Finding tiny holes in your beautiful, ripe strawberries can be a gardener's nightmare. If you're wondering, "Do rolly pollies eat strawberries?" the answer is yes, they do.
These little critters, also known as pill bugs, sow bugs, and potato bugs, can occasionally turn from their usual diet of decaying matter to munch on your precious berries.
Protect your garden from these pests to maintain healthy and thriving plants. Read on to discover effective strategies and insights from Temecula's trusted pest control experts at the LOCAL Bug Guy.
Key Takeaways
Rolly pollies do eat strawberries, often causing small holes and damage to the fruit.
Prevent pill bugs by using diatomaceous earth, setting beer traps, and creating physical barriers.
Consider professional pest control services from LOCAL Bug Guy for effective and comprehensive pest management.
What Are Rolly Pollies and What Do They Eat?
Rolly pollies, also known as pill bugs, sow bugs, and potato bugs, are small crustaceans found in gardens. These critters usually feed on decaying matter like leaves and plants, helping to decompose organic material and enrich the soil.
However, they may munch on live plants, including developing berries and strawberries. This leads to small holes and other pill bug damage. While they play an essential role in breaking down organic matter, their occasional plant-eating habits can be a concern for gardeners.
Why Strawberries Attract Pill Bugs
Strawberries are attractive to pill bugs because they often grow close to the ground where the soil is moist, especially after rain. The damp conditions and decaying leaves around the plants create an ideal environment for these pests.
As the berries ripen, their sweet scent also draws in the pill bugs. This can result in more frequent infestations.
Signs of Pill Bug Damage
When pill bugs invade your garden, they can cause noticeable harm to your strawberries and other plants. Recognizing the signs of pill bug damage early can help you take action before your garden is severely affected.
Small holes in fruits and plants
One of the most obvious signs of pill bug damage is the presence of small holes in your red strawberries and other fruits.
These holes are caused by the pill bugs as they munch on the developing berries. The damage can make the fruit unappealing and reduce its overall quality.
Eaten seedling stems
Pill bugs can also target the tender stems of seedlings. If you notice that the stems of your young plants are eaten or have been gnawed on, it’s likely due to pill bugs. This damage can stunt the growth of the seedlings or even kill them if left unchecked.
Decaying leaves and ground-level damage
Pill bugs are attracted to moist environments with decaying leaves. If you see damage near the soil level, such as chewed leaves or partially eaten plants, it could indicate a pill bug infestation.
This type of damage is common in raised beds where the soil tends to retain more moisture.
Infestation signs around the yard
Besides direct plant damage, you might notice an increase in pill bug activity in your garden or yard.
These bugs are often found in moist, dark areas, especially under mulch or decaying leaves. Spotting many pill bugs in these areas can signal a potential problem for your strawberries and other plants.
How to Protect Your Strawberries from Pill Bugs
Keeping your strawberries safe from pill bugs involves several practical steps. Implement these preventative measures to help you enjoy a healthy and bountiful harvest. Here are some effective tips to keep these pests at bay:
Keep your garden clean
A clean garden is less attractive to pill bugs. Regularly remove decaying leaves, plant debris, and other organic matter around your strawberries. This reduces the hiding spots and breeding grounds for these pests, making your garden less inviting to them.
Use diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural and effective way to control pill bugs. Wear gloves and sprinkle a fine layer of this powder around your strawberry plants. The diatomaceous earth will dehydrate the bugs and reduce their population.
Apply it carefully, avoiding windy conditions, and reapply after rain.
Water wisely
Pill bugs thrive in moist environments. To deter them, avoid overwatering your garden. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions, especially around the soil level where pill bugs are most active. This simple step can significantly reduce their presence.
Create physical barriers
Physical barriers can prevent pill bugs from reaching your plants. Use materials like straw, cardboard, or mulch around your strawberries to create a protective layer. These barriers can keep the bugs at bay and protect your plants from damage.
Manually remove pests
If you spot pill bugs on your strawberries, hand-pick them off the plants. Try dropping them into a bucket of soapy water to dispose of them. This method is labor-intensive but effective for small infestations.
Set beer traps
Beer traps are a simple and effective way to catch pill bugs. Bury a shallow container at ground level and fill it with beer. The bugs are attracted to the beer, fall in, and drown. Check and empty the traps regularly to keep them working effectively.
Encourage natural predators
Birds and chickens can help control pill bug populations in your garden. Encourage these natural predators by providing a habitat for them. They will feed on the bugs, reducing their numbers and protecting your strawberries.
Use slug and snail bait
Iron phosphate-based baits can effectively reduce pill bug numbers. These baits are safe for use around strawberries and are non-toxic to humans and pets. Follow the package directions for the best results.
Introduce nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are a natural way to target pill bugs. Introduce these microscopic organisms to your soil, where they will infect and kill the pests. This method is safe and environmentally friendly.
Apply safe pesticides
When necessary, use pesticides labeled safe for strawberries. Apply them carefully according to the instructions, and ensure they are used carefully so as not to harm other beneficial insects and animals in your garden.
Utilize raised beds
Raised beds can control pill bug infestations. Elevating your strawberry plants makes it more difficult for the bugs to reach them. Raised beds also improve drainage, reducing the moist conditions that attract pill bugs.
Seek expert pest control services
When your garden is infested with pill bugs, roly polies, or other pests, and home remedies aren’t enough, it’s time to seek expert pest control services.
Professionals can provide effective solutions tailored to your garden's needs, ensuring your strawberry plants and other fruits are protected. They can use safe and targeted treatments to control tiny slugs, pill bugs, and other pests without harming beneficial insects or the environment.
Trust the LOCAL Bug Guy to Protect Your Garden
Are pill bugs and roly polies eating your strawberries? Don’t let these pests ruin your hard work.
At the LOCAL Bug Guy in Temecula, CA, we specialize in controlling pests like pill bugs, ants, and spiders. Our quick, local service and specially trained technicians use safe treatments to protect your raised bed and ground-level plants without harming beneficial insects or the environment.
Enjoy ripe, healthy strawberries all season long with our expert help. Call the LOCAL Bug Guy today to keep your garden free from pests and ensure your strawberry plants thrive.
Summary
Protecting your strawberries from pill bugs and roly pollies involves several effective strategies, including keeping your garden clean, using diatomaceous earth, and setting beer traps.
Creating physical barriers, encouraging natural predators like birds and chickens, and using safe pesticides and slug bait are also crucial steps in controlling pests. Raised beds can further help by improving drainage and making it harder for bugs to reach your plants.
For the best results, consider professional pest control services from the LOCAL Bug Guy in Temecula, CA. Our specially trained technicians offer quick, local service and safe, targeted treatments to ensure your garden thrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fruit do pill bugs eat?
Roly polys, also known as pill bugs, primarily eat decaying organic matter but can sometimes munch on fruits such as strawberries, tomatoes, and melons, especially when they are ripe and close to the ground.
Do roly pollies eat strawberries?
Yes, roly polys do eat strawberries. They are attracted to the sweet scent and moisture of ripening strawberries, often causing small holes and other damage to the fruit.
Do roly pollies eat banana peels?
Roly polys can eat banana peels, especially as they start to decompose. They are attracted to decaying matter, which provides a rich source of nutrients for them.
Can rolly pollies eat cucumber?
Yes, rolly pollies can eat cucumbers. They are attracted to the moisture and organic material of cucumbers, especially if the cucumbers are overripe or decaying. While they primarily consume decaying matter, they may also nibble on live cucumbers, causing minor damage.
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