Sowbug And Pillbug Removal in Ottawa

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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.

Moisture draws sowbugs and pillbugs in, so that’s where we start. At Get ‘Em Out, our Ottawa removal service targets their gathering spots, fixes the moisture issue, and keeps 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.
pest profile Carpenter bee
  • 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

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David Vandermeer
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Excellent experience
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Try2beme
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I want to thank the team of Get ‘Em Out Wildlife Control .They went above and beyond by responding to our needs quickly . Reuniting a mother raccoon with her babies and then safely removing them and allowing the family to find a new home ! Sevice was excellent ! Highly recommend !!
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Melanie Jackson
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Sean, Ashley, and the whole team were a pleasure to deal with. They’re incredibly kind and knowledgeable. I had an ongoing mouse problem for years, and they identified how the mice were entering my house and fixed it. I’ve had no signs of mice now for two months, and I’m not exaggerating to say that it’s been life changing. I’m so thankful!
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Tammy Craig
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Great company, great service and very reliable. They have helped us remove mice, and rats from our 2 homes over the past 15 years, offering us a variety of affordable options. Highly recommend!
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Toys Ottawa
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Initial assessment was very good and work / pricing options presented were thorough and clear. Given that, we decides to book them and they did a fantastic job. Mike was efficient, explained the work that was completed extremely well, and provided additional observations. He was also clean and tidy and treated our home as if it was his own. Many thanks to Mike as well as the owners for a job well done.
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Jon W
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Great experience with these folks. The technician was very friendly and helpful. We had bought our own traps since the squirrel got in on a weekend, but they gave us a free inspection first thing Monday morning. We now have much more confidence on how to do things right! Thank you so much!
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Fred Beaulieu
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We had an excellent experience with Get Em’ Out Wildlife Control. We had begun noticing pigeons nesting on a small covered part of our roof and not only were they quick to respond but they also had someone come out the very next day for a quote and the work was completed less than. 2 days later. Great service and price, would definitely recommend Get Em’ Out for anyone with unwanted wildlife issues!
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Sabina Schacht
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Josh was efficient, professional and very knowledgeable. Thank you for your great customer service and assisting in fixing our issue!

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?
Larger populations can chew through seedlings and soft plants. Keeping moisture down, sealing entry points, and bringing in professional sowbug and pillbug removal all help stop the cycle.
What do sowbugs and pillbugs eat?
They eat decaying organic matter, such as wet leaves, mulch and rotting plant material. You will often find them under piles of wood, rocks or in moist garden beds.
How long will it take to eliminate them?
A few things drive the timeline: moisture levels, number of entry points. Treatment aimed at the right spots gets faster results, particularly where indoor hotspots keep resurfacing. Leave the dampness unaddressed, though, and a few will likely linger.
What can I do to prevent a sowbug and pillbug infestation?
Watch for dampness and entry points. Repair leaks, increase ventilation and reduce damp areas in your home. Outside, be sure that mulch and debris are not piled up against the foundation.
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