadly to many insects and pests that crawl through it. It can also kill pill bugs.
Therefore, sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of plants or in garden beds. When sow bugs crawl through it, the powder damages their exoskeletons and causes them to dehydrate.
Another advantage of DE is that it can be used inside the home. Use it in areas where these critters might be spotted, such as in the basement and bathroom.
11. Neem Oil Solution
Neem oil is highly effective against a wide range of insect pests. It is also mildly poisonous to pill bugs and can be used to deter sow bugs.
Mix neem oil with water and a small amount of dish soap to create a natural spray for sow bugs. You can also buy a premade neem oil solution and apply it as directed.
12. Companion Plants
Companion planting is another subtle way to discourage sowbugs.
Some plants have natural pest-repellent properties. For instance, aromatic plants like marigolds, mint, rosemary, and basil may deter sow bugs as they repel pill bugs.
So, interplant these herbs among your vegetables and flowers.
13. Spray with Essentria IC Pro
For a natural yet commercial-grade option, consider using a product like Essentria IC Pro.
It is made from a blend of essential oils, including clove oil and corn mint oil. These oils repel and kill a wide range of crawling pests, including sow bugs.
This plant-based product can be sprayed in garden beds, around the home’s foundation, and in outdoor areas where sow bugs tend to gather.
14. Manage Your Compost Pile Carefully
Finally, consider adjusting your composting practices.
Since sow bugs are decomposers, they’re drawn to compost piles and bins.
So, if you spot sow bugs inside, keep your compost far away from the garden and house, as the bugs might crawl out.
Also, avoid spreading unfinished compost near vulnerable plants.
Takeaway
Dealing with sow bugs naturally requires patience and consistency.
No single method will eliminate them overnight. However, combining several of these natural remedies can help keep their population under control.
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