What is a Sowbug?

a sowbug working its way through dirt in a garden. What are sowbugs?

The first thing you should know about the sowbug is that it’s not actually a bug at all. So-called sowbugs are actually a type of woodlouse, similar (but not identical) to a pill bug. Sowbugs are more closely related to shrimp than they are to ants or other pests. In fact, they’re the only type of crustacean that has adapted to survive on land. Like their seafaring brethren, sowbugs breathe through gills, which means having constant access to moisture is a matter of life or death! 

Sowbugs aren’t dangerous, but they can be annoying and freaky… especially if you don’t know what they are. The best way to prevent sowbugs from taking up residence in your basement is to get to know what they want. Here’s everything you ever wanted to know (and then some) about sowbugs, including how to keep them out of your home:

What are sowbugs?

Sowbugs are rounded on top, flat on the bottom, and ovular in shape. They typically only measure about one centimeter in length. Their bodies are made up of overlapping plated segments that are usually dark brown in color. They’ve got seven pairs of legs and two pairs of antennae. Overall, adult sowbugs look a lot like pillbugs. Unlike pillbugs, sowbugs won’t roll up when they’re disturbed. Sowbugs also have two tail-like appendages in the back that pill bugs don’t have.

Above all else, sowbugs need to live in a moist, humid environment. The land-bound crustaceans can’t retain water inside their bodies. Instead, they need to immerse themselves in some level of moisture at all times to keep from drying out. Luckily, sowbugs also feed on organic waste, which tends to generate the humidity they need. The pests can thrive anywhere they can access humidity, darkness, and decaying plants or animals.

Why do they infest homes?

Sowbugs are scavengers. If they’ve infested your home, it’s because there’s something inside your home that they want. More often than not, that something is food or water. Sowbugs need darkness, high humidity, and decaying matter to thrive. If they’re in your home, they’re probably infesting garages, sheds, wood piles, attics, or basements. If you suspect you have sowbugs, start checking in the most humid area of your home. Chances are you’ll find them hiding nearby.

How do I keep sowbugs out of my home or business?

The best way to prevent a sowbug infestation is to take away the sources of their sustenance. Don’t let them find food, water, or shelter anywhere near you. Start with the most important thing sowbugs need: moisture. If you can make sure sowbugs can’t find a place to stay hydrated, they’ll have to find that place elsewhere. Here are a couple of specific steps you can take to help make your home a sowbug-free zone:

  • Installing a whole-home dehumidifier. This is a drastic measure, but it comes with a wide variety of benefits. Whole-home dehumidifiers allow you to control the moisture levels in all areas of your home. You’re able to make your living space more comfortable for you and less comfortable for pests.
  • If you have a garden or potted plants, use mulch that lets water pass through it easily. You want to keep water retainment to a minimum when it comes to mulch that helps prevent pests. Mulches that water easily passes through will keep the dampness levels to a minimum. Your plants will still be cared for, but they won’t drawn in as many pests.
  • Repair leaking plumbing fixtures immediately. Repair toilet, pipe, or fixture leaks immediately. Pests like sowbugs find these moisture sources and flock to them.
  • Clean out your garbage bins regularly. A garbage bin is the perfect place for a sowbug. It’s dark, humid enclosed, and frequently contains decaying matter. Rinse out your garbage cans after you empty them at least once a week to prevent build-up.

 

Sometimes you follow all the best tips and advice and still end up with a pest infestation. If that ever happens to you, all you have to do is call the team at Griffin Pest Solutions. Whether it’s sowbugs or any of Michigan’s many other pests, we’ve got you covered. Our integrated pest management plans remove current pests and help prevent future infestations, too.

Earwig Control and Prevention this Spring

Earwigs this spring

You’ll probably never forget the first time you encountered an earwig. Or the first time you learned what they were. Or even the first time you heard the name “earwig”. We don’t blame you. Earwigs are creepy even for bugs. They have big, upsetting butt-pincers. They sneak around just beneath the surface of the soil, like they’re waiting to pop out at you any second. And then there’s the name. Just… very upsetting, all around.

Unfortunately, if you haven’t already encountered an earwig or five this season, you might be overdue. Spring and early summer are prime time for earwigs, and this year looks like no exception. We do have some good news, however: like most pests, earwigs aren’t as scary as they seem. Here’s everything you need to know about how to handle these pesky pests during the warmer months.

