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Sowbugs and Pillbugs
Sowbugs and Pillbugs are actually soil dwelling crustaceans,
not insects. They are related to
lobsters and shrimp. Sowbugs are usually gray with hard, flattened, segmented bodies,
about 1/2" long. Pillbugs are the same size, but they are black in color
and roll up into a pea-sized ball when disturbed. Both Sowbugs and
Pillbugs are nocturnal insects and feed at night on decaying vegetable matter,
which they help breakdown into humus. Sowbugs and Pillbugs are only destructive to plants when their populations build
up to very large numbers. When this happens they feed on fine roots of seedlings
in the garden or greenhouse. They can also feed on fruit and leaves that are in
contact with the ground.
During the day Sowbugs and Pillbugs hide in damp dark places
such as under rocks, boards or flowerpots, they can also be found under plant
debris.
Suggested solution
Granular baits are available, such as slug and snail bait.
These
can be used around the areas Sowbugs and Pillbugs gather. It is a good idea when
using granular bait for Sowbugs and Pillbugs to put it under a pot as this will
attract them and help to keep the bait away from pets. Alternatively, a slug
pub or beer bath works well and we have had considerable success with this
method in our display gardens here in Cambria California.
How to prevent Sowbugs
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Eliminate moist, dark breeding sites such as rocks, leaf
litter and plant debris.
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Keep ripening fruit off the ground.
Products we sell at Cambria Nursery & Florist to control Sowbugs
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Cambria Nursery and Florist
