How to Get Rid of Pill Bugs in a Vegetable Garden
Pill bugs, often referred to as armadillidiidae, are a type of arthropod that can become a nuisance in vegetable gardens. While pill bugs are not known to cause damage to the plants themselves, they can deter valuable pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Here are some ways to get rid of pill bugs in your vegetable garden:
Physical Removal
One of the most straightforward ways to get rid of pill bugs is to physically remove them. Keep a flashlight on hand and check your vegetable garden in the evening when pill bug activity is at its highest. Place the pill bugs into a bucket and dispose of them away from the garden.
Controlling Moisture
Pillbugs thrive in damp conditions, so controlling moisture levels near your vegetable garden can help deter them. You can do this by installing a gravel bed around the border of the garden and ensuring soil is well aerated. Additionally, covering mulch and other organic materials can reduce the attractiveness of damp spots to pill bugs.
Using Natural Insecticides and Pesticides
If physical removal and controlling moisture levels are not enough to get rid of pill bugs, you can also use natural insecticides and pesticides. These include things like pyrethrum, neem oil, watering with hydrogen peroxide, and even hot pepper.
Preventative Measures
In addition to getting rid of pill bugs, there are also preventative measures you can take to reduce their likelihood of returning to your vegetable garden. These include:
- Creating a barrier: Spread an insecticide barrier or place a sandstone border at the perimeter of your garden to keep pill bugs away.
- Keeping the soil turned: Turning the soil regularly will reduce the amount of hiding spots pill bugs can use to lay eggs.
- Using companion planting: Plant flowers with strong fragrances (such as rosemary and mint) near your vegetable garden to act as a natural deterrent.
By using these methods, you should be able to get rid of pill bugs in your vegetable garden and prevent them from returning in the future.
