I don't know the real name for these tiny nemesis. but I have got to eliminate them from my yard. They eat everything from roots of my potted plants to the young tender leaves at the heart of the plants. As children we knew them as Rollie Pollie Bugs, because when they were touched they roll up in a ball. I have sprayed and sprayed with many different pesticides. To no avail. I have many other things like fish, birds, butterflies and Hummers so I have to be careful spraying. I live in N. Al. Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks Alice

I've only ever seen these guys cause harm when mulch or compost is too close to the stems of my plants. I just move any decomposing matter away from them and the bugs move away too.

Meant also to welcome you to ATP, Alice!


In addition to the above: if your gardens are really wet right now you might try placing some sand or other inorganic matter around the affected stems. Then, they'd likely look for food elsewhere.

They are Sow Bugs or Pill Bugs. But we call them Rollie Pollie Bugs, too!

In the past I have successfully treated a pillbug infestation by dusting the area with diatomaceous earth.

I've never known them to be a problem - what do they snack on that is cause for concern?

Lots of good information on the little rascals here:
http://extension.oregonstate.e...

Scattering wood ashes around the plants will keep them away. I had some beautiful strawberries once and they were eating and spoiling every single one, but after I put wood ashes around the plants (not on the plants) the bugs were gone and I was able to enjoy my strawberries.

I must have enough plants to share with them, I've never noticed any particular damage caused by them or large quantities of them at once. And they were always amusing playthings for the kids when they were small.

Me either, Deb. Although I don't always know what bug damaged my plants. I've never seen a pillbug on my plants, though.

I used to follow an active soil and compost forum, and many of those guys said that pillbugs only eat healthy plants if other organic matter is lacking in the soil.

Karen

Welcome to ATP Alice!

to ATP Alice.

I do have them in my gardens, but they have never been a problem. Usually they only eat decomposing plant material.

They crawl in the holes of my house plant pots and then they live in the pots all winter...
Would like to put something in the pots before bringing the pots inside to get rid of them.

I was told they were beneficial bugs and now you are saying they not! Oh My, my ground is loaded with them!
Sylvia

citysylvia said:I was told they were beneficial bugs and now you are saying they not! Oh My, my ground is loaded with them!
Sylvia

They're waste processors, so I do consider them good bugs.

I can see where they might not be welcome in the house, but otherwise, they're okay by me.

bluepoppy said:They crawl in the holes of my house plant pots and then they live in the pots all winter...
Would like to put something in the pots before bringing the pots inside to get rid of them.

Are they succulents?

If they aren't, I'd guess you could probably drown them out.

Submerge your planted pot with weights (rocks, bricks...or whatever) for a while, then take it out and bring it inside as soon as it drains.


[Just a thought, as I've never tried drowning them.]

A product such as Sluggo Plus with kill them.
http://www.gardeners.com/slugg...

When I received my issue of Organic Gardening today, it contained a good article by Scott Creary…"To combat established populations, try a strategy that also works against slugs and snails: beer. Pour an inch into the bottom of a small dish with it's lip at soil level; pill bugs will crawl in and drown"

I'm sure you can probably read the whole article at Organic Gardening.com. Pill Bug (Armadillidium vulgare)

That's not going to happen here. The beer is for us! The pill bugs will just have to stick to the organic material in the soil.

Another random thought: I started using pine needle much last year. It does seem to cut down on slug damage. It probably pierces their slimy bodies. Maybe that texture also discourages pill bug damage on plants.

Karen

I can relate, Karen! Beer in this house is spoken for!!!