The pill bug, commonly referred to as roly-poly, is an annoying pest that can wreck havoc in your garden. These small oval pill bugs feed on decaying matter and are particularly attracted to moist environments.
To eliminate pill bug problems, you need to reduce moisture around your home, clear away debris and secure entry points. These steps will help ensure that a pill bug problem does not get out of hand.
Traps
If you’re dealing with an infestation of pill bugs in your garden, traps are a non-chemical way to get rid of them without resorting to chemical treatments. Not only do traps remove their potential breeding ground, but they also keep pests from returning.
Trapping pill bugs is the most efficient method. Use bamboo or toilet paper traps, which are easy to set and effective for both small and large gardens alike.
Create a pill bug trap by cutting an item such as bamboo or toilet paper in half lengthwise and sticking one end with sticky duct tape. Place this trap near where pill bugs tend to congregate, checking regularly that the tape remains sticky enough for capture.
Another way to trap pill bugs is by setting out fruit or vegetables that can be damaged by them. The bugs will be attracted by the food, leading them into the trap and drown.
You can also place beer cans or plastic cups in the ground near areas where pill bugs are feeding on plants. These traps are highly effective, but they need to be checked frequently in order to prevent bugs from building up inside them.
In addition to setting out traps in your garden, you can also eliminate mulch and other dead plant debris that might provide a breeding ground for pill bugs. Destroying such areas makes it harder for these pests to hide.
Additionally, keeping leaf litter in your garden will protect your plants from other insect pests that might be attracted to the dead plant material. However, if you decide to keep some debris around, make sure you clean it up regularly.
If you are facing a significant problem with pill bugs, it is best to enlist the assistance of an experienced pest control company. This will guarantee the most suitable treatment is applied. A qualified service will be able to identify and address the underlying cause of the issue quickly and efficiently.
Diatomaceous Earth
If you’re searching for an effective and natural way to eliminate pill bugs, diatomaceous earth is a great option. This mineral is made from finely ground fossils of prehistoric freshwater diatoms (one-celled shells).
Diatomaceous earth works as an insecticide by breaking the exoskeletons of insects. This allows lipids within the waxy layer to be absorbed into the pest’s body, leading to dehydration and death. It has other applications as well, such as food preservation and livestock health.
To effectively eliminate pill bugs from your garden, sprinkle some diatomaceous earth around any areas where you notice an infestation. Wear a mask while spreading the material to protect your lungs and skin from irritation.
Once dry, reapply diatomaceous earth as necessary after rain or watering. You can even reapply it weekly if necessary if necessary to keep the area dry.
Diatomaceous earth can be used to control a range of garden pests, such as ants and flies. This is because it acts as an abrasive, cutting into the insects’ exoskeletons and eliminating the lipids that keep them moist.
In some instances, the abrasive effect of diatomaceous earth may actually cause pests to become ill or die. If this is the case, it would be best to switch up your method of killing the pests instead of turning to this product.
Diatomaceous earth can be used to eliminate many garden pests, such as aphids, red spider mites and caterpillars. It also works well as an effective repellent – especially for pests that feed on vegetables or mulch.
Diatomaceous earth can be used as a pesticide by scattering several tablespoons on the soil near problem areas, such as fruit trees or bushes. This will eliminate pests but you should avoid it on leafy plants and other foliage which could be damaged due to exposure to its abrasive qualities.
It’s also effective against various garden pests, like aphids and whiteflies. This more efficient alternative to traditional insecticides makes for a great way to keep your yard looking its best.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a plant-based, natural insecticide that prevents pests from spreading disease to your garden. It can be applied as either a foliar spray or soil drench to control pests like fungus gnats, cabbage worms, corn earworm and tomato hornworms; plus it controls plant diseases like leaf spot, rust mildew and wilt.
Gardeners can choose from various neem oil products. Some are formulated with an insecticidal compound called azadirachtin, while others contain a less potent active ingredient. Most of these neem oil products act as systemic pesticides that penetrate plants through their roots and work on the entire plant.
Azadirachtin has a potent antifeedant effect on certain species of Orthoptera (like grasshoppers, crickets and locusts), so it will discourage them from feeding on your flowers and fruiting vegetables for an extended period. This can be particularly helpful in suppressing fruit flies – an important pest of most fruits and berries.
Neem oil-containing insecticides can be applied to immature plants such as seedlings, young leaves and shoots; however they should not be used on mature or damaged plants. Some neem oil products are more effective than others when treating immature insects; therefore it’s important to check the label for specific instructions on which one is right for your needs.
Neem oil can also be used to protect gardens from pests like mealworms and coddling moths. It should be applied early on berries, apples, grapes and other trees before blooming begins; again when their petals fall and every two weeks thereafter to keep these pests away.
Another way to eliminate pill bugs is by placing cornmeal or other cereal in traps or bags and placing them around your garden’s infested areas. This non-toxic solution won’t harm beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs, yet will still repel pill bugs.
Coffee grounds make an effective repellent against pill bugs. If you drink coffee in your home, simply spread a circle of the grounds or burn them around infestation areas to eliminate these pesky insects.
Chemicals
If you find a large population of pill bugs in your garden, chemical pesticides may be necessary to get them under control. There are various insecticides available for this purpose such as permethrin sprays, granules and baits; however it’s important to follow all instructions closely since some of these poisons can be hazardous to pets and children if not used correctly.
When it comes to eliminating pill bugs, you can begin by eliminating their natural food sources. This includes clearing away excessive mulch and wet leaves from your garden as well as any fallen fruit or vegetables, rocks or other areas where these insects might hide.
It is also wise to inspect your yard for any water leaks or broken pipes that could be attracting these pests to your home. If you discover these bugs inside, this could indicate an existing water issue which should be addressed right away.
Another way to reduce pill bugs in your garden is by making sure there are no hiding places for them. These could include mulch beds, rotting wood and other materials that are damp or dark.
Additionally, it is beneficial to remove any dead or dying plants from your garden. Doing so will reduce the pill bug population and stop them feeding on the roots and leaves of your plants.
Additionally, it’s wise to prune trees with dead or dying branches as these provide an abundant food source for pests. Furthermore, avoid overwatering your garden as this makes it harder for these creatures to survive as they prefer water-rich environments.
Your local garden store likely stocks a wide range of chemical pesticides that are effective when combined with other agents.
These chemicals can be found in many everyday items like soapy water, vinegar and neem oil. You may even purchase organic pesticides to get rid of pests without harming your plants.
Finally, the most effective way to eliminate pill bugs is by using chemicals that are secure for your family and pets. It’s wise to consult your local garden center about which pesticides would work best in your situation.
