I've been having a real problem with pill bugs eating my young plants, and honestly, it's making me think about not gardening this year. They don't seem to eat everything, but the damage they do is pretty discouraging. I've tried using diatomaceous earth, but it hasn't worked for me. Does anyone have other suggestions for dealing with these pests?
3 Answers
I used to face the same issue! I found that starting seeds indoors and using transplants instead worked wonders for me. The soft, tender sprouts are what they tend to munch on. Interestingly, arugula seems to be ignored by them even when grown directly in the ground, so maybe consider that!
Can you share what kind of setup you have? In raised beds, I just pluck them into a jar, and they seem to disappear quickly. It might be worth a try. Maybe also consider moving any plant debris further away from your beds to reduce their numbers.
I’ve got a few raised beds and it feels like they’re everywhere, but I haven't tried that method yet. I’ll definitely give it a shot. Thanks for the tip!
Pill bugs thrive in moist environments with decaying matter. Try cleaning up your garden by removing mulch, dead leaves, and any clutter. Ensure good drainage to prevent puddles, and let the soil dry out between waterings. You can also set up beer traps – just fill a dish with some beer; they’re attracted to it and will drown. Also, when transferring your seedlings, a spray with essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, or citronella can help keep them away!
Yeah, arugula has a sulfur component that makes it less appealing to pill bugs. Shallots might be a good bet too!