Pill bugs (roly polies) and sowbugs are small, often overlooked creatures in the garden, yet they can become a big nuisance when they invade your plants. Commonly known as roly polies, these tiny critters belong to the same family but are different in behaviour. Pillbugs (scientifically known as Armadillidium vulgare) can roll up into a tight ball, a unique defence mechanism called conglobation, while sowbugs (like Porcellio scaber) cannot. Both of these scavengers are attracted to decaying plant matter and play a vital role in the decomposition process by breaking down organic material in your garden.
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In home gardens or landscaped areas, pill bugs and sowbugs typically thrive in dark, damp areas like beneath rocks, leaves, or mulch. They are attracted to moisture and are often found in depleted soil or areas with abundant organic matter, such as composting skills and garden debris. While they are mostly harmless and even beneficial for breaking down dead leaves and living plant matter, they can become a nuisance when they start invading seedlings, new roots, and the lower leaves of your fruits and vegetables. High numbers of these creatures can harm the plants by feeding on them, damaging young plants and delicate roots.
Even though these tiny invaders don’t bite or sting, their presence can disrupt your garden. They typically feed on decaying organic material, but in large numbers, they might feed on healthy plant tissue, leaving behind damaged fruits and vegetables. This is when effective pill bug control becomes necessary. Pillbugs and sowbugs are considered occasional pests, especially in areas with excessive moisture, and controlling their numbers can prevent them from becoming a serious problem in your garden.
Identifying and differentiating between pill bugs and sowbugs is important, as it can help with applying the right control methods. Organic methods like improving soil drainage, using natural control methods, and reducing moisture around plants can help manage their population. Creating a balance in your garden’s ecosystem, such as ensuring proper water and mulch coverage, helps keep these creatures in check while still allowing them to play their beneficial role in decomposition.
What are Roly Polies (Pill bugs) and Sowbugs?
Roly-polies and sowbugs are types of terrestrial crustaceans that belong to the same family as crabs, crayfish, and shrimps. Despite their similarities to insects, they are actually crustaceans and share more in common with aquatic creatures than land-dwelling bugs. These critters have adapted to live on land but still need moisture to survive. Unlike insects, they possess gills that help them absorb water, which is why they thrive in moist environments like soil, decaying plant matter, and damp areas of your backyard. They feed on decomposing materials such as dead leaves and play an important role as decomposers in your garden’s ecosystem.
While they’re beneficial in improving soil quality and assisting in decomposition, they can become a nuisance when found in large numbers. Roly-polies and sowbugs sometimes consume new roots and lower leaves and even damage seedlings, fruits, and vegetables in your garden. These natural pests can disturb the growth of your plants by feeding on organic plant matter. Although they help break down plant matter and enrich soil health, their overpopulation can harm your garden’s ecosystem function if not managed properly.
In your garden, pillbugs and sowbugs are typically not a direct threat to mature plants but can cause trouble in moist, shaded areas where they thrive. If you notice them in your garden, it’s essential to manage moisture levels and keep the soil healthy, ensuring they don’t overwhelm your living plants.
Identification of PillBugs (Roly Pollies)and Sowbugs
Pillbugs and sowbugs are both types of crustaceans, similar to crayfish, shrimp, and even lobster, but they live on land. They are often called bugs, though they are not actually insects. These slow-moving, oval-shaped critters can reach up to 3/4 inch in length. They have a segmented hard shell, which is often grey, brown, or purple. This shell-like covering protects their bodies, and they have seven pairs of legs and elbowed antennae for movement and sensory functions.
The key difference between pillbugs and sowbugs is that pillbugs, also called roly-polies, can roll up into a tight ball when disturbed, resembling an armadillo. In contrast, sowbugs cannot roll up and have a tail-like structure at their rear end. Despite these differences, both types share a similar appearance, with a hard, shell-like covering and a segmented body. Their movement is typically slow and deliberate, often seen in damp areas under rocks, leaves, or garden debris.
These critters may seem similar, but their behaviour and appearance make them easy to differentiate. Identifying them helps you understand their role in your garden, as well as the best way to control their populations.
Difference Between Pill Bugs (Roly Polies) and Sowbugs
At first glance, pill bugs and sowbugs may seem quite similar, but there are key differences. Both are types of crustaceans often found in gardens, and they share a similar appearance, but a closer look reveals important distinctions. Pill bugs, also known as roly-polys, can roll into a tight ball, a behaviour called conglobation. This defence mechanism helps protect them from predators. In contrast, sowbugs lack this ability and have a distinct tail-like structure at their back ends, which sets them apart from pill bugs.
While pill bugs are often slightly smaller than sowbugs, both types share similar diets and habitats, usually feeding on decaying plant matter and thriving in damp, dark environments. The key to differentiating them lies in the structures at their rear ends. Sowbugs have a tail-like structure that pill bugs do not. In contrast, pill bugs have no such structure and can roll up into a tight ball for protection. Both are equally beneficial for soil health by helping with the decomposition of organic matter, but knowing their differences can help you manage them better in your garden.
How to Deal with Pill Bugs (roly polies) & Sowbugs in the Garden?
Beer Traps
One way to control pill bugs (or roly pollies) is by setting up beer traps. Simply bury a plastic cup or can in the soil, leaving the lip above ground. Fill it with beer, which attracts the pill bugs. These critters will drown in the beer trap after getting inside. Be sure to check daily and change the beer every two days for the best results. This simple and effective method helps keep the roly pollies away without harming your garden.
Fruit Traps
Another option to control these pests is using fruit traps. Place slices of watermelon or orange in the garden at dusk when the roly pollies are most active. By early morning, you can scoop up the pests, making it easy to remove them. Once trapped, dispose of them properly. This conservative approach helps limit the damage to your plants without chemicals.
Remove Mulch and Dead Plant Matter
Mulch and dead plant matter provide excellent shelter for pill bugs. These areas offer moisture and darkness, which pill bugs love. To discourage them, remove mulch and any decaying materials around your garden. This will reduce hiding spots and help keep the pests under control, as it limits the decomposing materials they thrive on.
Use More Compost
To naturally control pests like pill bugs, incorporate more compost into your garden. Compost improves soil health, strengthens plant roots, and boosts the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Plants grown in healthy soil with good organic matter are better able to resist pests. Adding compost helps your plants become stronger and less vulnerable to pill bugs and other garden pests.
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Final Observations
Managing pill bugs and sowbugs in your garden can be simple with the right techniques. Whether you’re using beer traps or adjusting your gardening practices, like reducing moisture and removing mulch, these methods can help control their population. By maintaining healthy soil and providing proper care for your plants, you can prevent these pests from causing harm while still allowing them to play their important role in decomposition. With a bit of attention, you’ll ensure your garden thrives without the threat of these pesky critters.
FAQs
Q- How do I get rid of rolly pollies in my garden?
You can use beer traps and fruit traps or remove mulch and dead plant matter to reduce their numbers.
Q- How do you deal with roly polies?
Managing moisture levels, using natural control methods like compost, and removing hiding spots such as rocks and leaves can help keep roly polies in check.
Q- Are Rolly Pollies bad in the garden?
Roly polies are generally beneficial as they help with decomposition, but in large numbers, they can damage seedlings, roots, and fruits.
Q- What repels pill bugs?
Pill bugs dislike dry conditions, so reducing moisture, using diatomaceous earth, or introducing natural predators like frogs or birds can help repel them.
