Can you get rid of rolly pollies (also known as pill bugs or sow bugs) in your garden? Yes, you can effectively manage and reduce their numbers to protect your plants. This guide will explore proven strategies for rolly bug control and sow bug removal, offering a comprehensive approach to garden pest management.
Rolly pollies, or pill bugs, are fascinating little creatures. They are not insects but crustaceans, related to crabs and shrimp. These segmented, armor-plated critters play a role in the garden ecosystem, primarily as decomposers. They munch on decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves, rotting wood, and fallen fruit. This is a good thing! However, when their population grows too large, or when conditions become too dry, they can turn their attention to living plants, especially tender seedlings and soft fruits like strawberries. This is when they become a nuisance, and you’ll want to explore effective ways to control them.
Why Rolly Pollies Visit Your Garden
To tackle any problem, it’s essential to understand why it’s happening. Rolly pollies are drawn to certain conditions. Knowing these attractants helps us manage them.
Favorable Environments for Rolly Pollies
- Moisture: Rolly pollies need moisture to breathe. They absorb water through their gill-like structures. This is why they thrive in damp, humid environments.
- Shelter: They love dark, moist places to hide during the day. This includes under rocks, logs, mulch, leaf litter, and dense ground cover.
- Food Sources: Their primary food is decaying organic matter. This includes fallen leaves, rotting wood, compost piles, and decomposing plant material.
- Nighttime Activity: Rolly pollies are nocturnal. They come out at night to feed and move around.
Identifying a Rolly Bug Infestation
How do you know if you have too many rolly pollies? Look for signs.
Signs of Overpopulation
- Damaged Seedlings: Young, tender plants may show chewed leaves or stems.
- Holes in Fruits: Soft fruits like strawberries or tomatoes can develop small holes.
- Large Numbers: Seeing dozens of rolly pollies clustered together, especially during the day, indicates a larger population.
- Presence in High Numbers on Plants: While they usually hide in the soil or under debris, finding many on your plants suggests they are actively seeking food.
Effective Strategies for Rolly Bug Control
Now, let’s get to the solutions for managing these common garden pests. We’ll cover a range of methods, from natural pest control to more direct approaches.
Natural Pest Control Methods
These are often the first line of defense and are kind to the environment.
Cultural Controls
These are adjustments to your garden practices that make it less inviting to rolly pollies.
- Improve Drainage: Rolly pollies love wet conditions. Ensure your garden soil drains well. Avoid overwatering. Water plants in the morning so they can dry out before evening.
- Reduce Mulch and Debris: While mulch is beneficial, a very thick layer can create a haven for rolly pollies. Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems. Clear away fallen leaves and dead plant matter regularly.
- Remove Hiding Places: Pick up rocks, logs, and other debris where rolly pollies like to hide. Check these areas carefully before moving them.
- Proper Composting: While compost is good, a poorly managed compost pile can be a rolly polly paradise. Turn your compost regularly to keep it from becoming too wet and to speed up decomposition, reducing their preferred habitat.
Biological Controls
Using nature’s own methods is a great way to keep populations in check.
- Encourage Natural Predators: Birds, toads, frogs, and some beneficial insects prey on rolly pollies. Creating a garden that attracts these helpful creatures can naturally reduce rolly polly numbers. A bird bath or a small pond can make your garden more inviting to them.
- Beneficial Nematodes: These microscopic roundworms can be applied to the soil. Certain types of nematodes target and parasitize common garden pests, including rolly pollies and sow bugs.
Physical Barriers and Traps
These methods physically stop rolly pollies from reaching your plants or lure them away.
DIY Traps
- The Citrus Trap: Cut a grapefruit or orange in half. Scoop out some of the flesh. Place the halves, cut-side down, on the soil near affected plants. Rolly pollies will be attracted to the moist, edible pulp and will gather inside. Check the traps in the morning and dispose of the collected rolly pollies.
- The Cardboard Trap: Roll up a piece of damp cardboard. Place it on the soil in your garden beds. Rolly pollies will seek shelter in the dark, damp cardboard. Collect and dispose of them each morning.
Physical Barriers
- Copper Tape: Rolly pollies, like slugs and snails, are sensitive to copper. Applying copper tape around the base of raised beds or pots can deter them.
- Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade): This is a natural powder made from fossilized aquatic organisms. When rolly pollies crawl over it, the sharp edges scratch their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate. Apply a thin layer around plants or on pathways. It’s most effective when dry.
Direct Control and Deterrents
Sometimes, you need to take more direct action.
Chemical Control (Use with Caution)
While not the first choice for natural pest control, chemical options exist.
- Insecticides: There are various insecticides labeled for use against pill bugs and sow bugs. However, these can harm beneficial insects and pets. Always read and follow label directions carefully. Spot treatment is generally preferred over broadcast applications. Look for products that are specifically labeled for use in gardens and are safe for edible plants if you are treating vegetable gardens.
Deterrents
- Coffee Grounds: Some gardeners report that a barrier of used coffee grounds can deter rolly pollies due to their acidity and texture.
- Diatomaceous Earth: As mentioned, this is a powerful deterrent when applied correctly.
Specific Sow Bug Removal Techniques
Sow bugs are very similar to pill bugs and are often found in the same environments. The methods for rolly bug control generally apply to sow bug removal as well.
Habitat Modification for Sow Bugs
- Reduce Moisture: Like pill bugs, sow bugs need moisture. Addressing leaky hoses, poor drainage, and excessive watering will help.
