Pill bugs are land-based aquatic insects. They can start invading your vegetable garden and an overpopulation can lead them to munch on your plants.
Fortunately, getting rid of pill bugs is straightforward, and there are several ways to manage these pests. If your garden is being invaded, don't worry for this blog will provide you with all the information you need that will help you evict the Pill bugs.
1. Remove Decaying Material
Pill bugs are naturally drawn to environments with decaying wood and organic plant matter, which provide them with both food and shelter. To effectively rid of these pests, it's crucial to address any sources of decay.
Start by inspecting and fixing any rotting wooden thresholds, sill plates, or other wooden structures that may be deteriorating. These damaged areas can be a magnet for pill bugs. By eliminating these attractive conditions, you'll create an environment that's less hospitable to pill bugs and discourage them from taking up residence in your garden.
2. Remove Sources of Moisture
Pill bugs thrive in moist environments and can only survive for about two days without access to moisture. Therefore, eliminating damp areas in and around your garden is a more effective method for controlling pill bugs than using chemical sprays.
To achieve this, focus on repairing leaks and addressing any sources of moisture. You can simply dry up these spots to effectively reduce the pill bug population.
Using diatomaceous earth is a safe method to desiccate and eliminate pill bugs. You can start by applying it along the edges of your planting beds, where pill bugs tend to reside. When pill bugs come into contact with DE, the sharp edges of the diatoms cut through the bug’s exoskeleton and absorb the moisture, causing the bug to dehydrate and die.
However, be aware that diatomaceous earth also affects ants and other insects, potentially harming beneficial bugs like ladybugs. Fortunately, it is safe for worms.
4. Spray Garlic Solution
Garlic spray works as a natural deterrent for pill bugs due to the strong odor and compounds found in garlic. All you need to do is pour the garlic solution into a spray bottle and apply it to areas where pill bugs are commonly found.
The strong odor disrupts the sensory perception of these bugs, making the treated areas less attractive and encouraging them to move away. This natural remedy should help deter pill bugs without harming your plants or the environment.
5. Improve Drainage
Improving drainage can help reduce pill bug populations because these pests prefer damp, moist environments. Pill bugs thrive in areas with high humidity and moisture levels. By enhancing drainage in your garden or lawn, you can create conditions that are less favorable for pill bugs to inhabit.
Consider installing French drains, raised beds, or adding gravel or rocks to low-lying areas to facilitate water runoff.
Removing pill bugs from your soil might seem mundane, but it's surprisingly manageable. One method is to use a bucket with soapy water to collect them by hand. You can pick them up and dispose of them in a bucket filled with soapy water.
For more severe infestations hand-picking each bug might be quite a chore. So you can simply transplant your plants into some new pots with fresh soil, You should ensure to shake off any hidden pill bugs from the roots for a fresh start.
7. Use Pesticides
If you are thinking about using insecticides to get rid of pill bugs, the ordinary ones may not work for pill bugs aren't insects but rather are crustaceans. So you should opt out for the ones with one or more ingredients like Beta cyfluthrin, Bifenthrin, Carbaryl, Cyfluthrin, Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin, Esvenvalerate, or Permethrin.
They kill pill bugs when the chemical comes into direct contact with their bodies, disrupting their nervous system or other vital functions. These chemicals can harm other beneficial organisms so resort to it as a last option.
8. Beer Traps
Making a homemade pill bug trap is an easy and budget-friendly way to eliminate the roly-poly problem. Since Pill Bugs aren’t picky any kind of beer works. Put beer in a used can or plastic cup. Next, you need to dig a hole in the ground and sink it into the soil. Make sure the lip of the container matches the soil level.
Pill bugs will drown themselves in beer. The trap should be checked daily and changed at least every two days.
If you'd rather not use beer, a cornmeal trap is another effective method. Take a small sealable plastic container and fill it with cornmeal. Cut a small hole near the bottom edge of the container. Position these cornmeal traps near young plants where pill bugs are active.
The bugs are attracted to the cornmeal and will consume it. Since the pill bugs can't digest it properly, It will ultimately lead to their demise. It's important to check these traps daily, empty them, and refill them as needed for continuous control of pill bugs.
10. Citrus Traps
Slice a piece of citrus fruit in half and place it face down in the area where pill bugs are active. They will be attracted to the citrus fruit.
Check the traps each morning and carefully dig around them to collect the pill bugs. You can reuse the fruit for 2-3 days before replacing it with fresh fruit to maintain effectiveness.
11. Cedar Oil Spray
To deter pill bugs, you can create a cedar oil spray, which is both effective and safe. Mix one ounce of cedar oil with one cup of water. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
Next, spray the cedar oil solution around the perimeter of your garden or the areas where pill bugs are active. The scent of cedar oil acts as a natural repellent, discouraging pill bugs from entering your garden or feeding on your plants.
Apply the cedar oil spray as needed, especially after rain or watering, to maintain its effectiveness.
To create an effective pill bug control paste, mix boric acid with sugar and water. Start by combining equal parts of boric acid and sugar in a bowl. The sugar acts as bait to attract pill bugs, while the boric acid acts as a stomach poison when ingested by pests.
Carefully place small amounts of the paste in areas where pill bugs are active in your garden. Be cautious not to apply the paste directly onto plants or in areas accessible to children or pets.
13. Grow Strong Plants
One effective method to deter pill bugs and other pests from damaging your plants is to cultivate a thriving garden environment. Enhance soil quality by incorporating organic matter and ensuring sufficient watering to foster robust root systems.
