Deter those pesky intruders away
Managing Cellar Sow Bugs: A Guide for Garden and Home
Cellar sow bugs, small crustaceans found worldwide, are occasional inhabitants of cellars and apartments, particularly in moist and dark environments [1]. These creatures are more beneficial than harmful, aiding soil enrichment by decomposing dead plant matter. However, when their populations become disruptive, it's essential to manage them effectively.
Outdoor Control
To keep cellar sow bugs at bay in your garden, start by eliminating damp hiding spots. Rake mulch, aerate soil, and relocate leaf piles and compost heaps away from garden beds. Sow bugs thrive in moist, organic-rich environments, so reducing moisture and organic matter will make your garden less inviting [1].
Another effective measure is to use gravel barriers between garden beds and your home's foundation. This will deter movement from garden to indoor areas [1]. If populations become particularly problematic, you can apply organic pesticides or diatomaceous earth around affected areas for a more targeted approach [1].
Indoor Prevention and Control
To prevent cellar sow bugs from entering your home, seal cracks and gaps in the foundation, windows, and doors. Additionally, remove wood piles, compost, and moisture sources near the home’s perimeter, as these attract and harbor sow bugs [1].
If necessary, use fast-acting insecticides designed for crawling pests indoors along baseboards and entry points. However, it's preferable to opt for organic options for environmental sensitivity [1].
Additional Notes
It's important to note that Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles emphasize environmental modification and biological understanding before resorting to pesticides. Sow bugs are not poisonous and do not transmit diseases. They do not cause damage to plants or structures [1].
After attracting cellar sow bugs, they should be collected and released outside. Using slightly rotten fruit or vegetables can be effective in attracting them. Sage leaves and cinnamon are disliked by cellar sow bugs and can be used to deter them [1]. Placing an alcohol-moistened bottle can also attract cellar sow bugs.
In summary, keeping areas dry and free from detritus, physically excluding sow bugs from your home, and using eco-friendly treatments when needed effectively control cellar sow bugs in gardens and indoors [1]. Following these guidelines will help maintain a balance between these beneficial creatures and your living space.
[1] Frag Team Clean. (n.d.). Cellar Sow Bugs: How to Control and Manage Them. Retrieved from https://fragteamclean.com/pest-control/cellar-sow-bugs/
To maintain a balance between cellar sow bugs and a home-and-garden lifestyle, focus on preventing these creatures from entering your living space. Seal cracks and gaps, remove moisture sources, and eliminate organic matter near your home's perimeter [1].
When gardening, make the environment less inviting to cellar sow bugs by eliminating damp hiding spots, moving compost heaps away from garden beds, and using gravel barriers between garden beds and your home's foundation [1].
