Safe and Natural Ways to Control Pillbug Populations

Pillbugs are small creatures that people often think are insects, but they are actually a type of land crab. They love damp places and do not really cause problems for homeowners. However, if there are too many, they can possibly harm young plants and seedlings. 

The good news is that you can control pillbugs with natural methods instead of using chemicals. One effective method is to make your garden unappealing to them. You can do this by fixing drainage, keeping areas dry, cleaning up dead leaves and plants, and using barriers to keep them away.

Even after these steps, you might see pillbugs coming in large numbers. In such cases, it is best to call for professional pest control. They are trained to deal with the problem safely and can provide advice on how to protect your garden. Visit now to know more. 

Keep Things Dry And Help Water Drain Better

Since pillbugs love moisture, the best way to keep them out is by maintaining a dry space. First, make sure water does not get stuck in your garden. Mix in things like compost to help the soil drain and breathe better.

Do not water your plants more than needed. Take a look around your yard and clean up any soggy piles of leaves, wet wood, or random junk that is holding moisture. And if your rain gutters are pointing toward the house, go ahead and turn them away so the water flows out and does not soak the area.

Remove Attractants And Shelter

Pillbugs love hiding under certain things that they can easily find in your garden. These include mulch, leaves, rocks, and rotting plants. These spots give them food and shelter. You can avoid attracting them by cleaning up often; get rid of fallen leaves, old vegetables, and any dead plants. 

However, make sure not to pile up the cleaned mulch near your house. That will just invite these crawlers inside your house. You can also use gravel or other non-plant ground covers near your plants instead of wood mulch. If you have stone borders or stacks of wood, move or turn them once in a while to scare pillbugs away and let natural predators find them.

Let Nature Help With Pillbugs 

Nature has its own way of keeping pillbug numbers in check. There are various animals that like to feed on these tiny critters. Birds, frogs, toads, spiders, and beetles all like to snack on pillbugs. Did you know that you can invite them to your garden?

You can put birdhouses for birds and water bowls for frogs and toads. Additionally, planting lots of flowers and different types of plants can also attract a number of insects that are beneficial for your garden. 

Remember to steer clear of bug sprays made from harsh chemicals. These can drive away and kill the bad as well as the good insects. Instead, native plants can be grown, and ground covers can be used to support these natural hunters. When your garden has healthy soil, a mix of plants, and friendly predators, pillbugs are less likely to become a big problem.

Use Barriers And Traps To Keep Pillbugs Out

If you want to keep pillbugs out of specific spots in your garden or house, there is a way. For example, sprinkle things like diatomaceous earth or rough sand around your young plants. These materials feel sharp to pillbugs and make it hard for them to crawl over. 

You can also set simple traps. Monitor pillbug activity and note where they appear the most. Then, put flat boards or shallow trays near those spots. Since pillbugs like to hide under them, you can check these spots often and remove the bugs by hand. Sticky traps do not work well on pillbugs because of their tough shells, but traps that use moisture might help.

If you have been seeing too many pillbugs in your garden, call for professional pest control today.