If you’ve ever turned over a garden rock or dug into a damp patch of soil, chances are you’ve come across a roly poly.
These tiny, armored crustaceans, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, roll into a tight little ball when startled, earning them their cute nickname.
But while they might seem harmless and even a little charming, gardeners often have mixed feelings about them. So, what’s the real story behind these critters?
Roly polies (Armadillidium vulgare) are terrestrial isopods, meaning they’re land-dwelling crustaceans related to crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. They have hard segmented shells, jointed legs, and a unique ability to curl up when threatened.
They thrive in dark, moist environments and are most active at night, which is why you’ll often find them hiding under leaves, mulch, pots, or boards during the day.
These little guys are detritivores, organisms that feed on dead and decaying matter. That means they help break down old leaves, fallen petals, and rotting wood, turning them into rich organic matter that benefits your soil.
In a balanced garden ecosystem, roly polies are incredibly helpful. They aerate the soil and recycle nutrients, much like worms do, keeping things healthy and thriving.
Cool, moist beds with heavy mulch or excessive organic material can cause their population to explode.
When that happens, and if food becomes scarce, roly polies may start nibbling on tender plant roots, soft fruits like strawberries, or even young seedlings. Suddenly, they’re not just decomposing, they're feasting on your hard work!
You might spot the damage as small chew marks on ripe fruits or withering young sprouts with no clear culprit until you look a little closer.
Not all roly poly sightings mean you have a pest problem. The key is to observe your garden, now make some questions:
If you answer yes to any of these, it might be time to step in.
Cut a raw potato in half and place it cut-side down in the soil near affected areas. Overnight, roly polies will gather underneath for shelter and a snack.
In the morning, you can pick up the potato and move them to your compost pile, where they can do some good.
Too much mulch can create the perfect hiding place for pill bugs. You try pulling mulch slightly away from the base of vulnerable plants or using straw mulch instead of wood chips.
Keeping the soil too moist at night invites isopods to roam. And water your garden early in the day so the surface has time to dry by evening.
Remember that these creatures aren’t evil. If you can guide them to compost piles or areas with decaying plant matter, they’ll be much happier and so will your plants.
Honestly, the answer is both. In small numbers, roly polies are wonderful allies, helping to clean up the garden floor and enrich your soil. But like any garden creature, when their numbers tip too far, they can start behaving more like pests than helpers.
The key is balance. Know what they like, where they thrive, and how to gently redirect them and you can enjoy all the benefits without the frustration.
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