Will Sowbugs Eat Tomato Plants?

Sowbugs, also known as woodlice or pill bugs, are common pests found in gardens and homes. They are crustaceans that belong to the same family as crabs and lobsters. Sowbugs feed on decaying organic matter and are considered beneficial for the soil as they help break down dead plant material. But the question remains: will they eat tomato plants?

Identification of Sowbugs

Sowbugs are easy to identify. They have a flattened, oval-shaped body and seven pairs of legs. They are gray in color and can grow up to 1 cm in length. Sowbugs have an exo-skeleton, which means that their body is covered with a hard protective layer called the cuticle. They shed this cuticle several times as they grow.

Sowbugs and Tomato Plants

Sowbugs prefer to eat decaying organic matter such as dead leaves and rotting wood. They are not known to attack healthy plants or damage fruits or vegetables. Tomato plants are not on their preferred list of foods. However, if the tomato plants are diseased, damaged, or stressed, they may attract sowbugs to feed on them.

How to Prevent Sowbug Damage to Tomato Plants

To prevent sowbugs from damaging your tomato plants, it is important to keep the plants healthy and disease-free. This can be done by providing adequate water and fertilization, controlling pests and diseases, and removing any diseased or damaged plant material. It is also a good idea to keep the garden clean and free of dead leaves and wood, which can attract sowbugs.

If sowbugs do become a problem, there are several methods of control. One option is to simply remove them by hand and relocate them away from the garden. Another option is to use a bait made of bran or rolled oats that is mixed with a small amount of insecticide. The bait is placed in areas where sowbugs are known to congregate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sowbugs are not known to eat tomato plants unless they are diseased or damaged. Keeping tomato plants healthy and disease-free is the best way to prevent sowbug damage. If sowbugs become a problem, there are several methods of control available.