Do you have a garden and are plagued with pill bugs? Are you looking for ways to get rid of them so that you can enjoy your garden again? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss common questions about pill bugs and provide useful tips on how to get rid of them. We’ll also provide information on some of the best products available to help you eradicate these pests from your garden. Let’s get started!
Pill Bugs and Their Behavior
Pill bugs (also known as woodlice) are small, dark-colored insects that are often found in gardens. They get their name from their habit of rolling up into a ball when they feel threatened. Pill bugs are actually not true bugs – they’re more closely related to shrimp and crabs. They are found in damp environments and often enter homes through cracks in the foundation or walls. Although they don’t bite or sting, pillbugs can be a nuisance in the garden because they eat plants. If you have a lot of pillbugs, they can damage your plants and make them less likely to produce fruit or flowers. Pillbugs are harmless to humans and animals, but can cause extensive damage to your garden if left unchecked.
Pillbugs feed on decaying organic matter such as leaves and mulch. While this isn’t harmful in small amounts, pillbugs can quickly decimate an entire garden if their population is left unchecked. Pillbugs are most active at night and during wet weather. During the day, they hide in dark, damp places like under rocks or logs.
There are two common types of woodlice: the sowbug and the pillbug.
Sowbugs and pillbugs are often confused with one another. Sowbugs have seven pairs of legs and two long, antenna-like structures protruding from their head. They are gray or brown in color and have a hard, segmented exoskeleton. Pillbugs, on the other hand, have eight pairs of legs and no antennae. They are also gray or brown but tend to be slightly smaller than sowbugs. Both types of pests are harmless to humans but can wreak havoc on gardens. [1],[2],[3],[4]
Are Pill Bugs a Threat to Your Garden?
In small quantities, pill bugs can actually be beneficial to your garden. They help break down organic matter and improve soil aeration. However, pillbugs can quickly become a problem if their population is left unchecked.
Pill bugs can feed on the roots of plants, which can damage the plant and make it more susceptible to disease. They can also eat the leaves and flowers of plants, which can prevent the plant from producing fruit or seeds. In some cases, pillbugs may even eat the bark of trees. If you have a lot of pill bugs in your garden, they can cause extensive damage to your plants. [1],[2],[3],[4]
Signs of Woodlice Infestation in Your Garden
Pillbugs are most active at night, when they come out to feed. During the day, they hide in dark, moist places such as under rocks or in mulch. If you suspect you have a pill bug infestation, you can confirm it by checking for the following signs.
Brown spots on leaves or flowers
Pillbugs feed on decaying plant matter, so you may notice brown spots on leaves or flowers. This is especially common if you have a lot of pill bugs in your garden.
If you see brown spots on the leaves or flowers in your garden, it’s a good indication that you have a pill bug infestation. Pillbugs feed on decaying plant matter, so they’re attracted to gardens with lots of dead plants or mulch.
Damaged plant roots
Pillbugs also feed on the roots of plants, which can damage the plant and make it more susceptible to disease. To check for damaged roots, pull back some of the mulch or soil around your plants. If you see any pill bugs or their egg sacs, that’s a sure sign of an infestation.
Pillbugs themselves
The easiest way to tell if you have a pill bug infestation is to see the pests themselves.
You can find them by looking in dark, moist places in your garden such as under rocks or in mulch. As we already mentioned at the start, pillbugs are small, dark-colored insects that are often mistaken for bugs. [4]
How to Get Rid of Pill Bugs in the Garden
If you noticed any of the signs listed above, it’s time to take action. Getting rid of pill bugs in the garden can be difficult, but there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. Let’s discuss them![5]
Place a beer trap
One of the most effective ways to get rid of pill bugs is to trap them with beer. Yes, you read that correctly—beer traps are a real thing, and they work like a charm on these pests. All you need to do is bury a container filled with beer in your garden bed (make sure the lip of the container is level with the soil surface), and wait for the pill bugs to crawl in and drown.
Check your traps regularly and dispose of any dead bugs you find. You can also use this method to control slugs and earwigs.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when using this method:
- Make sure to empty the dish and replace the beer every few days. Otherwise, it will start to attract other pests like fruit flies.
- This method works best if you have a small infestation. If you have a large infestation, you might need to use a different method.
- You can also use this method to prevent pill bugs from coming into your garden in the first place. Just place a dish of beer near the entrance to your garden and check it every few days.
