Sowbug And Pillbug Removal in Ottawa

Remove sowbugs and pillbugs fast and prevent repeat sightings with expert control that works.

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Stop Sowbugs and Pillbugs at the Source in Your Ottawa Home

If you notice small, armoured bugs along baseboards, near drains, or under mats, it can make your home feel damp even when it’s clean. They often return after rain or humidity because they’re drawn to moisture and slip in through small gaps, so quick fixes don’t last.

At Get ’Em Out, we provide professional Sowbug and Pillbug removal in Ottawa with targeted treatment that addresses where they gather, reduces moisture issues, and helps prevent them from coming back.

Got sowbug, or pillbug, problems? Book your service today and get your space back.

Professional sowbug and pillbug removal in Ottawa for homes with moisture problems

Danger / Damage

Sowbugs and pillbugs don’t bite or damage your home, but they’re a strong sign of excess moisture. When they keep showing up indoors, it usually means damp conditions are inviting other nuisance pests, too. Getting ahead of it with Sowbug and Pillbug removal helps protect comfort and keeps lower-level spaces from feeling constantly “wet and buggy.”

Active Months

Sowbugs and pillbugs are most noticeable during the warm, wet seasons because they live outdoors. After heavy rain or during humid stretches, those hiding spots get soaked, and they start wandering toward foundations. They’re also more active at night since they rely on moisture to breathe properly, which is why daytime sightings usually mean they’ve been hiding nearby.

Appearance

At first glance, sowbugs and pillbugs look like tiny, grey-brown “armoured” crawlers with a segmented body and seven pairs of legs. The easiest way to tell them apart is how they react. Pillbugs are rounder and roll into a tight little ball when startled, while sowbugs are flatter, have two small tail-like tips at the back, and usually just scurry for cover.

Habitat

Moisture attracts sowbugs and pillbugs, so they gather in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, under sinks, and near drains. Outdoors, they hide under mulch, leaves, stones, and woodpiles close to your home. If they’re inside, it usually means excess moisture and an entry point. Professional Sowbug and Pillbug removal focuses on treating damp areas and reducing access to prevent repeat activity.

Life Cycle

Sowbug and pillbug removal in Ottawa helping protect homes from recurring infestations

Life happens mostly out of sight with these pests, which is why numbers can build before you realize it. Female sowbugs and pillbugs carry their eggs in a brood pouch underneath their body; the eggs typically hatch in about a month, and the young stay protected in that pouch for around two more weeks before emerging. As they grow, they molt every 1–2 weeks over several months until they reach adulthood, and adults can live for 2–5 years – so if moisture and shelter stay the same, the problem can linger.

Fascinating Facts About Sowbugs and Pillbugs

They may look simple, but their biology explains why they stay in damp areas.

Pillbugs breathe through gill-like structures, so they need moisture
They molt in two stages, which can make them look two-toned
Females carry eggs in a pouch until they hatch
Handle waste differently from most pests
Can absorb water to survive in damp environments

Spot the signs early and stop the problem before it grows.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Quick Answers to Common Sowbug and Pillbug Questions

Sowbugs and pillbugs often appear where there’s excess moisture and shelter. Here are the most common questions Ottawa homeowners often ask us.

What damage can sowbugs and pillbugs cause?

They usually indicate excess moisture. In larger numbers, they may damage seedlings and soft plants. Reducing moisture, sealing entry points, and professional Sowbug And Pillbug removal help prevent repeat activity.

What do sowbugs and pillbugs eat?

They mostly feed on decaying organic material like wet leaves, mulch, and rotting plant debris, and they gather under wood piles, stones, and damp garden beds.

How long will it take to eliminate them?

It depends on moisture levels and entry points. Targeted treatment speeds things up, especially in persistent indoor hotspots, but if damp conditions remain, you may continue to see stragglers.

What can I do to prevent a sowbug and pillbug infestation?

To prevent insect entry, focus on moisture control and sealing gaps. Fix leaks, improve ventilation, and reduce damp areas indoors, while keeping debris and mulch away from the foundation outside.

Are sowbugs and pillbugs active in the fall and winter?

Outdoor activity drops as temperatures cool, but fall rain can still trigger movement toward foundations. Indoors, they can appear anytime a space stays humid, even in winter. If you’re seeing them in colder months, it usually points to a damp area inside that needs attention.

Watch Us In Action

Stop Sowbug and Pillbug Activity Fast – Book Ottawa Service Today

If sowbugs and pillbugs keep turning up in your basement, bathroom, or laundry room, don’t just keep sweeping them up to stop the source. Get ’Em Out provides professional Sowbug and Pillbug removal in Ottawa, targeting moisture zones, entry points, and hiding areas so the problem doesn’t bounce back.

Call now or click below to schedule your service and get your home feeling clean and comfortable again.

Get in Touch
OTTAWA / GATINEAU
23 Slate Street, Stittsville, Ontario, K2S 1Y7
Phone: 613-416-6110
Email: service@getemoutwildlife.com

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: CLOSED

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