Are Roly Poly Bugs Bad for Potted Plants?

Roly poly bugs, or pillbugs, are those small, oval creatures that you might see crawling on the ground whenever you’re gardening. You might be wondering whether these bugs benefit or harm your potted plants. This article aims to answer that question in detail so that you can decide what to do next time you see these bugs around your potted greens.

What Are Roly Poly Bugs?

Before we dive into whether pillbugs are good or bad for potted plants, let’s get to know them a bit better. Roly poly bugs belong to the family Armadillidiidae and are commonly found in moist environments. They are called pillbugs because they are able to roll into a ball when they feel threatened or disturbed.

Do Roly Poly Bugs Feed on Potted Plants?

One of the most common misconceptions about roly poly bugs is that they eat plants. The truth is that they are actually decomposers that feed on dead organic matter. These creatures feed on dead plants, decaying wood or leaves, and any other organic material that is in the soil. As such, they actually help to break down decaying matter into nutrients that plants can use.

Can Roly Poly Bugs Damage Potting Soil?

Roly poly bugs don't damage potted plants directly, but they can damage the soil if their numbers are too high. These creatures love moist environments, and if your potting soil is too moist, you’ll likely see more pillbugs. If their numbers get too high, they can damage the soil by digging or tunneling through it. This, in turn, will affect how well your plants grow, as the soil structure will be compromised.

How to Control Roly Poly Bugs in Potted Plants

If you notice an infestation of roly poly bugs in your potted plants, there are several ways that you can control their numbers. The first thing to do is to make sure that your plants are not overwatered, as this will reduce the humid environment that attracts these bugs. Additionally, you can try using natural insecticides such as diatomaceous earth, which cuts the exoskeleton of the bugs and kills them within a few days. Alternatively, you can physically remove the bugs from the potting soil with a hand-held vacuum or other devices.

Conclusion

To sum up, roly poly bugs are actually harmless to your potted plants. They feed on dead organic matter and help to break it down into nutrients that the plants can use. However, if their numbers are too high, they can damage the soil structure, which can affect the quality of plant growth. If you do have a roly poly bug infestation in your potted plants, there are several steps that you can take to control their numbers and prevent further damage.