Rolly pollies, also known as isopods or pill bugs, are small, segmented creatures that can be found in many gardens and yards. While they are generally harmless, their presence can be a nuisance for gardeners and homeowners who prefer to keep their outdoor spaces pest-free. If you’re looking for ways to keep rolly pollies away, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the various strategies and techniques that can help deter these pests and keep your garden healthy and thriving.
Understanding Rolly Pollies
Before we dive into the ways to keep rolly pollies away, it’s essential to understand what they are and what they want. Rolly pollies are crustaceans that belong to the suborder Oniscidea. They are related to crabs and lobsters, but they have a few distinct characteristics that set them apart. For one, they are terrestrial, meaning they live on land, and they have a hard, armored exoskeleton that protects them from predators. Rolly pollies are also known for their ability to roll into a ball for defense, which is where they get their common name.
Rolly pollies are attracted to moist, humid environments, and they feed on decaying plant matter, fungi, and other small organisms. They are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients. However, their presence can be a problem for gardeners who are trying to grow plants and maintain a neat and tidy outdoor space.
Habitat and Behavior
To keep rolly pollies away, it’s crucial to understand their habitat and behavior. These pests thrive in environments that are rich in organic matter, such as leaves, grass clippings, and other plant debris. They also prefer areas with high humidity and moisture, such as near water sources, under rocks, or in mulch. Rolly pollies are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, and they tend to hide in dark, secluded areas during the day.
Key factors that attract rolly pollies include:
moisture, organic matter, and humidity. By understanding these factors, you can take steps to create an environment that is less appealing to these pests.
Methods for Keeping Rolly Pollies Away
Now that we’ve covered the basics of rolly pollies and their habits, let’s explore some effective strategies for keeping them away. These methods can be divided into two main categories: cultural and chemical controls.
Cultural Controls
Cultural controls involve modifying your garden or yard to make it less appealing to rolly pollies. These methods are often the most effective and environmentally friendly way to manage pest populations. Some cultural controls for keeping rolly pollies away include:
Reducing moisture: Rolly pollies thrive in moist environments, so reducing moisture in your garden or yard can help deter them. This can be achieved by improving drainage, using mulch that allows for good airflow, and avoiding overwatering.
Removing organic matter: Rolly pollies feed on decaying plant matter, so removing leaves, grass clippings, and other organic debris can help reduce their food sources.
Increasing sunlight: Rolly pollies prefer dark, shaded areas, so increasing sunlight in your garden or yard can help make it less appealing to them. This can be achieved by pruning trees or shrubs, using reflective surfaces, or installing solar-powered lights.
Chemical Controls
Chemical controls involve using pesticides or other chemicals to kill or repel rolly pollies. These methods can be effective, but they should be used with caution and as a last resort. Some chemical controls for keeping rolly pollies away include:
Insecticides: There are several insecticides available that are specifically labeled for use against rolly pollies. These products typically contain active ingredients such as pyrethrin or permethrin.
Repellents: Repellents can be used to deter rolly pollies from entering your garden or yard. These products often contain natural ingredients such as mint, lemongrass, or citronella.
Natural Repellents
In addition to chemical controls, there are several natural repellents that can be used to keep rolly pollies away. Some of these repellents include:
Diatomaceous earth: This is a natural, powdered substance that is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. It works by dehydrating rolly pollies, causing them to die.
Cedar chips or oil: Cedar has natural insect-repelling properties that can help keep rolly pollies away.
Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural acid that can help repel rolly pollies. It can be used to create a barrier around plants or areas where rolly pollies are a problem.
Creating a Rolly Pollie-Resistant Garden
Creating a garden that is resistant to rolly pollies requires a combination of cultural and chemical controls. By following these tips, you can help keep these pests away and maintain a healthy, thriving garden:
- Choose plants that are resistant to rolly pollies, such as those with thick, waxy leaves or stems.
- Use mulch that allows for good airflow and doesn’t retain moisture, such as gravel or bark chips.
- Improve drainage in your garden by installing French drains or using raised beds.
- Avoid overwatering, which can attract rolly pollies and create an ideal environment for them to thrive.
Maintenance and Monitoring
To keep rolly pollies away, it’s essential to maintain and monitor your garden regularly. This includes:
Regularly inspecting your garden for signs of rolly pollies, such as small, rounded holes in plant leaves or stems.
Removing weeds and debris, which can provide a habitat for rolly pollies.
Using barriers, such as copper tape or fine mesh, to prevent rolly pollies from reaching plants.
By following these tips and using a combination of cultural and chemical controls, you can help keep rolly pollies away and maintain a healthy, thriving garden. Remember to always use chemicals with caution and as a last resort, and to prioritize natural, environmentally friendly methods whenever possible. With patience and persistence, you can create a garden that is free from rolly pollies and other pests, and enjoy the many benefits of gardening without the hassle of these unwanted critters.
What are Rolly Pollies and Why are They a Problem in Gardens?
Rolly pollies, also known as pill bugs or isopods, are small, armored crustaceans that are commonly found in gardens. They are typically gray or brown in color, have a rounded body, and can roll into a ball for defense. While they are not typically aggressive and do not bite or sting, they can still be a problem in gardens because they feed on decaying plant matter and can also damage live plants. Rolly pollies are particularly fond of moist, humid environments, which is why they are often found in gardens with poor drainage or overwatering.