If you’re not into using alcohol as a means of pest control, don’t worry—there are plenty of other options available to you. Read on for more tips on how to get rid of pill bugs in the garden. [1],[2]
Place a fruit trap
One of the most common ways to get rid of pill bugs is to set out fruit traps. This involves placing a piece of fruit, like a banana, near where you think the pill bugs are congregating. The idea is that the pill bugs will be attracted to the fruit and crawl into it to eat, but won’t be able to get back out again. You can then dispose of them however you see fit.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using this method: first, make sure that the piece of fruit is ripe enough that the pillbugs will actually be attracted to it; second, check your trap regularly and dispose of any captured bugs as soon as possible so they don’t escape; and third, be aware that this method will also attract other creatures like ants, so you may want to take steps to keep them away as well. [1],[2]
Place a bamboo trap
Another easy way to get rid of pill bugs is with bamboo traps. All you need for this method are some bamboo stakes and twine. Simply hammer the bamboo stakes into the ground around the perimeter of your garden bed, making sure they’re tall enough that the pill bugs can’t climb over them. Then, tie the twine around the top of the stakes to create a barrier. The pill bugs will be able to get in, but they won’t be able to get out.
To make this method even more effective, you can add a little bit of water to the bottom of the trap. The pillbugs will be attracted to the moisture and crawl in, but they won’t be able to escape
If you have pill bugs in your garden, one of the best ways to get rid of them is by setting bamboo traps. Bamboo traps work by luring the pillbugs into a container with food, then trapping them inside so they can’t escape. Here’s how to make a bamboo trap:
- Cut a piece of bamboo that’s about two feet long and three inches wide.
- Make sure the bamboo has hollow nodes, or else the pillbugs won’t be able to climb inside.
- Drill holes in the top and bottom of the bamboo trap so you can thread a wire through.
- Place the trap near where you’ve seen pillbugs, and bait it with food like rotting fruit or vegetables.
- Utilize ground covers
You can protect your garden from pillbugs by using ground covers. A ground cover is a material you place on top of the soil to prevent pill bugs from accessing your plants. Ground covers can be anything from rocks and mulch to fabric or plastic. Be sure to choose a heavy material that pillbugs can’t burrow under.
Ground covers also help keep the soil moist and cool, which is perfect for delicate plants. They also prevent the sun from reaching the soil, so it won’t get too hot. Some great ground cover options include mulch, straw, and leaves.[1],[2]
Apply cayenne spray
Cayenne spray is an effective way to get rid of pill bugs in the garden. All you need to do is mix cayenne pepper with water and vinegar, then spray it on the affected areas.
Pillbugs don’t like spicy food, so they will avoid areas that are sprayed with this mixture. You can also use other hot peppers, such as jalapeños or habaneros. Just make sure you wear gloves when handling them!
If you have pets or children, be sure to keep them away from the sprayed areas until the mixture dries.
Use diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally-occurring sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It consists of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae that forms in freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams.
DE is made up of about 80-90% silica, with the rest being made up of clay minerals, sodium, calcium, iron, and other trace elements. The silica content gives it its abrasive nature. In fact, DE is often used as an industrial abrasive in products like sandpaper and polishing compounds.
But what does this have to do with getting rid of pill bugs?
As it turns out, DE is safe for humans and animals, but it’s deadly for pillbugs. The sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth slice through the pillbugs’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.
To use diatomaceous earth, simply sprinkle it around the perimeter of your garden bed. You can also put it in a dish and set it near where you think the pillbugs are congregating. Just be sure to avoid getting it on your plants, as it can damage them. [1],[2],[3],[4]
Contact a professional in case of a serious problem
If you have a serious pill bug infestation, it’s best to contact a professional. A professional will be able to identify the problem and come up with a plan to get rid of the bugs.
In most cases, a professional will use a combination of methods to get rid of pill bugs. This may include using pesticides, setting traps, and using diatomaceous earth. If you have a serious infestation, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Preventing Pill Bugs
As you can see, dealing with pillbugs isn’t too difficult. But the best way to deal with them is to prevent them from getting into your garden in the first place. Let’s talk about how you can do that.
Reduce the moisture in your garden
Pillbugs are attracted to moisture. If you can reduce the amount of moisture in your garden, you’ll make it much less attractive to them. One way to do this is to water your plants in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry off before nightfall. You should also consider using raised beds or elevated planters so that the soil doesn’t stay too moist.Another way to reduce moisture is to make sure that there is proper drainage in your garden. Make sure that there are no areas where water can pool and create a damp environment.