Plants with fortified cell walls are less attractive to insects. Moreover, ample organic material in the soil provides alternative food sources for pill bugs, reducing their inclination to feed on your plants.
14. Regrade Your Lawn
The ground around your house should slope away from the foundation to ensure water drains properly. If it doesn't, you might need to adjust the slope, which is called regrading. If water collects in your garden due to poor grading, pill bugs become uninvited guests.
So it's important to address this promptly not only to solve your pill bug issue but also to prevent costly damage to your home's foundation. Contact a local landscaping company for a quote to fix this problem.
Another simple yet effective method to get rid of pill bugs is by using PVC Tube Traps. You can create a trap by cutting a tube in half lengthwise and placing duct tape on the bottom side, sticky side up.
Put this near the soil edge where pill bugs hide, and they'll get stuck on the tape. Check the trap regularly because watering can make the duct tape less sticky. Using different types of tape or sticky traps can last longer and catch more pill bugs at once.
16. Use Beneficial Nematodes
Using nematodes for pest control is seen as a safe and eco-friendly method because they target specific pests without causing harm to beneficial insects or soil health. As for Pill Bugs nematodes like Steinernema carpocapsae nematode are effective in targeting and killing the pill bugs.
These nematodes are applied to the soil in the garden and penetrate the skin of the pill bug. However, it's crucial to adhere closely to the application guidelines to ensure the effective introduction of the nematodes.
17. Ensure Aeration around Plants
Enhancing airflow around plants can discourage pill bugs. You can achieve this by raising pots using plant stands and encouraging vining plants to climb trellises rather than sprawling on the ground. Trimming shrubs, plants, and trees near your home also promotes better air circulation.
Additionally, You can also aerate by using aerating machines. Clearing away unnecessary items near the house foundation can further deter these pests. These measures collectively create an environment less conducive to pill bugs.
You can make a soap water spray to kill pill bugs. Just mix one tablespoon of dish soap with one gallon of water. The soap disrupts the waxy outer layer of the pill bug's exoskeleton, causing it to dehydrate and suffocate. When sprayed directly on pill bugs or applied to their hiding spots, the soapy water can quickly immobilize and ultimately kill them.
19. Companion Planting
To deter pill bugs in your garden through companion planting, consider integrating plants like alliums which are known for their pest-repelling properties.
Basil, lavender, marigolds, and rosemary also serve as effective deterrents with their strong scents and natural compounds that discourage pests like pill bugs. Thyme and mint, both aromatic herbs, contribute further to pest control efforts. Incorporating these plants strategically around your garden beds can create a natural barrier against pill bugs, making your garden less hospitable to them without resorting to harsh chemicals.
20. Build a Wall
If pill bugs are feasting on your young vegetable plants, a practical solution is to shield them using recycled toilet paper or paper towel rolls.
These can be placed over the seedlings for protection. Alternatively, you can employ paper cups with the bottom removed for wider coverage. This method helps create a barrier that deters pill bugs from reaching and damaging your plants.
21. Compost Traps
Pill bugs are attracted to compost, making it a convenient way to trap them. You can start by simply placing a small pile of compost in your garden for a few days. The pill bugs will be drawn to it and begin feeding.
After about a week, gather up the compost along with the pill bugs and relocate them to a different area, ideally a compost bin away from your garden. This method effectively removes the pill bugs while managing your garden's compost.
If you've attempted the previous methods without success, it may be necessary to seek assistance from a pest control expert. They can employ effective strategies to manage pill bugs in both garden and home environments. However, for persistent infestations, consulting with an exterminator ensures a thorough and safe approach to resolving the issue.
Although this option is more costly, it helps to deal with the problem effectively and avoid damaging your garden.
Prevent Pill Bugs
Once you've successfully tackled pill bugs, preventing their return involves a few proactive steps. First, maintain regular watering of your plants to keep the soil moist as pill bugs prefer drier conditions. Keeping your garden tidy by removing debris eliminates hiding spots. Seal any cracks or gaps in your home to block their entry.
Utilize traps or insecticide sprays periodically as a deterrent. Also, promptly clean up fallen fruits and vegetables to reduce available food sources for these critters. These measures should help maintain a pill-bug-free environment in your garden and home.
What is Pill Bug?
Pill bugs, also known as woodlice or roly-polies (Armadillidium vulgare), are segmented crustaceans that are often confused with insects. When they feel threatened, they curl up into a ball for protection, giving rise to their common name "pill bug."
Although harmless to humans and pets, pill bugs can be bothersome in gardens if in large numbers. Their presence indoors also often signals issues such as leaks, high humidity levels, or inadequate drainage in the vicinity.
Identification of Pill Bug
Identifying Pill Bugs is pretty simple. They are oval-shaped crustaceans resembling crayfish, shrimp, and lobsters more than typical insects.
Their size is typically between ¼-3/4 inches long. This will vary depending on what part of the country you live in. They have an oval-shaped body and are slow-moving. The color ranges from grayish-brown to black. Their body consists of several overlapping segments with hard exoskeleton texture. They also have short antennae present.
Damage caused by Pill Bugs
Pill bugs have the capacity to damage your garden in many ways. They will feed on the roots, stems, and leaves of existing plants. Since pill bugs are attracted to plants that are already decaying or have been damaged beforehand, chances are high that the pill bugs will attack the plants.
Another way the pill bugs can cause damage is by feeding on pre-existing vegetables and fruits. They can damage the ripening fruits by burrowing holes in them. Alongside, they can also cause wilting of leaves and vegetables by feeding on them.