To control rolly pollies, it’s essential to understand their habits and preferences. They thrive in environments with plenty of food sources, such as decaying leaves, rotting wood, and overripe fruits and vegetables. By removing these food sources and improving garden hygiene, you can reduce the likelihood of rolly pollies taking over your garden. Additionally, maintaining good drainage and avoiding overwatering can help to prevent rolly pollies from becoming a problem. By taking these steps, you can create an environment that is less conducive to rolly pollies and reduce the need for more drastic control methods.
How Do I Keep Rolly Pollies Out of My Garden?
Keeping rolly pollies out of your garden requires a combination of good garden hygiene, proper watering techniques, and the use of physical barriers. One effective way to keep rolly pollies out is to remove any debris, such as leaves or branches, that may be attracting them to your garden. You should also avoid overwatering, as rolly pollies are drawn to moist environments. Additionally, you can use physical barriers, such as copper tape or fine mesh, to prevent rolly pollies from crawling into your garden. These barriers can be placed around the perimeter of your garden or around individual plants that are susceptible to rolly pollies.
By using these methods, you can create a garden environment that is less welcoming to rolly pollies. It’s also essential to be consistent in your garden maintenance and to regularly inspect your garden for signs of rolly pollies. If you do find rolly pollies in your garden, you can use traps or baits to control them. However, it’s crucial to use these methods in conjunction with good garden hygiene and physical barriers to ensure that you are addressing the root cause of the problem. By taking a comprehensive approach to controlling rolly pollies, you can enjoy a pest-free garden and protect your plants from damage.
What Types of Plants are Most Susceptible to Rolly Pollies?
Rolly pollies are attracted to a wide range of plants, but they tend to prefer those with soft, succulent leaves or stems. Some of the most susceptible plants include lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens, as well as strawberries, grapes, and other fruits. Rolly pollies are also known to feed on the roots of plants, which can cause significant damage and even kill the plant. In addition to these plants, rolly pollies may also be found on flowers, such as roses and marigolds, and on trees, such as oak and maple.
To protect these plants from rolly pollies, it’s essential to use a combination of physical barriers, good garden hygiene, and organic controls. For example, you can use fine mesh or row covers to prevent rolly pollies from reaching your plants. You can also remove any debris or decaying plant matter that may be attracting rolly pollies to your garden. Additionally, you can use organic controls, such as diatomaceous earth or insecticidal soap, to kill rolly pollies that are already present in your garden. By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of damage to your plants and enjoy a healthy, pest-free garden.
Can Rolly Pollies be Beneficial to My Garden?
While rolly pollies can be a nuisance in gardens, they can also be beneficial in certain situations. Rolly pollies are decomposers, which means they help to break down decaying plant matter and recycle nutrients. This process can be beneficial for gardens, as it helps to improve soil fertility and structure. Additionally, rolly pollies can serve as a food source for other beneficial insects, such as birds and spiders, which can help to control pest populations in your garden.
However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of rolly pollies against the potential risks. While they can be beneficial in small numbers, large populations of rolly pollies can cause significant damage to plants. To minimize the risks and maximize the benefits, it’s crucial to maintain good garden hygiene and use physical barriers to control rolly pollies. You can also consider creating a rolly polly-friendly area in your garden, such as a compost pile or a decaying wood pile, where they can thrive without causing harm to your plants. By taking this approach, you can enjoy the benefits of rolly pollies while minimizing the risks.
How Do I Get Rid of Rolly Pollies in My Garden?
Getting rid of rolly pollies in your garden requires a combination of physical removal, traps, and organic controls. One effective way to remove rolly pollies is to manually pick them up and relocate them to a different area. You can also use traps, such as pitfall traps or sticky traps, to capture and remove rolly pollies. Additionally, you can use organic controls, such as diatomaceous earth or insecticidal soap, to kill rolly pollies. These controls can be applied directly to the affected areas or used as a preventative measure to prevent rolly pollies from becoming a problem.
It’s essential to note that getting rid of rolly pollies can be a time-consuming and ongoing process. Rolly pollies can reproduce quickly, so it’s crucial to be consistent in your control methods and to monitor your garden regularly for signs of rolly pollies. You should also address the underlying conditions that are attracting rolly pollies to your garden, such as poor drainage or overwatering. By taking a comprehensive approach to controlling rolly pollies, you can enjoy a pest-free garden and protect your plants from damage. Remember to always use organic controls and physical removal methods whenever possible, as chemical pesticides can harm beneficial insects and contaminate soil and water.
Can I Use Chemical Pesticides to Control Rolly Pollies?
While chemical pesticides can be effective in controlling rolly pollies, they are not always the best option. Chemical pesticides can harm beneficial insects, contaminate soil and water, and even pose health risks to humans and pets. Additionally, rolly pollies can develop resistance to chemical pesticides, making them less effective over time. Instead of chemical pesticides, it’s recommended to use organic controls, such as diatomaceous earth or insecticidal soap, which are safer for the environment and more targeted in their effects.
If you do choose to use chemical pesticides, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and take necessary precautions to minimize exposure. You should also consider the potential risks and benefits of using chemical pesticides and explore alternative control methods whenever possible. Remember that a comprehensive approach to controlling rolly pollies, including good garden hygiene, physical barriers, and organic controls, is often the most effective and sustainable way to manage these pests. By taking a holistic approach to garden management, you can minimize the need for chemical pesticides and create a healthier, more balanced ecosystem in your garden.