All About Sowbug Removal Edmonton
Sowbugs are showing up in Edmonton homes more than most people expect. They are small, harmless, and easy to ignore at first. But a large infestation is a clear sign that something is wrong in your home.
Sowbug Control Tips and Advice From The Sowbug Control Blog
PEST CONTROL EDMONTON – 6 REASONS TO CHOOSE MAJOR PEST CONTROL
Table Of Contents
What Are Sowbugs?
Sowbugs (Oniscus asellus) are not insects. They are land crustaceans — the only crustaceans on earth that live entirely on land. They are more closely related to lobsters and shrimp than to any bug you know.
Here is what they look like:
- Size: Up to 15 mm long and 8 mm wide
- Colour: Flat, slate grey with segmented armour plates on the back
- Legs: Seven pairs — 14 legs in total
- Antennae: About half the length of the body
- Tail-like appendages: Two at the rear — this is their most identifying feature
Sowbug vs. Pill Bug — How to Tell the Difference
These two are confused all the time in Edmonton. Here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Sowbug | Pill Bug |
| Rolls into a ball | No | Yes |
| Tail appendages | Yes (2) | None |
| Body shape | Flat, oval | Rounder, deeper |
| Colour | Slate grey | Dark grey |
The simplest test — poke it gently. If it rolls into a ball, it is a pill bug. If it runs, it is a sowbug.
Why Do Sowbugs Come Inside Edmonton Homes?
Sowbugs follow moisture. Alberta’s cold winters push them indoors in search of warmth and damp conditions. They enter through:
- Cracks in foundations and basement walls.
- Gaps under doors and window frames.
- Poorly sealed vents and utility openings.
- Rotting wood thresholds or sill plates at entry doors.
Once inside, they move straight to the dampest spots — basements, laundry rooms, crawl spaces, and under sinks with leaky plumbing. Damp cardboard, rotting wood, and poor drainage near your foundation will draw them in fast.
How Major Pest Control Removes Sowbugs in Edmonton
At Major Pest Control, we do not just treat the symptoms. We find the source. Our licensed, provincially certified technicians follow a proven process:
- Full Property Inspection: We conduct a thorough 58-point pest survey of your home, inside and out. We identify all moisture sources, entry points, nesting zones, and infestation levels.
- Targeted Treatment: We use the latest environmentally friendly treatment methods to safely eliminate sowbugs. Every method is chosen with your family and pets in mind.
- Entry Point Sealing: We seal cracks, gaps, and openings with professional-grade materials so sowbugs cannot enter.
- Prevention Guidance: We provide clear, practical advice to prevent sowbugs from returning — drainage fixes, ventilation tips, and yard maintenance guidance.
- Follow-Up Visit: We return to confirm the problem is fully resolved and to adjust the plan if needed.
Common FAQs about sowbugs in Edmonton
-
What causes sowbugs in my house?
Sowbugs follow moisture. If they are inside your home, you likely have a damp area — a leaky pipe, a wet basement, or rotting wood near your foundation. Fix the moisture source, and the infestation shrinks significantly.
-
Are sowbugs harmful to my family or pets?
No. Sowbugs do not bite, sting, or spread disease. They are a nuisance pest. However, large numbers inside your home are a clear sign of a moisture problem that needs professional attention.
-
Do sowbugs damage my home?
Sowbugs do not damage the structure, food, or clothing inside your home. But they are often found near rotting wood — and that rotting wood is the real problem that needs to be addressed.
-
How much does sowbug removal cost in Edmonton?
Pest control services at Major Pest Control start as low as $195. Pricing depends on the size of the infestation and your property type. Call 780-906-0911 for a free, no-obligation quote.
-
Does Major Pest Control guarantee sowbug treatment?
Yes. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with the results, the service is completely free. That is our promise to every Edmonton homeowner.
Get Rid of Sowbugs Today — Call Major Pest Control Edmonton
Do not wait for a small problem to turn into a large one. Major Pest Control is Edmonton’s trusted, top-rated pest control company. Our certified team is ready to inspect your home, treat the infestation, and give you lasting results.
📞 Call 780-906-0911 — available 24/7 🌐 majorpestcontrol.ca 📍 Serving Edmonton and all surrounding communities
Not happy? You don’t pay. That’s the Major Pest Control guarantee.
Where Can You Find Voles, Moles, Gophers In Edmonton?
Yards 
Gardens 
Sheds