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If you’re a plant enthusiast, then you know how frustrating it can be to find pill bugs in your potted plants. These little creatures, also known as roly-polies, are a common nuisance for gardeners. They feed on organic matter, and their habitat is moist environments, making potted plants a perfect place for them to thrive. If you’re dealing with a pill bug infestation in your potted plants, there are solutions that can help you eliminate them.

One way to get rid of pill bugs in potted plants is to remove their habitat. Since they like moist environments, make sure to keep the area around your potted plants clean and dry. Remove any organic matter such as wood pieces, leaves, or grass clippings that may attract them. You can also try providing alternative food sources for them to distract them from your plants.

Another solution is to use natural remedies to repel or kill pill bugs. Essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus can be sprayed around the base of your plants to deter them. Diatomaceous earth is another effective method to get rid of pill bugs in potted plants. It’s a natural powder that is safe for plants but deadly for insects. By following these simple solutions, you can eliminate pill bugs from your potted plants and keep them healthy and thriving.

Identifying Pill Bugs in Potted Plants

If you have noticed that your potted plants are not growing as well as they should, you may have a pill bug problem. These small, gray, segmented creatures are also known as roly-poly bugs and are often found in damp, dark areas. Here is how to identify pill bugs in potted plants.

Physical Characteristics

Pill bugs are small and have a gray, oval-shaped body. They have seven pairs of legs and two pairs of antennae. They are often mistaken for insects, but they are actually crustaceans related to lobsters and crabs. Pill bugs have a hard, shell-like exoskeleton that protects them from predators.

Behavior

Pill bugs are nocturnal creatures and are most active at night. They are attracted to moisture and can often be found in damp areas. What do pill bugs eat? 

They feed on decaying plant matter and are not harmful to humans or pets. However, if they are allowed to multiply, they can cause significant damage to potted plants by eating the roots and stems.

If you notice that your potted plants are not growing as well as they should, take a closer look at the soil. If you see pill bugs crawling around, it is time to take action. 

Are Pill Bugs Bad For Potted Plants?

Pill bugs, also known as roly-polies or woodlice, are not necessarily bad for potted plants. In fact, they primarily feed on decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves and plant material, which can actually be beneficial for the overall health of the soil in your pots.

However, if the population of pill bugs becomes too large, they may start nibbling on the roots of seedlings or small, delicate plants. 

This can potentially cause damage and hinder the growth of your potted plants. Additionally, in some cases, pill bugs may consume healthy plant material if their preferred food sources are scarce.

Indoor plants can attract bugs, and there are many reasons why this happens. Let’s dive deeper into the reasons.

Reasons for Pill Bug Infestation in Potted Plants

If you have noticed pill bugs in your potted indoor plants, there are a few reasons why they may have made themselves at home. Understanding the reasons for pill bug infestation can help you take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening in the future. 

Here are the three main reasons for pill bug infestation in potted plants:

Moisture

Pill bugs are attracted to moisture, which is why they tend to thrive in damp environments. Overwatering your potted plants can create an ideal habitat for pill bugs to live in. If the potting soil remains damp for too long, it can lead to root rot and other problems that can harm your plants. It is important to water your plants only when necessary and to ensure that the soil has good drainage.

Organic Matter

Pill bugs feed on organic matter, such as dead leaves, mulch, and other plant debris. If you have a lot of organic matter in your potted plants, it can attract pill bugs and provide them with a food source since it is what pill nugs eat. 

To prevent pill bug infestations, it is important to remove any dead leaves or other plant debris from your potted plants regularly.

Habitat

Pill bugs prefer dark, damp environments with plenty of hiding places. If your potted plants are located in an area with a lot of shade or are surrounded by other objects that provide hiding places for pill bugs, it can create an ideal habitat and the right conditions for them. 

To prevent pill bug infestations, it is important to keep your potted plants in a well-lit area and to remove any objects that can provide hiding places for pill bugs.

How Do You Get Rid Of Roly Poly Bugs In Potted Plants?

If you want to avoid pill bug infestation in your potted plants, you need to take some preventive measures. Here are some steps you can take to prevent pill bugs from entering your potted plants. 

Proper Watering Techniques

Pill bugs are attracted to a moist environment like moist soil. So, it is important to avoid overwatering your potted plants. Make sure the soil is completely dry before watering. You can use a moisture meter to check the moisture level of the soil.

Soil and Mulch Management

Pill bugs love to hide in soil and mulch. So, it is important to keep the soil and mulch clean and free of decaying organic material. Remove any decaying plant matter, leaves, and roots from the soil. Use a sterile potting mix to avoid introducing pill bugs to your potted plants.

Plant and Leaf Maintenance

Pill bugs are attracted to decaying plant organic matter, so it is important to keep your potted plants healthy. Trim any dead or decaying leaves from your plants. Remove any dead or decaying plant matter from the soil.

Good Drainage

Pill bugs thrive in moist environments, so it is important to ensure that your potted plants have good drainage. Make sure that your pots have drainage holes and that excess water can flow out of the pot.

Natural and Organic Ways to Get Rid of Pill Bugs in Potted Plants

If you’re looking for natural and organic ways to get rid of pill bugs in potted plants, there are several options available to you. Here are some effective natural ways and methods that you can try:

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural and organic substance that can help you get rid of pill bugs in your potted plants. It works by dehydrating the insects and causing them to die. 

