Sowbugs

You know those little critters we see all the time but barely notice? Sowbugs! They look like tiny armadillos and are actually quite similar to shrimp. Believe it or not, they have gills and carry up to 100 eggs in pouches on their legs.

Sowbugs munch on decaying stuff like grass clippings, rotting leaves, and mulch. They're pretty helpful because they turn all that into topsoil. They don't damage buildings, but if you see a lot of them inside, it might mean there's a moisture problem.

Want to keep them away from your home? Here are some easy tips:

• Don't store firewood or other items right against your house.
• Keep grass and shrubs from growing too close to the foundation.
• Rake away grass clippings, leaves, and other debris from the foundation.
• Trim under shrubs to let the soil dry out.
• Use rock or pea gravel instead of bark mulch near your house.
• If you use mulch, keep it away from the house.
• Check and repair door and window seals.
• Use door mats that dry quickly to avoid moisture buildup.

A couple of things can bring sowbugs indoors:

• If you leave home for a while, don't turn the heat all the way off. A bit of extra moisture can help sowbugs survive inside.
• Fertilizer or pesticide applications can cause them to migrate.

If you're still seeing sowbugs, there might be a moisture issue like a plumbing leak or bad caulk. Fixing the water source is key. And if you live near a marshy area, you might need to treat the outside of your home to keep their numbers down.

So, even in a rainy area, it's important to keep things dry. 

Shrimp cocktail, anyone? 🦐