What they are

what european earwigs areThe most common earwig in Michigan is the European earwig (Forficula auricularia). Earwigs are elongated, flat insects that are about an inch long fully-grown. Their bodies are reddish brown with lighter yellow-brown antennae and legs.

Earwigs’ most distinctive feature are the forceps-like pincers they have on the end of their abdomens. Earwigs use this forceps to hunt prey and defend themselves. Some European earwigs have two pairs of wings encased in beetle-like shells and are capable of rudimentary flight. The name “earwig” refers to these wings, which uniquely resemble a human ear when unfolded.

Where they came from

Earwigs are a cosmopolitan species of insect. They’re not native to the US, but they’ve been common here since being discovered in Seattle in 1907. Earwigs proliferated through the US primarily by inadvertently hitching rides from the inside of bags, boxes, and planter pots. They naturally find places where they’ll be transported because they love hiding in dark, confined places. Earwigs remain motionless for most of the day and emerge to hunt and forage at night.

Starting in late fall, earwigs mate and establish subterranean nests beneath the frost line. They remain in these nests through the winter, so they can survive freezing temperatures. In spring, male earwigs dig their way back out to forage for food. Earwigs remain active at night through spring and summer. They’re at their most prevalent soon after hatching, when they have to eat constantly to grow and molt.

What they want

What earwigs wantEarwigs are opportunistic hunters and foragers, meaning they feed on just about anything they can find. They usually feed on and tend to be attracted to decaying plant material. They’ll also eat healthy plants, moss, algae, pollen, other arthropods, and pantry foods.

Earwigs need to live in damp, cool, sheltered places, preferably near a reliable food source. They particularly like sources of cover and darkness where they can hide during the day. Since earwigs dig subterranean nests to lay eggs, they’re particularly interested in finding damp, loose topsoil. The ideal earwig environment combines all of these interests. Outside, they’re often found under mulch, damp leaves, rotting logs, or decaying plants.

Are they dangerous?

No. The pervasive myth that earwigs like to crawl into people’s ears at night is just that: a myth. In fact, earwigs want very little to do with people. When encountered, earwigs usually attempt to scuttle away from people and under cover. They may nip with their pincers if you attempt to pick them up or they feel threatened. Fortunately, this isn’t a major problem, because earwigs don’t have enough strength to break your skin.

Other than a slight pinch, earwigs can’t really endanger you or your family in any way. They don’t damage property, transmit diseases, or sting. Unless they’re present in large numbers, earwigs don’t even necessarily inflict significant damage to plants or trees. Earwigs are the quintessential “nuisance” pest – they’re not dangerous, just annoying.

What to do about them

What to do about earwigsThe best way to prevent earwig infestations is to practice moisture control. Earwigs require damp or humid environments to stay active. If you can limit their access to places like these, they won’t be able to stay in your home. Keep an especially close eye on crawl spaces, basements, and first floor or basement bathrooms. Clear away sources of cover earwigs could use, patch up pipe and fixture leaks, and find and fix drafts.

When earwigs enter structures, it’s usually an accident. They crawl into topsoil, mulch, or fertilizer and find their way in through cracks or gaps in the perimeter of a home. Earwigs are attracted to places by wet, dark places like damp soil, compost, wood piles, or mulch. They feel comfortable getting closer to homes when they have cover like fallen branches, piles of leaves, or other lawn debris. If you can make your propertyless attractive to earwigs, fewer will end up in your home. Then, if you restrict their access, you’ll be able to prevent them entirely.

Hopefully, our earwig info has de-mythologized the (admittedly) freaky pest for you a little. They’re really not nearly as terrifying as they seem, and they’re not dangerous at all. That being said, we can’t blame you for not wanting them around.

If you have an earwig problem in your home, or any other pest problem for that matter, give Griffin a call anytime. Our experts know just how to throw unwelcome arthropods out and keep them from coming back. Have a great and earwig-free spring!

Protecting Your Garden From Hungry Pests

Protecting your garden from hungry pests

Pests are the shadows that loom large over the humble hobby of gardening. It’s somehow not enough for pests like stink bugs, boxelders, cockroaches, aphids, or earwigs to bother you at home. They have to come after your pastimes too. That’s just not fair.