To use diatomaceous earth, simply sprinkle it around the base of your plants and in the soil. Be sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as it is safe for plants, animals, and humans.

Beer Traps

Beer traps are another effective way to get rid of pill bugs in potted plants. Simply fill a shallow dish with beer and place it near your plants. 

The pill bugs will be attracted to the beer and will crawl into the dish, where they will drown. Be sure to change the beer regularly to keep it fresh.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help you get rid of pill bugs in your potted plants. It works by disrupting the insects’ hormonal balance and causing them to stop feeding and reproducing. 

To use neem oil, mix it with water and spray it on your plants. Or you can buy a ready made neem oil mix. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label for best results.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are another natural and organic way to get rid of pill bugs in potted plants. Simply sprinkle the grounds around the base of your plants and in the soil. 

The pill bugs and coffee grounds combo works because the caffeine in the coffee will repel the insects and prevent them from feeding on your plants.

Essential Oils

Essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, can also help you get rid of pill bugs in your potted plants. Just mix a few drops of the oil with water and spray it on your plants. 

The scent of the oil will repel the insects and prevent them from feeding on your plants.

Cornmeal

Cornmeal is a natural and organic substance that can help you get rid of pill bugs in your potted plants. It works by causing the insects to swell up and die.

To best way to use cornmeal is, to mix one cup of cornmeal with one cup of water in a container near the plant container or flower pots that are being affected by the bug. This container will attract the bugs and then you can dispose of the container. 

Sluggo Plus

Sluggo Plus is a natural and organic substance that can help you get rid of pill bugs in your potted plants. It works by attracting the insects and causing them to stop feeding and reproducing. To use Sluggo Plus, sprinkle it around the base of the affected plant and in the soil.

Chemical Solutions to Get Rid of Pill Bugs in Potted Plants

If you have tried a home remedy or natural methods and still have a pill bug infestation in your potted plants, you may want to consider using chemical solutions. Here are some insecticides that can help get rid of pill bugs in potted plants.

Insecticides

  1. Diatomaceous Earth – Diatomaceous earth is a natural insecticide that is made from fossilized diatoms. It is a fine powder that works by dehydrating the exoskeleton of the pill bugs, causing them to die. To use diatomaceous earth, sprinkle a thin layer on the soil of your potted plants. Be sure to wear a mask and gloves when applying, as it can be harmful if inhaled or touched.
  2. Pyrethrin – Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It works by attacking the nervous system of the pill bugs, causing them to die. Pyrethrin is available in spray form and can be applied directly to the potted plants. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and wear gloves when applying.
  3. Permethrin – Permethrin is a synthetic insecticide that is commonly used to control a wide variety of pests, including pill bugs. It works by disrupting the nervous system of the pill bugs, causing them to die. Permethrin is available in spray form and can be applied directly to the potted plants. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and wear gloves when applying.
  4. Carbaryl – Carbaryl is a synthetic insecticide that is commonly used to control a wide variety of pests, including pill bugs. It works by disrupting the nervous system of the pill bugs, causing them to die. Carbaryl is available in spray form and can be applied directly to the potted plants. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and wear gloves when applying.

Precautions to Take When Getting Rid of Pill Bugs in Potted Plants

When getting rid of pill bugs in potted plants, it’s important to take precautions to protect other plants, pets, and humans. Here are some tips to help you protect them while you get rid the pill bugs:

Protecting Other Plants

Pill bugs can move from one plant to another, so it’s important to isolate the affected plants to prevent the spread of the infestation. There is good news though, here are some ways to protect other plants:

  • Move the affected plants to a separate area away from other plants.
  • Cover the soil with plastic or a tarp to prevent pill bugs from spreading to other plants.
  • Use a barrier such as diatomaceous earth or copper tape around the affected plants to prevent pill bugs from crossing over.

Protecting Pets and Humans

When using any pest control method, it’s important to take precautions to protect pets and humans from exposure to harmful chemicals. Here are some ways to protect them:

  • Read and follow the instructions on any pest control product you use.
  • Wear gloves and a mask when applying pest control products.
  • Keep pets and humans away from the affected plants until the product has dried or as instructed on the label.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any pest control product.

In addition to the above precautions, it’s important to use natural pest control methods whenever possible to minimize the use of harsh chemicals. 

For example, you can use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to spray on the affected plants to repel pill bugs.

​Final Thoughts On Getting Rid Of Bugs In Potted Plants

In conclusion, pill bugs can be a nuisance in potted plants, but there are solutions available to get rid of them. By understanding their habitat and behavior, you can take steps to prevent an infestation and keep your plants healthy.

One effective way to get rid of pill bugs is to physically remove them by hand. This method works best if you only have small numbers of pill bugs in your potted plants. You can also try drying out the soil or changing the soil altogether to discourage pill bugs from staying in your plants.

Another solution is to create a barrier around your potted plants using organic matter such as leaves or grass clippings. This will create a habitat for pill bugs outside of your plants and discourage them from entering.

It’s important to remember that pill bugs thrive in moist environments, so reducing moisture levels in your potted plants is key to preventing an infestation. Make sure to water your plants only when necessary and avoid overwatering and making the soil surface attractive to roly polllies.

Overall, getting rid of pill bugs in potted plants is a manageable task with the right knowledge and tools. By implementing these solutions and following steps when you see signs of pests, you can say goodbye to these houseplant pests!

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