Sow Bug & Pill Bug Control
in Toronto.
Sow bug and pill bug control in Toronto: what these small grey crustaceans are, why they come into damp basements, and how to keep them out.
Understand what
you’re seeing.
Sow bugs and pill bugs are small, grey, armoured creatures that often turn up in basements and on ground floors. They are harmless, but seeing many indoors usually points to a moisture problem near the house.
Identification & signs
- Sow bugs and pill bugs are not insects. They are land-living crustaceans (isopods), oval and usually under 2 cm (¾ in) long, with seven pairs of legs.
- Pill bugs roll into a ball when disturbed. Sow bugs cannot roll up and have two small tail-like parts at the rear.
- They need high humidity, which is why they wander into crawl spaces, basements and ground-floor rooms looking for moisture.
- They do not bite or sting and do not damage homes. Without moisture they cannot survive long indoors.
Identification reference: University of Kentucky Entomology: sowbugs & pillbugs.
Practical first steps.
Start with the conditions you can observe. If the activity continues or the pest is uncertain, describe the pattern when requesting an assessment.
- Remove leaf litter, mulch, boards and debris next to the foundation.
- Improve drainage and keep downspouts pointing away from the house.
- Seal gaps under doors, around basement windows and along the foundation.
- Dry out damp basements and crawl spaces with ventilation or a dehumidifier.
What does sow bug & pill bug control cost in Toronto?
Sow bug & pill bug control in Toronto costs $199–$499, before HST. Quotes are free, and we are fully licensed and insured.
- Price depends on the size of the home and how many areas, such as basements, entrances and window wells, need treatment.
- Fixing damp areas and sealing gaps at doors and the foundation is part of keeping them out.
- Your final price depends on property size, how widespread the activity is and the treatment needed. We confirm it in a free quote before any work starts.
- A warranty is available. Its length depends on the treatment, the level of infestation and the sanitation conditions at the property, and is confirmed in your quote.
Sow bugs: common questions.
Are sow bugs harmful?
No. Sow bugs and pill bugs are completely harmless. They do not bite, sting or damage your home.
Why do I keep finding them in my basement?
They need moisture and come indoors from damp soil and mulch next to the house. Finding many indoors usually means there is a damp area nearby.
What is the difference between a sow bug and a pill bug?
Pill bugs can roll into a tight ball; sow bugs cannot and have two small tail-like appendages. They are managed the same way.
Tell us about
your property.
Mention where you see them, roughly how many, and any damp areas, leaks or drainage problems.
Include your city or neighbourhood, property type and the best way to reach you. Before booking, confirm the scope, preparation instructions, price and any follow-up arrangements.
Related pest guides.
General pest information checked against the linked reference. Updated October 6, 2026. Treatment recommendations depend on identification and the property assessment.