Education:
First, this little bug goes by several names, which include Pill Bug, Roly Poly, Wood Lice, Doodle Bug, Sow Bugs, and Potato Bug.
They are a part of the Armadillidiidae (🗣️pronunciation) family, which makes sense when you see the armor on them that resembles the armadillo. This hard shell, or exoskeleton, is how the Roly Poly protects itself when facing danger. They aren't really bugs but considered to be terrestrial crustaceans. Read 8 Facts About the Roly-Poly!
As a kid, this shell is what made them irresistible. They were easy to catch. They could march down your whole arm. They could be rolled in a little ball, lined up and flicked like marbles.
That sounds so harsh now.
But it was fun as a kid. My solace is that I've witnessed them landing after a flick, uncurling and carrying on with their lives. No harm, no foul.
Like 'most' creatures great and small, the Roly Poly has an important role in the ecosystem.
After I started gardening I noticed these bugs around my containers. I don't plant directly into the ground much but I saw them in damp areas around the garden bags sometimes.
So what's their purpose?
Roly Polies are a part of the cleanup crew. They are called 'Decomposers'. They help with the decomposition of decaying and organic matter. They like dark, moist areas so you'll find them under things lying in your yard.
In this sense, they are not a nuisance, however, if they get out of control, and there is limited decaying matter, then they will go after your seedlings and other plants. They'll eat them right down to the ground.
While writing this edition, I thought I'd step outside to get a few real life pictures of Roly Polies. I see them all the time under the bags and around my garden tables. But, wouldn't you know it.... I found only ONE, under a pot and it looks like it's already met its Maker.
Anyway, trust me, they are around.
Application:
If your garden has an infiltration of these little armored warriors what should you do?
There are a number of ways to deter or eliminate them from your garden. Here are a couple options:
- Trap and relocate them.
Pill Bugs are simply doing their thing in eating dying vegetation. Here is a video that shows how to trap them and move them using a potato or apple pieces.
2. Eliminate (a.k.a. turn them into decomposing matter).
I didn't know about this option. Basically, you are helping them to drink themselves to death. I'm not sure how well alcohol works. Some swear by it.
My YouTube PhD degree has led me to believe that the potato or apple method is the best method to trap and remove/eliminate the pill bug from an area.
I don't really have a problem with them as of today but if you do, try it and let me know your results.