It’s easy to despair about pest problems in your garden. Believe it or not, however, not only is garden pest prevention possible, it’s completely feasible. All it takes is some patience, a little work, and the right ideas. Luckily, we’ve already done the work of collecting the right ideas for you here. Follow each of these quick tips, and you’ll be amazed what a difference it makes in your garden. Don’t let pests have your garden. Instead, try…

Bird netting

bird netting Obviously, bird netting was designed to restrict birds from accessing gardens, but it’ll work on other flying pests too. Bird netting is a relatively simple product you can find at most hardware stores.

To use it, you simply spread the large, lightweight plastic or fiber mesh net over the area you want to protect. All you’ll really need is a frame of some kind to drape the next over. Make sure you install the netting high enough that it doesn’t smother your plants. You wouldn’t want to kill your garden while trying to save it!

Soapy water

Common garden pests like aphids and stink bugs hate soapy water. Spraying them with soapy water will kill them effectively, and it’ll also wipe out the pheromones they secrete to communicate with each other.

Even if you can’t find the pests themselves, misting plant leaves with soapy water will help deter stink bug and aphid damage. Be careful not to use too much, or you could harm the plants. A light misting will be sufficient to make pests think twice.

Smelly plants

Just like certain garden plants attract pests, other plants will deter them. Most pests are particularly sensitive to strong smells. Growing some particularly smelly plants alongside other garden plants will help make your garden far less pest-attractive.

The specific things you’ll want to plant depends on what you want to keep out. Rosemary, garlic, and lavender will help keep wildlife away from your vegetables. Marigolds help deter several kinds of insects. Pennyroyal helps repel ants. Other herbs such as mint, fennel, or basil can help with aphids and potato beetles.

Chicken wire fencing

chicken wire fencingChicken wire fencing works great for protecting against bigger pests. It’s simple, tough, easy to install, and it still lets sun into your garden. To start, get some chicken wire from your local hardware store. Make sure you get enough to build about a three-foot high fence around the perimeter of your garden. Give yourself an extra inch or so of wiggle room, because you’ll want the fence to protect against burrowing pests, too.

To build the fence itself, attach the chicken wire to several sturdy posts. Make sure the posts you choose aren’t themselves vulnerable to pest attack! Dig trenches around the fence so you can bury the bottom of the fence, too. Chicken wire fencing alone won’t keep out insect pests, but it will help against particularly destructive wildlife.

Row covers

Row covers are light plastic sheets traditionally used to protect plants from frost. They’re spread over the top of individual rows, only inches above the tops of plants. Look for varieties that are thin enough to let sunlight and water through, so the plants don’t starve.

Row covers work best for protecting young, vulnerable plants that you’ve just planted. They’re an effective means of preventing caterpillars, birds, and other smaller pests from preying on new plants. Eventually, the plants will (hopefully) grow too tall for row covers to protect them. When that happens, make sure to remove the covers before they get in the way.

Debris control

The more shelter you give pests, the easier it’ll be for them to infiltrate your garden. Fallen leaves, branches, tall grass, weeds, and other cover will all help pests more comfortably access your garden.

Take a few minutes every time you’re out in your garden to clear space. Pull weeds out, gather fallen branches, and remove dead plants. It’s not a lot of extra work and it’ll go a long way toward pest-proofing your garden.

Moisture control

moisture controlAll kinds of pests are attracted to excess moisture. When you overwater your plants, water collects in the soil or on surfaces. Pests will come for that water, and stay to eat your plants.

Take care to water your garden only as much as is necessary. Ensure that any excess water is draining properly instead of pooling up on surfaces or in the soil. Water is one of the #1 things that attract pests anywhere, so this one is important!

Keep it healthy

Several pests are attracted specifically to rotting or dying plants. Once they’re in your garden, however, they won’t stop there.

Take care to quickly and thoroughly remove dying plants before they attract pests. Dig out root systems entirely, and dispose of the plant away from the garden. Try to figure out why that part of your garden died, and consider replacing vulnerable plants with different types.

If it helps, think of pest prevention as another integral part of gardening. Taking care of your plants isn’t only about feeding and making space for them – it’s about protecting them, too. If you follow the steps outlined above, you’ll be a bona fide plant protector. That’s gotta feel pretty good.

And, as always, remember: if ever you’re struggling with pest problems, you can always give Griffin a call. We’ll thwart your pests at every turn, so you have more time to enjoy your gardening.