- Clear Debris: Removing damp leaf litter, mulch, and decaying wood is crucial.
- Seal Entry Points: If you notice them entering your home or greenhouse, seal cracks and crevices.
Trapping and Physical Removal of Sow Bugs
- Same Traps: The grapefruit, orange, and cardboard traps mentioned for pill bugs work just as well for sow bugs.
- Hand Picking: If you see them, you can simply pick them up and relocate them or dispose of them. This is most effective when done at dawn or dusk.
Managing Earwig Prevention
While not directly rolly pollies, earwigs are another common garden pest that thrives in similar damp conditions and can sometimes be found alongside rolly pollies. Addressing earwigs can be part of a broader garden pest management strategy.
Earwig Attraction and Control
- Earwig Habits: Earwigs are also nocturnal and prefer moist, dark environments. They can feed on plants, insects, and decaying matter.
- Trapping Earwigs: Rolled-up damp newspaper or cardboard, or even shallow cans of tuna or beer buried in the soil, can attract and trap earwigs.
- Diatomaceous Earth: This is effective against earwigs too.
Outdoor Pest Solutions: A Holistic Approach
Effective garden pest management involves looking at the entire garden ecosystem.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM combines several strategies to control pests with minimal environmental impact.
- Monitoring: Regularly check your garden for signs of pests.
- Prevention: Implement cultural and biological controls to prevent infestations.
- Intervention: When necessary, use targeted treatments like traps or specific deterrents.
- Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of your methods and adjust as needed.
Companion Planting
Some plants can naturally deter pests or attract beneficial insects. While there isn’t a definitive list for rolly pollies, creating a diverse garden can help.
Lawn Care and Rolly Pollies
Rolly pollies can sometimes be found in lawns, especially if there is excessive thatch or damp areas.
- Thatch Management: Reduce thatch buildup in your lawn by aerating and dethatting.
- Watering Practices: Water your lawn less frequently and for shorter periods, allowing it to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to lush, attractive growth for many pests.
Preventing Bug Infestations in General
The principles of managing rolly pollies can be applied to preventing other common garden pests.
Key Prevention Tips
- Healthy Soil: Healthy soil supports healthy plants that are more resistant to pests.
- Crop Rotation: Rotating where you plant certain vegetables each year can disrupt pest cycles.
- Sanitation: Keeping your garden clean of debris reduces overwintering sites for pests.
- Attracting Beneficials: Encourage ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory wasps, which feed on many garden pests.
When to Seek Professional Help
For severe or persistent bug infestations that are impacting your plants significantly, or if you’re unsure about certain treatments, consider consulting a local horticulturalist or a pest control professional who specializes in garden care. They can offer expert advice tailored to your specific situation.
Table: Rolly Bug Control Methods at a Glance
| Method Type | Specific Tactic | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural Controls | Improve Drainage | Reduces habitat, eco-friendly. | May require soil amendments, takes time. |
| Reduce Mulch/Debris | Eliminates hiding spots, improves air circulation. | Can reduce soil moisture retention, may remove beneficial organic matter. | |
| Biological Controls | Encourage Natural Predators | Natural, self-sustaining, good for ecosystem. | Takes time to establish, no immediate control. |
| Beneficial Nematodes | Targeted, natural, safe for most beneficials. | Requires proper application and moisture, can be costly. | |
| Physical Traps | Citrus/Cardboard Traps | Non-toxic, easy to make, effective for collection. | Requires daily monitoring and disposal, only collects within trap area. |
| Physical Barriers | Copper Tape | Effective barrier, long-lasting. | Can be expensive, only protects specific areas. |
| Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade) | Natural, dehydrates pests, broad-spectrum deterrent. | Needs reapplication after rain, can harm beneficial insects if overused. | |
| Chemical Control | Insecticides (use as last resort) | Fast-acting, can be effective for severe infestations. | Can harm beneficial insects, pets, and the environment; potential resistance. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are rolly pollies harmful to my garden?
Rolly pollies are generally beneficial decomposers. They only become a problem when their numbers are very high or when other food sources are scarce, leading them to eat young, tender plants or soft fruits.
Q2: Can I use salt to get rid of rolly pollies?
While salt can kill rolly pollies, it is not recommended for garden use. Salt can damage soil structure, kill beneficial soil organisms, and harm your plants.
Q3: When is the best time to treat for rolly pollies?
The best time to treat is in the early morning or late evening when rolly pollies are most active and accessible. Checking traps in the morning is also key.
Q4: How do I keep rolly pollies out of my house?
Seal any cracks or openings in your foundation, walls, and around windows and doors. Keep mulch and debris pulled away from the foundation of your house.
Q5: Are rolly pollies and sow bugs the same thing?
Yes, rolly pollies are a common name for pill bugs, and sow bugs are another type of terrestrial crustacean that looks very similar and often behaves in the same way. For garden control purposes, the methods are essentially the same.
Q6: What about earwig prevention? Are they related?
Earwigs are insects, not crustaceans, but they are often found in similar moist, dark environments. Implementing good garden hygiene, such as clearing debris and managing moisture, helps prevent both earwig infestations and rolly polly populations.
By employing these diverse strategies, you can effectively manage rolly pollies and maintain a healthy, thriving garden. Remember that a balanced approach, prioritizing natural pest control and preventative measures, is key to successful garden pest management.