Ensure proper air circulation in soil
Pillbugs are most active at night when the temperature and humidity are high. During the day, they hide in cool, moist places. This is why you often see them after a rainstorm or when you water your plants in the evening. To prevent pill bugs from infesting your garden, make sure there is proper air circulation in the soil. This will help to keep the soil dry and reduce their population.
Clean your garden from decaying matter
Pill bugs are often attracted to gardens because they offer a food source and shelter. More specifically, they love to munch on decaying leaves, wood, and other organic matter. If you can remove these attractants, it’s likely that the pill bugs will move on and leave your garden alone. Start by cleaning up any fallen fruit or vegetables from your garden; trim back any overgrown plants; and make sure there is no standing water anywhere (pillbugs love damp conditions).
Remove any wood or organic matter that is lying around your garden. You should also make sure to keep your compost bin closed so that pill bugs don’t have access to it.
Trimming back your plants can also help. Pillbugs like to hide in dense, leafy vegetation, so if you can thin out your plants a bit, that will also help discourage them.
Seal the entrances
Pillbugs are small, but they can squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices. So, the first step is to make sure your garden is sealed up tight. Check the perimeter of your garden for any holes or gaps and seal them up with caulk or another suitable material. You should also make sure that there are no cracks or gaps in your foundation or walls since pillbugs can also enter your home through these openings.
Once you’ve sealed up all the potential entrances, you can take some additional measures to keep pill bugs out of your garden.
One way to do this is to create a barrier around the perimeter of your garden using diatomaceous earth. We’ve already talked about how DE can kill pillbugs, but it can also act as a barrier to keep them out. [1],[2],[3],[4]
FAQ
Why do I have so many roly poly bugs?
There could be a few reasons. One, you may have a lot of dead leaves or mulch in your garden. It is a common breeding ground for pill bugs. Two, you may live in an area with humidity which creates the perfect environment for these pests to thrive. Three, they could be coming into your garden from a neighboring property where there is an infestation.
Can pill bugs be beneficial?
Pill bugs are actually a very beneficial creature in the garden. They help to break down organic matter and improve soil aeration and drainage. They also eat other pests, such as slugs and snails. However, pillbugs can become a problem when they start eating your plants. If you have a pill bug infestation, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.
Will coffee grounds keep pill bugs away?
Coffee grounds can help to keep pill bugs away, but they will not solve the problem entirely. Pill bugs are attracted to moisture and will often live in damp areas such as flower beds or under mulch.
If you have a problem with pill bugs, it is best to address the underlying issue of moisture in your garden. You can use coffee grounds as a temporary measure to keep pill bugs away from specific areas, but you should not rely on them as a long-term solution.
What kills a pill bug?
There are a few different ways to get rid of pill bugs in the garden. One way is to use chemicals such as insecticides or pesticides. These can be effective, but they can also be harmful to other animals and plants in the area. Another way to get rid of pill bugs is to change the environment around them so that they can no longer survive. This could involve removing their food source, increasing sunlight, or decreasing moisture. Finally, you can also manually remove pill bugs from your garden by hand picking them off of plants or using a vacuum cleaner to suck them up.
Useful Video: How to Get Rid of Pill Bugs (Wood Lice, Roly-Polies)
Conclusion
Pillbugs are small, dark-colored insects that thrive in moist environments. They’re often found in gardens, where they feed on plants and vegetables. Pillbugs are also known as rollie pollies or woodlice. While they’re not harmful to humans, they can cause damage to your plants. If you have pill bugs in your garden, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. You can set traps, use diatomaceous earth, or contact a professional. Whichever method you choose, make sure to act quickly to prevent the bugs from doing any more damage. This is the end of the blog post content. Thank you for reading! We hope this was helpful in getting rid of pill bugs in your garden! Check back soon for more tips and solutions on pests and gardening! Happy planting!
References:
- https://www.pesticide.org/pillbugs_sowbugs
- https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-pill-bugs/
- https://growingspaces.com/get-rid-of-pill-bugs/
- https://www.pestdefence.co.uk/news/how-to-prevent-and-get-rid-of-woodlice-in-the-house/
- https://gardeningelsa.com/how-to-get-rid-of-pill-bugs-in-the-garden/