Sasha CampbellYou may ask: Are pill bugs (also known as rolly pollies) beneficial to have in the garden?
A roly-poly has its uses, mainly by feeding on dead or decaying organic material [1]. However, an infestation can cause problems in the garden, as these critters may also eat seedlings and plant roots.
Moreover, seeing them inside the house means there are likely plenty more outdoors. Below are tips on how to get rid of pill bugs naturally.
1. Beer Trap
Any beer will attract pillbugs. Therefore, fill a plastic cup or bowl with beer and sink it into the ground.
The cup’s rim should align with the ground’s surface so the bugs can crawl in and drown. Once satisfied with the number of bugs inside, remove and replace the beer.
2. Remove Mulch and Dead Plant Matter
Pill bugs thrive on rotting vegetables, mulch, and other decomposed plant matter. Removing these materials from the garden and around the house will deter these creatures.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
Another home remedy for naturally getting rid of roly-poly bugs is diatomaceous earth (DE). Sprinkle it in the vegetable garden and in areas of the house where pill bugs congregate.
The sharp edges of the substance will also cut into the critters, dehydrate them, and kill them.
You can also spread it around seedling trays and potted plants. Food-grade diatomaceous earth can also eliminate pill bugs that infest homes.
4. Dry Up Moist Areas
Like all living things, a roly-poly needs moisture to survive and thrive. Drying damp areas in the house, particularly those where water runs off the outside walls, is essential.
This method is likely to be more effective at keeping the home free of these pests than any chemical spray.
5. Garlic Spray
A solution of crushed garlic and water sprayed on and around these pests deters them.
Make a homemade pill bug spray by combining one tablespoon of crushed garlic with a quart of water.
Spray the solution on the pests and in areas where they are visible. Garlic spray is an effective way to eliminate pill bugs organically.
6. Potato Trap
Full of moisture and food, roly-poly bugs are easily attracted to this DIY method.
Cut some potatoes in half and spoon away some of the flesh to make depressions in each piece. Next, leave the potatoes in the soil or infested areas for one to two days before removing them.
Upon checking in the morning, there should be plenty of rolly pollies underneath the potato bait. Finally, remove the potatoes and bugs and dispose of them.
7. Repellent Plants
Certain plants can help to repel roly-poly from the garden naturally.
Rosemary, marigolds, basil, mint, and chrysanthemums are plants that repel pill bugs. Use these plants as companion plants whenever possible.
8. Sluggo Plus
This product contains spinosad, an organic insecticide that controls some pests. It targets pill bugs, slugs, sowbugs, earwigs, and snails.
Sluggo contains iron phosphates. These substances disrupt the feeding habits of certain garden pests, causing them to starve and die. Thus, it is considered an organic method of pest control.
Sluggo is an easy-to-use pelleted formula in a shaker-top container. If using it on the soil, dampen the ground first, then sprinkle the pellets around the targeted area.
However, manufacturers recommend using it no more than three times a month.
Also, avoid using it within three days of harvesting any infected edible plants. For safety and effectiveness, apply it in the evening.
You can also use it with a slug saloon container for indoor and greenhouse problem areas.
9. Essentria IC-3
This product combines essential oils, including rosemary, peppermint, and geraniol. It quickly knocks down flying insects, such as horseflies and mosquitoes, and has a lasting effect on crawling pests.
Essentria is powerful, but it is natural and safe to use in the home, schools, and public places.
Mix the solution as shown in the product leaflet. Then, spray it around buildings, vehicles, and trouble spots.
Essentria will eliminate pill bugs. Moreover, it is effective against many insect pests.
10. Bonide Bug & Slug Killer
Bonide is an excellent product for controlling a roly-poly infestation. It kills pill bugs and is effective against certain crawling insects.
Moreover, it comes in pellet form for those who prefer not to spray.
The active ingredients are spinosad and iron phosphate. Use this product according to the instructions, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Sprinkle it as a barrier around the areas you want to protect. Reapply after heavy rain or watering.
11. Cornmeal
Another popular natural remedy to get rid of rolly pollies in your garden is cornmeal.
Fill a plastic food bag or container with cornmeal and make holes big enough for the critters to enter.
The ingested cornmeal will kill pill bugs. You can then dispose of the bags and place new ones around infested areas.
12. Coffee Grounds
This product is a valuable and inexpensive remedy for coffee drinkers who have gardens.
You can spread some used coffee grounds around plants to protect seedlings and young growth.
This remedy is more effective at deterring bugs than at killing them. Additionally, coffee grounds contain caffeine, which repels ants and other pests.
Use saucers or bowls of coffee grounds near an indoor pill bug infestation to repel them.
13. Neem Oil
Neem oil will also help clear up many pest problems. It is mildly poisonous to pill bugs.
It will also keep fungal plant diseases at bay.
You can use it in outdoor gardens, greenhouses, and houseplants, and obtain it as an organic pest control product.
14. Natural Predators
Plenty of creatures prey on pill bugs. Common predators of pill bugs include frogs, birds, spiders, centipedes, lizards, and ants.
15. Vinegar
Vinegar can effectively kill pests such as fruit flies and aphids. Its acidity can also kill pill bugs; however, it is not as instantaneous as with other pests.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, and spray it directly on pill bugs.
FAQ
Will soapy water kill pill bugs?
No, it will not. A soap-and-water solution will kill small, soft-bodied insects and related pests.
However, it will not harm pill bugs because of their shell-like protective covering.
Takeaway
Pill bugs feed on dead plants and other organic matter and can be helpful in the garden. However, they can become a nuisance, often being confused with sowbugs (which cannot roll up).
Whether you call them sal bugs, rollie pollie ollie bugs, or ball bugs, these natural methods will help control them.
See also: How do you get rid of roaches naturally?
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